How to Treat Sunburn: Natural Options

Sunburn Information

Is anyone else out there “blessed” with the type of skin that burns easily, then peels, and then is pasty white again?

That’s me! The only time I’ve ever looked even slightly tan was after a month of daily (though short) tanning bed sessions in high school (thank goodness that interest of mine was short-lived!) and after getting a spray tan, during which time I looked awesome for about 48 hours, and gross for 48 hours after that (the color came off in patches…good times).

I don’t even try to “get some color” on my skin when I’m outside anymore, because the end result of that attempt is always sunburn. I am quite serious about applying sunscreen to myself, and even more so to my children, as melanoma runs in my husband’s family and they are therefore at a higher risk for skin cancer.

My girls haven’t experienced any significant sunburn yet, but Darah has already had those “rosy” cheeks and nose after a few hours in the sun, which of course I felt horribly guilty about. At the time, I didn’t know what I could do to treat it, so I schooled myself in sunburn information and natural treatment options, as I try to go the homeopathic route as much as possible. I thought I’d share my findings with you. Bookmark or pin this site for later reference. I hope you never need the information, but if you do, make sure you can find it easily!

How to Treat Sunburn Naturally

photo credit: lightsoutfilms

1. Vinegar. You can spray or dab vinegar directly onto your body as soon as you know you are burned. It is antiseptic in nature and acts as a cooling agent, as well, which helps with that burning feeling you get when you are freshly sunburned.

2. Baking soda. Baking soda is a great natural antiseptic and also helps with the itch associated with peeling skin that starts a few days after sunburn has occurred. I recommend adding about 1/2 cup baking soda to a bath for a good soak once you start peeling.

3. Sunburnt Therapeutic After Sun Relief. This is a new product on the market that was recently sent to me, and I decided to write about it because I was impressed with its natural ingredients and homeopathic approach to relief. It is designed to cool overheated skin, soothe and hydrate the skin, and reduce the appearance of redness & peeling. I haven’t had to use it on sunburn yet, but I did test the cream and was pleased to see that it wasn’t sticky.

4. Tea. The tannins in the tea do help soothe burns and quicken the healing process. What I read online suggests making a strong pot of tea (stronger than what you would drink) and then applying the tea (once cooled, obviously) to sunburned skin with a cloth. You could also soak in a tea infused bath.

5. Cucumber. Cucumber is my least favorite vegetable on earth. I think it is absolutely disgusting. But thinly sliced, it evidently provides a lot of soothing and comfort to burned skin. This would be enough of a reason for me to actually buy one, I think!

Obviously, the best way to cure sunburn is to not get it in the first place. Be sure to lather up with some mineral sunscreen before you head outside. Be especially diligent around your face and your shoulders, as those are the areas that tend to burn the quickest, at least on my body!

Have you found any other natural sunburn relief remedies? Have you tried anything suggested above? I’d love to hear about your experience! 

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