The skin is the first protection against dust, UV rays, microorganisms and other possible threats to our body. Since the skin is the first protection, it is more exposed to diseases and alterations. Since summer is here, the skin care, body hygiene and being hydrated are important. One of the most common summer occurrences is the sunburn. This can be caused by too much exposure in sunlight or wearing too little protection. It is necessary to know the possible ways to remedy sunburn since it will hurt a lot. Here are some remedies for sunburn.
- Potato
According to some, potato can relieve most skin irritations, burns and inflammations. The preparation of the potato is not important if you want to try the potato’s wonders. There are many ways you can do it, you can slice up a potato and use the slices on affected areas of the skin, you can blend or you can grate. If you decide to grate or blend the potato, add little parts of water if it starts to look dry. Always wash the potato thoroughly before using it, this is to prevent further complications that might occur on your skin. After blending or grating a potato and it turns into a paste-like consistency, dip a cotton ball or gauze which then you can apply on your skin.
- Moisturize
It is important to keep the sun burnt areas clean and cool. It is important to take frequent showers with cool water to soothe the skin. After taking a cooling shower or bath, moisturize your skin with moisturizing skin or lotion. This can help your skin heal quickly and if peeling is present, moisturizing can make it less noticeable.
- Water
It is important to hydrate your skin during sunburns, this helps your skin to stay moisturized and prevents dryness. Further dryness of the skin during sunburns can lead to more itchiness and more peeling which can delay healing time. It is important to drink more than 8 glasses per day to hydrate the skin. Hydrated skin may heal faster.
- Baking Soda
Short baths can be beneficial to your skin, especially if you add little ingredients to your bath which can help soothe the sunburns. Prepare a cool bath and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. This can soothe the symptoms present with sunburns. Limit the bath to 15-20 minutes, further bathing in water with baking soda can dry your skin further making the sunburns worst. Afterwards, do not towel-dry, instead air-dry and do not wipe the baking soda off your skin.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal is known to soothe and moisturize skin. Prepare your bath with cool water, put in a half to one cup of oatmeal. Another alternative is an oatmeal powder available at drug stores. You can mix this with your bath and soak in it for a few minutes. After soaking in the bath with oatmeal, it is advised to let it air-dry instead of wiping it off your skin.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is great for moisturizing the skin including your hair, which acts as a great conditioner. It also works well with sunburns. Extract the gel from an Aloe Vera leaf and place it in the refrigerator to cool for 30 minutes. You can then use this on sunburns, applying a light coat of the gel on affected areas. Do not wipe it off, instead let it dry for the skin to absorb. Repeat the process 5 to 6 times daily until sunburns heal. This can moisturize your skin and help minimize the itchiness or pain that comes with the sunburns.
