Now that we’re about halfway through summer, it’s time to chat about sunburns and the healing process. While you absolutely should consult your doctor about a severe sunburn, there are some easy, at home sunburn relief options for the less severe cases. It’s really important to stay on top of reapplying your sunscreen often while outdoors, especially with harmful uv rays. Sun damage is not something you want to deal with and it’s even worse to potentially have an allergic reaction to a sunburned area. I’ve tried just about all the home remedies I could find but the best way to treat peeling skin and too much sun is by far with aloe. I’m sharing some tips for sunburn treatment that you will want to save for a really sunny day.
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​Aloe
I think it goes without saying that we need to be wearing sunscreen every single day. The sun’s rays can be incredibly harsh and the risk of skin cancer is never worth it. Not treating a painful sunburn is not only hurting yourself, but can cause further damage. Our skin is our body’s largest organ and we have to make sure to take care of it. This is an inflammatory reaction to the sun and while there are several symptoms of sunburn, pain is definitely a large one. Applying aloe vera gel or aloe from an aloe vera plant to the affected skin is ultra soothing. It helps if you alternate with cool compresses to cool the rest of the body down but aloe is key. They even make aloe vera lotion, which is really hydrating and helps with skin irritation. This is great for a mild sunburn and those on the more severe side that don’t need medical attention.
Hydration
Secondly, if you’ve ever had a sunburn, you know that it’s warm and easy to trap heat in your body. Not only does it take a lot of energy to manage a sunburn, but our bodies are primarily made up of water and they need to be replenished. Cold water will keep you hydrated and cool you down from the heat. I always recommend bringing plenty of water outdoors with you but it’s also important to drink the daily amount throughout the rest of the day. Maybe a smidge more because we are sweating it all out!
Moisturize
One step further than an aloe plant is lotion. I’m one of those people who thinks moisturizing your skin every single day is essential but it’s even more so when you are burnt. Alternating between aloe and a gentle yet thick lotion will keep help replenish the moisture in your skin. In turn, it speeds up the healing process. At the very least, you will be pain free within a couple days while you start to peel. The moisturizer also helps with the peeling and works to keep you smooth.
​Gentle Products
I can’t express this enough– be gentle with yourself! Stay away from exfoliation and really scented products on the sunburnt area. Your best efforts can be put towards mild soap and moisturizer. Go for drugstore products for these too if you’re someone who is already spending a lot of money on treating this burn.
Anti-Inflammatory Products
Since this is an inflammatory response our bodies give us, I’ve seen a few sunburn remedies call for the ingestion of anti-inflammatory foods. A few examples are garlic, berries, green tea, chocolate even and of course leafy greens. Turmeric is really helpful and I like to keep capsules on hand for moments like this. You can take them with water or mix them into a tea or recipe.
Rest
Finally, as simple as this may sound, it’s so true. Spend as much time as possible resting. Our bodies undergo a lot with a sunburn and the easiest way to relax is to find time to rest and heal. Turn the fan up, grab a little water and vitamin c and spend a half hour laying down with a still body throughout the day. We don’t usually get enough sleep as is and it’s important to practice good sleep hygiene when our bodies spend so much energy trying to heal.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Gel // Coola Moisture Recovery // Aloe Wrap // Hydracool Serum // After Sun Moisture // Save Your Skin Solar Recovery // Vacation Aloe Gel // Lip Therapy // Ice Face Set
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