Summers are for ‘outdoors’. After all, who doesn’t like to spend a breezy summer day sitting on the patio or enjoying a beach picnic? Unfortunately, this season comes with its fair share of disadvantages. If we do not take the right measures, we may end up with skin tanning or sunburn! Before we tell you more about sunburn treatment at home, here are a few things you should know about this very troublesome skin problem.
What Is Sunburn?
Ever ended up with red and inflamed patches on your skin after spending a few hours in the sun? These red, inflamed and often painful skin patches are called sunburn. To understand how to treat sunburn, first, you must understand what sunburn is.
A sunburn can be described as red, irritated, swollen and sometimes painful skin caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. These are the signs of damaged skin cells. To put it simply, getting sunburned means that you have spent too much time in the sun.
The risk of getting sunburn is highest at solar noon when the sun is just above your head.
Sunburn And Suntan: What’s The Difference?
Now that you know what is sunburn, let us tell you how it is different from suntan. Tanning is the term used to describe the darkened skin owing to sun exposure. It occurs due to excessive melanin production triggered by UV radiation. These home remedies can be effective, in case you are wondering how to remove sun tan.
On the other hand, sunburn is a step ahead of tanning. It occurs when the body is exposed to the harmful rays of the sun for too long. It is a thermal burn that causes skin discomfort, blisters, inflammation and other skin issues.
6 Significant Causes Of Sunburn That You Need To Know
The process, which leads to tanning is the body’s defence mechanism to shield the skin from further sun exposure. However, there is a limit to which this action helps. Spending too much time in the sun can cause damage to your skin.
- The harmful UVA and UVB rays are the main causes of sunburn. The condition occurs due to overexposure or regular exposure of unprotected skin to UV light
- People with light skin and sensitive skin are more susceptible to sunburn
- Living or vacationing in warm and sunny places also makes you more prone to this issue
- Consuming alcohol while Indulging in outdoor recreation can also increase your chances of getting a sunburn
- You may also end up with a sunburn if you work outdoors for several hours
- Several medications may also increase the likelihood of getting sunburned
Signs And Symptoms Of Sunburn
It may take a few hours after the sun exposure before you notice the sunburn symptoms. Here are the factors that affect how soon your skin will begin to show its signs:
- Duration of the sun exposure
- The intensity of the sun
- Your skin type
The symptoms of a sunburn may vary from minor to extreme. Mild cases of sunburn are accompanied by redness and tender and sensitive skin. In more severe cases, blisters may appear. Very serious cases of sunburn are marked by debilitating pain.
Here are a few other symptoms associated with sunburns:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Pain or tingling sensation
- Headache
- Blisters
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Chills
- Unconsciousness
The sunburn symptoms and effects vary from person to person and may take some time to heal. A few days after the sunburn, your skin may start peeling and itching. This means that your body is trying to get rid of the damaged cells. Severe cases of sunburn may require medical attention.
While there are many answers to ‘how to treat sunburn skin’, it is always better to avoid getting sunburned in the first place. Here are a few ways you can protect your skin against the harmful UV radiation:
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm)
- Do not go out in the sun without wearing sunscreen (SPF 40+).
- Make sure your sunscreen is water-resistant.
- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when stepping outdoors.
- Wear full-length clothes.
- Seek shade whenever possible.
These tips will not only help you prevent sunburn, but also assist the natural remedies for sunburn in yielding better results.
8 Effective Home Remedies For Sunburn Removal
From over the counter medications to home remedies, there are many solutions to how to cure sunburn. Here are a few easy to follow and highly effective home remedies for sunburn that you can use.
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe gel is a very effective home remedy for sunburn dark skin. This age-old remedy offers anti-inflammatory benefits that can help in treating the pain, inflammation and other symptoms associated with sunburn. It has quick healing properties and offers a cooling effect. Aloe vera gel will keep your skin moisturised and help fade the sunburn faster.
Read on to find out how to cure sunburn on face or other parts of your body.
Things You Will Need:
- Aloe vera gel (freshly extracted)
Method:
- Apply the freshly extracted aloe gel to the affected areas.
- Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
Here’s how to cure sunburn dark skin. Simply use this remedy once or twice a day.
2. Green Tea
The elements found in green tea can help in treating as well as preventing sunburns. When applied topically, this ingredient can also help in relieving damaged skin and soothing skin inflammation.
Here’s how to remove sunburn from face, arms and legs with the help of this magical ingredient.
Things You Will Need:
- 1-2 green tea bags
- 1 cup of hot water
Method 1:
- Put a teabag in the cup with hot water.
- Steep for about 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink the tea.
Method 2:
- Put the used tea bag in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Apply the refrigerated tea bag to the affected skin.
- Rinse it off after 20 to 30 minutes.
Use this remedy once or twice every day for desired results.
3. Ice Pack
Wondering how to reduce sunburn without any hassle? The solution is right there in your refrigerator!
You may use an ice pack for instant relief from the discomfort. It will help reduce skin inflammation by numbing the affected area and reducing skin sensitivity. It will help gradually relieve the sunburn and heal the skin.
Things You Will Need:
- An ice pack
Method:
- Dab the ice pack to the sunburned skin.
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Reapply as necessary.
Repeat this remedy multiple times a day.
4. Oatmeal
Here’s a very effective solution to ‘how to treat sunburn.’ Oatmeal is a go-to remedy for various skin conditions owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe irritated skin, reduce discomfort, alleviate pain and cool down sunburn.
Things You Will Need:
- 1 cup of oatmeal
- Water
Method:
- Pour in a cup of oatmeal in a bathtub filled with warm water.
- Soak in the bath for about 20 minutes
- Use a towel to dab your skin dry after the bath,
If you have been wondering how to treat sunburn fast, repeat this remedy once a day.
5. Milk
The nutritional elements present in milk have healing effects on wounds. The lactic acid in milk will aid in exfoliating the damaged skin and forming a protein film along the skin surface. This, in turn, can help reduce sensitivity and pain.
Here is how to treat sunburn on face fast using this highly soothing remedy.
Things You Will Need:
- 1 cup of low-fat cow’s milk
- Cotton balls
Method:
- Dip a cotton ball in the milk.
- Apply it to the sunburnt skin.
- Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
This is one of the most popular sunburn remedies. Use it once daily for best results.
6. Coconut Oil
Loaded with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, coconut oil aids in soothing sunburned skin. Owing to its content of saturated fats, it can also help in keeping the skin moisturised and reducing peeling.
Here’s how to remove sunburn using this multi-purpose ingredient.
Things You Will Need:
- Virgin coconut oil (as required)
Method:
- Take some oil in your palms and apply it on the affected areas
- Let it dry completely
Coconut oil is one of the most effective home remedies for sunburn on face, arms and legs. Use this remedy multiple times daily for best results.
7. Lavender oil
Another face sunburn remedy you can use to get rid of this problem is lavender oil. Packed with analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits, this ingredient can help relieve symptoms like inflammation, pain, and redness.
Things You Will Need:
- 1-3 drops of lavender oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Method:
- Add 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil of your choice and mix well
- Apply this mixture to the sunburned skin
- Let it dry for a few minutes
One of the simplest home remedies for sunburn, apply Lavender oil can be applied 1 to 2 times daily.
8. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is a sure shot solution to how to remove sunburn from hands, legs and face. Topical application of this nutrient is loaded with antioxidant properties and can help prevent sunburn, reverse the damage and soothe the skin.
Things You Will Need:
- A few drops of vitamin E oil
- Aloe vera gel (as required)
Method:
- Add vitamin E oil to aloe vera gel and mix well
- Apply the mixture to the affected areas
- Let it dry
Use this remedy regularly to treat sunburned skin.
These home remedies for sunburn removal can help you get rid of sunburn in no time. However, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid the skin damage caused by harmful UV radiation. Follow the precautions mentioned above and remember to keep yourself hydrated as it will help assist the healing process. You can even try these sun tan removal creams which can help you de-tan and leave your skin glowing.
Now that you know what to do for sunburn, you can enjoy the warmer season without worrying too much about your skin!
