Ways To Help Soothe Your Sunburn

So you “forgot” to put sunscreen on at the park yesterday and now you’re dealing with a sunburn. It happens! It’s also pretty painful and can lead to blistering, peeling, and possibly infections. If your sunburn is mild (just a touch of red) then there are a few things you can do to help the healing process. If your sunburn is more severe (who’s a lobster now?) then I’d suggest seeing a physician before attempting any home remedies. The last thing you want to do is end up with an infection on top of blistered and angry skin.

If your sunburn looks more like the first photo, go ahead and use some of the home remedies below. If it more closely resembles the second photo, I’d skip the home remedies until you talk to your doctor.

Ways To Help Soothe Your Sunburn

Remedy 01: Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the home remedies that’s floating around the world wide web concerns using apple cider vinegar to help cool your burns. So, how do you use it? The answer is very carefully. Because vinegar is acidic, you have to make sure that you dilute it properly. If you’re in need of a bath, simply run a tub of cool water (hot water will increase the burning sensation) and add 1 c. of apple cider vinegar to your full tub. If you don’t want to take a tub, then you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle (like this) full of water and give yourself a spray to help cool the burning sensation.

Remedy 02: Aloe Vera

Aloe is one of those plants that is definitely in vogue as of recent. You can drink it in a variety of drinks for added health benefits. I don’t think it tastes good, but my husband likes it. I prefer my aloe fresh from the plant rather than from the bottle. Grab a plant at your local nursery or home improvement store and keep it all year long as a succulent. To use the leaf for a burn, simply cut the leaf at the based, split it open, and place over the burned area. Repeat as often as needed.

Remedy 03: Tea Bags

The tannic acid in black tea can help draw the heat from a burn and using a mint based tea can help add a cooling sensation. Simply soak the tea bags in a little bit of boiling water, allow to cool, and then place over the affected area.

So the next time you forget the sunscreen and find yourself a little toasty, don’t despair! Try one of these remedies to help soothe the pain and next time, don’t forget to spritz on a little sunscreen. 🙂