Sunburn is a skin burn that result from excessive exposure to sun which also involves overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Although the sun can be very enjoyable, too much exposure to the sun’s rays leads to this serious skin condition, which can be very uncomfortable and even painful. The condition is serious since it can easily cause skin cancer and even death or permanent disability.

The most common symptoms of sunburn are red, dry and blistered skin, pain, irritation and itchiness of the skin. Others include puffiness, inflammation, skin sensitivity, skin breaking and dehydration. Patients have also reported to having skin rashes, vomiting, itchy skin and eyes, chills, fever and nausea.

Melanin is responsible for protecting the skin from rays that are harmful but when there is excessive exposure that exceeds the ability of the melanin to protect the skin, sunburns develop. Most people get the burns during outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming or when working outdoors for extended hours. Soaps that have antibacterial agents and some birth control medications are also known to make the skin more prone to getting sunburn.

When faced with the condition, it is essential to get right treatment, taking into consideration that serious conditions can develop from this skin problem. There are several natural remedies for sunburn that have proved to be effective. The natural remedies for this skin condition are typically made of herbs and other simple products that are easily available within the house or from local food stores. Most people prefer using these remedies as they are inexpensive and safe as well as effective in treating the skin problem.

1. Home Remedies
2. Other Remedies
3. Diet

Home Remedies for Sunburn

Aloe Vera as a Home Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Aloe Vera contains anti-inflammatory properties which help in elevating inflammation and irritation of the skin as a result of the sunburns. The remedy is the most beneficial of all natural remedies for sunburn and is also widely used as treatment for other skin conditions and diseases that attack the body.

Use of Aloe Vera as a Treatment for Sunburn:

The best and most effective way of using this remedy is applying the gel onto the areas that are affected by the burns. The fresh leaves of the herb should be cut down the middle and then rubbed onto the sunburn. The gel should then be left till dry before washing off and the procedure repeated two times daily for effective relief.

Sandalwood Oil as a Natural Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Sandalwood oil has soothing effects which help in relieving irritation and cooling the skin, relieving the pain and itchiness. It is also considered to be among the very best natural remedies for sunburns and has been in use for a long time in treating the condition.

Use of Sandalwood Oil as a Cure for Sunburn:

People suffering from sunburns should add a few sandalwood oil drops to cold water and then take a long bath using this water. This helps in cooling the skin, keeping irritation and itching at bay. It can be done whenever the skin feels itchy and irritated to offer fast relief.

Vinegar as a Home Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Vinegar has essential minerals found to be very effective in treating cases of sunburn. This remedy is widely used to treat skin conditions and problems to which the skin is exposed as it has proven to be very effective.

Use of Vinegar as a Treatment for Sunburn:

Mix a few drops of vinegar to water in a bowl or basin and stir well. A clean piece of cloth should then be dipped in the mixture and used to apply the mixture onto the areas that are affected by the sunburn. The eyes should be avoided as the vinegar can be harmful. The treatment should be done at least twice daily until the desired results from the condition are achieved.

Milk as a Natural Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Milk acts as a cooling and soothing agent to the skin, making it one of the most useful home remedies for sunburn. It is a fast way of relieving the discomfort and irritation that comes with the condition as it has essential minerals which are effective within a short period of time.

Use of Milk as a Cure for Sunburn:

Mix water and milk in equal proportions and use a soft clean piece of cloth to apply the mixture onto the sunburn. The mixture should be allowed to dry on the skin before washing off using cold water and repeated twice daily to effectively get rid of the sunburns. Milk can also be taken with meals or after meals especially after outdoor activities as part of a diet for treating this skin condition.

Cucumber Juice as a Home Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Cucumber juice has proven to be very effective in dealing with cases of sunburns as it helps in the reduction of skin redness and inflammation. It also leaves the skin feeling soft and free from blemishes as it acts as nourishment for the general health of the skin.

Use of Cucumber as a Treatment for Sunburn:

Juice can be extracted from several cucumbers by grating and then wrapping in a piece of cloth before wringing out the juice. This should then be mixed with milk and applied to the skin areas that suffer from the condition. Patients suffering from skin irritation should find quick relief in this remedy. It can also be added in meals as a diet for treating sunburn.

Lavender Oil as a Natural Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Lavender oil has soothing and healing properties which make it a good remedy for sunburn. The remedy is especially good when trying to get relief from itchiness and irritation of the skin. It also helps in reducing skin inflammation, speeding up the healing process.

Using Lavender Oil as Cure for Sunburn:

Prepare warm bath water and add several drops of the essential oil before taking your bath. The bath should be extended to offer the kind of refreshment the body needs and also to easily get rid of the skin irritation. This is also a great way of treating skin rashes that could be present as a result of the sunburn.

Chamomile as a Home Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Chamomile is one of the widely used remedies for a variety of skin and respiratory conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it one of the most trusted home remedies for sunburn as it helps in reducing and clearing skin irritation and inflammation within a short period of time.

Use of Chamomile as a Treatment for Sunburn:

The remedy is best used in oil form when dealing with sunburns. A few drops should be added in bath water together with lavender oil before the bath is then taken. This can be done several times a day until the symptoms of sunburn have completely disappeared. Chamomile can also be taken in tea or food as part of a diet for promoting good skin health.

Oatmeal as a Natural Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Oatmeal contains healing properties and also acts as nourishment for the skin, promoting good skin health. The remedy offers fast relief from irritation and skin itchiness and is easy to find within most households.

Use of Oatmeal as a Cure for Sunburn:

Three tablespoons of this remedy should be added to bath water and a long bath taken to give fast relief from the symptoms of sunburn. It is among the most useful home remedies for sunburns.

Potato Juice as a Home Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Potato contains essential minerals and compounds which help in speeding up the healing process of damaged skin cells, thereby getting rid of sunburn within a short period of time. This is among the simplest natural remedies to find as it is used as a common food item in most households.

Use of Potato Juice as a Treatment for Sunburn:

Grate potatoes and add to water to make a solution. The potatoes should be raw to provide effective results from the condition. The solution should then be applied to areas such as the hands, neck and face or other parts of the body that are affected by sunburn. The remedy should also be included in meals as part of a diet for promoting skin health.

Peppermint as a Natural Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Peppermint has soothing and healing properties which make it a good remedy for most symptoms of sunburns. The remedy also helps the body to relax, which is good for speeding up the healing process. It is one of the most widely used remedies for skin problems and conditions of the respiratory and digestive systems.

Use of Peppermint as a Cure for Sunburn:

The remedy should be used in oil form when dealing with sunburn. Drops of the oil should be added to bath water and a refreshing bath enjoyed. The fresh leaves of peppermint can also be crushed to make a paste which is then applied to the skin areas that are sunburned.

Onion Juice as a Home Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Onion juice contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it one of the most beneficial natural remedies for sunburns among other conditions that result from inflammation.

Use of Onion Juice as a Treatment for Sunburn:

Extract juice from onions by crushing in a small amount of water and then directly apply this mixture to the skin areas that have sunburns. This speeds up the healing process in addition to reducing the inflammation of the skin. Raw onions can also be chopped into small pieces and then added in meals or salads as part of a diet for treating skin conditions.

Tomato Juice as a Natural Remedy for Sunburn

Properties: Tomato juice has essential minerals and nutrients which promote general health of the skin by soothing the various symptoms away. The remedy is especially good for cases of skin irritation and skin itchiness. This remedy offers fast relief from the symptoms, something that is badly needed by those suffering from sunburns.

Use of Tomato Juice as Cure for Sunburn:

The juice is best used when mixed in buttermilk. The mixture should then be applied to the skin and allowed to stay on for half an hour before washing off using cold water. This should be repeated twice daily to offer fast and positive results from this skin-damaging condition. The remedy can be used regularly as part of a diet for treatment of skin problems and conditions.

Other Home Remedies for Sunburn

Mix olive oil with vinegar and then apply to the skin areas that have been affected by the condition to provide fast relief from sunburn.

Apply lotion that has sunscreen to prevent the skin from tanning whenever going outdoors in the sun. This is the best way of keeping sunburn at bay. Sour cream has also proven to be effective when dealing with this condition and can be applied before exposing the skin to the sun’s rays.

Mix wheat flour with honey, raw egg and olive oil as treatment for the burns. The remedy should be used as a facial mask every day to offer fast relief from the symptoms of sunburns. This is one of the most effective natural remedies for the condition.

Mix lettuce and water, then bring to a boil. Strain the water after cooling. The solution should then be applied to the skin several times a day to provide the desired results. The vegetable can also be included in meals as part of a diet for the promotion of good skin health.

Wrap several ice cubes in a piece of cotton cloth and place on the sunburns to relieve the skin irritation quickly. Cold tea bags can also be placed on the skin for the same effect.

Take mustard oil and rub well onto the skin areas that are affected by the sunburns. This is a good way of preventing the condition, although it is also very good in treating skin redness and itching.

Mix turmeric powder in a bowl of yogurt and add barley to the mixture. The paste should be applied to the skin and left for several minutes before washing off using cold water as treatment for the condition.

Add baking soda in bath water and then soak the affected parts of the body or the entire body in general to provide fast relief from this skin condition. This is among the simplest home remedies for the skin problem.

Add rose water to a basin of cold water and take a bath using this water as a simple way of treating the condition.

Diet and Precautions for Sunburns

Increase your intake of foods that are rich in vitamins C and E as they are natural antioxidants helpful in the treatment of sunburns. These vitamins also promote good skin health.

Add protein-rich food to your diet to keep the body well supplied with essential minerals and vitamins. Among the best foods to include in meals are fish, egg, meat and chicken.

Eat lots of fresh green vegetables and fresh fruits as a way of keeping the skin well nourished. It is also important to ensure that you drink enough water every day to keep the skin well hydrated and less prone to damage.

Use mild soaps to cleanse the skin, especially after long hours of exposure to the sun. Protective creams such as those which contain sunscreen can be applied to avoid damage to the skin.

Avoid harsh soaps and detergents and avoid scrubbing the skin too much during baths or cleansing.