Summer is associated with a lot of fun activities like going to the beach, backyard barbecues, and hiking, just to name a few. Unfortunately, being out in the sun while unprotected can lead to another not-so-fun part of summer – sunburns. That’s why you need to know how to prevent it and what to do if it happens.
10 Ways To Soothe Your Sunburn
1. Get In The Shower
If you’re sunburnt, it’s important to cool your skin down right away. Doing this will ensure that the burns don’t get any worse. Cool skin also lays the groundwork for any other soothing remedies you want to apply. Once you get out of the shower, pat yourself dry but leave some water on your skin to promote moisture absorption.
2. Drink Water
Sunburns pull moisture from the body, which is why it’s so easy for people who are dealing with them to get dehydrated. While you’re cooling down your skin, be sure to keep hydrated. It’s best to drink water instead of sweetened drinks.
3. Use Cold Compresses
Even though you’ve cooled your skin down, the sun has still done some damage that can cause your skin to still feel hot and itchy. Apply a cool cloth for 10-15 minutes several times throughout the day can help.
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4. Slather On Some Aloe Vera
Once your skin is cool, aloe vera can help soothe and moisturize the affected areas. If you don’t have the actual plant, moisturizing products that contain aloe vera can be just as good. Whichever you choose, it’s best to apply it when your skin is still wet.
5. Soak In Oatmeal And Baking Soda
Another way to soothe a sunburn is to take a bath in oatmeal and baking soda. Both of these ingredients have been shown to ease irritation and promote healing. To use this option, place a cup of oatmeal and three to five teaspoons of baking soda in a bathtub of cool water. You should stay in it for 10 – 15 minutes and don’t scrub your skin. Pat yourself dry when you get out.
6. Try Cucumber Paste
Cucumber has a cooling quality that is good for sunburnt skin. It can also help retain moisture and relieve pain. You should mash cool cucumbers in a blender and then apply it to your skin.
7. Take An Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
It’s said that apple cider vinegar supports healing so a cup or two in your bathwater may help. If you’ve ever had skin irritation from exposure to vinegar, though, this treatment might not work for you.
8. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil can reduce the inflammation caused by