As mindful as we may be about trying to avoid the sun or properly applying sunscreen, sometimes we just forget. Sunburns usually fade within a few days, but those days can be very uncomfortable. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to stop the pain while you wait for the burn to fade.
Avoid Soap
Washing sunburned skin with harsh soap can make the inflammation and pain worse. Find the most natural soap without any harsh chemicals or fragrances and don’t use a loofah or washcloth. If you prefer to soak in the tub skip the bubbles and add some baking soda or a cup of apple cider vinegar to help soothe the itching.
Cold Compress
All you need is a clean washcloth soaked in cold water and a few tablespoons of witch hazel to relieve the inflammation. Apply it to sunburn skin until it becomes warm, then just re-soak in cold water and continue re-applying until some pain is relieved.
Pure Aloe Vera
This is by far one of the best things to keep in your garden during hot days. Simply remove the first two layers inside the leaf until you feel the thick aloe gel inside. It is usually a little thinner in consistency than bottled products, but it works just as well, if not better.
Oatmeal
Wrap a little dry oatmeal in cheesecloth and pour water over it into a clean bowl. Use this liquid to make a cold compress and apply it as often as needed to relieve pain and inflammation.
Milk
Mix on cup of milk with four cups of water and a few ice cubes to make a compress. Or you can simply add a few cups of milk to a cold bath.
Coconut Oil
This fabulous oil is very soothing and full of healthy fats to soften skin and vitamins to help repair the skin. Switch your regular body lotion for some pure coconut oil applied directly to the skin.
Jacqueline Banks, who grew up in Casa de Campo, is a certified holistic health counselor and busy mother.
Her focus is on helping other busy moms in all stages of motherhood keep themselves and families healthy and happy. She uses natural and organic solutions to solve individual health problems and promote clean living.
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