Sunburn is usually caused by the UV rays of the sun. These rays can harm your skin when your skin is left exposed to the direct sun rays. Sunburn is actually the consequence of a shielding mechanism of the skin. The melanin pigment present in our skin serves as a natural sunblock. In people with lighter skin tones, the quantity of melanin is extremely less and this is the cause why fair people get more sunburned than the people with darker skin tones. We are providing some excellent home remedies to get rid of sunburn fast and naturally.
What Causes Sunburn?
The question here is what actually causes sunburn. As the name indicates, it is the burn on skin that is caused due to radiations of sun, but what it is actually? There are three types of sunrays – UVA, UVB and UVC. It is UVA and UVB that affect our skin badly. Sunburn is not caused just by going into sunlight. It is caused when you expose your unprotected skin to sunlight for a longer period of time.
What Causes Sunburn?
The question here is what actually causes sunburn. The name indicates that it is the burn on skin that is caused due to radiations of sun, but what it is actually? There are three types of sunrays – UVA, UVB and UVC. It is UVA and UVB that affect our skin badly. Sunburn does not cause just by going into sunlight. It is caused when you expose your unprotected skin to sunlight for a longer period of time.
Three Stages of Skin Sunburn:
Before beginning with the treatment, you should know different stages and severity of sunburn. Basically, there are two stages of sunburn:
- First Degree – The area is red and it burns. Very often, it is just skin that turns red and there is no inflammation and burning sensations.
- Second Degree – Second degree is the stage when you start noticing blisters all over the affected area.
If you are able to mark the problem at very first stage then it is well and good. Or else, the problem can affect you adversely. So it is well and good that you start with the treatment at very first stage. As soon you notice the symptoms, you can try the remedies that we are going to discuss in the articles.
Get Rid of Sunburn Fast (Immediately):
Contents
Here are the ways that will help you get relief from sunburn immediately:
1.) Run in Shade upon Realizing that You are Sun-burnt
As soon as you realize that you are sun-burnt, just run indoor. Find some cooler place and rest. If you are on beach or somewhere where it is impossible to find indoor place, stand in shadiest place. This will be best for you.
2.) Take a Shower to Get Rid of Sunburn
As soon as you notice sunburn on your body, take a shower. Taking a shower will reduce redness and burning sensations. It will also help reduce severity of the problem. After you take a shower, air-dry yourself. Do not use a towel.
3.) Drink water to Get Rid of Sunburn
Drinking water is also a fantastic way to get rid of sunburn naturally. Drinking water will heal sunburn internally and will provide you relief from inflammation and burning sensations. Also, sunburn extracts water from your skin and you can become dehydrated. Drink more than three liters of water a day.
4.) Apply Aloe Vera Gel to Get Rid of Sunburn
It is good to apply some Aloe Vera gel as soon as you notice sunburn. This will soothe the affected area. Applying Aloe Vera gel means giving cooling to your skin. You can use a gel that contains vitamin C and E. Aloe Vera gel is best for the purpose. Avoid using some other gel.
Remedies to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast & Naturally:
1.) Potatoes to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Raw potato is wonderful for soothing a sunburn due to natural starches found in potatoes. These starches will help to take out the heat from your skin. Peel off two large potatoes and cut them into small pieces. Add the pieces to a grinder to prepare a paste. Apply this potato paste on the affected skin and leave to dry on its own. Then wash it off by taking a cool shower. Repeat the method once daily for some days until all your symptoms are gone completely.
2.) Honey to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Honey is a natural antibiotic which helps in retaining the moisture in the skin, which is necessary for the treatment of sunburn. An enzyme present in honey aids in repairing damaged skin. Honey would also help you by diminishing the inflammation and swelling correlated with sunburn. Apply a flat layer of raw honey on the affected skin and let it dry on its own. As the moisture present in the honey is absorbed into the skin, it will accelerate the healing and decrease the pain. Apply honey three or four times daily for one week. You can also have one tablespoon of honey with a glass of warm water three times daily to improve the immune system and speed up the healing process. In fact, you can consume honey on a regular basis to experience good health and glowing skin.
3.) Milk to Treat Sunburn Fast
Milk is one of the best remedies to get rid of sunburn fast and naturally. Milk can treat the various sunburn symptoms as the fat, protein and pH in milk have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Add a cup of skimmed milk in four cups of water to prepare a treatment for sunburn. You can also mix some ice to the solution. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and then apply the cloth to the affected area for 30 minutes. Then, pat dry your skin with a soft cotton towel. Repeat the method every four hours for a few days until you get relief from the pain and irritation. The cold temperature of ice will contract the blood vessels and lessen the swelling while the milk will form a protein film that helps to reduce the pain.
4.) Coconut Oil to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Since coconut oil is rich in fatty acids which have perfect skin-nourishing properties. Coconut oil also works as an outstanding moisturizer to lessen the symptoms of sunburn. Coconut oil helps in decreasing the inflammation caused by the sunburn as it contains vitamin E which is a brilliant antioxidant. Coconut oil quickly gets absorbed by the skin because it is very light and that’s why it can provide the result within a few days. Warm some extra-virgin coconut oil in a microwave. Liberally massage some of the oil on the sunburned area. Repeat this three times every day for several days to encourage healing.
5.) Aloe Vera to Treat Sunburn Fast
Aloe Vera has great anti-inflammatory properties that will help you to deal with the various symptoms of sunburn. Its soothing properties are very useful in relieving the pain associated with sunburn. Take out the gel from one aloe Vera leaf and then apply the gel on the affected area of the skin. Leave it undisturbed for half an hour, so that the gel gets absorbed into the skin. Wash it off with normal water. Repeat the remedy two times in a day to get the desired results. Aloe Vera has properties that can fight the inflammation, redness and swelling of the affected parts of the skin. Aloe Vera can also prevent infection of the skin and would cure sunburned skin. The anti-inflammatory feature of aloe Vera will help you to reduce the inflammation.
6.) Black Tea to Treat Sunburn Fast
Black tea is loaded with antioxidants that are very advantageous for treating irritated and sunburned skin. Soak three tea bags in a bowl of hot water, steep it for few minutes. Take out the tea bags and leave to cool down to room temperature. Dip a cloth in the solution and dab it on the sunburned skin. Let it dry completely and then reapply this three or four times as per your requirement, washing it off is not required. Repeat this daily until your condition improves.
7.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedies for sunburn. Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected areas, leave the skin to get dry for 30 minutes. Do this several times to get rid of sunburn fast. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and cool water. Dip paper towels in the solution and put them on the sunburned skin. Leave them on the skin until the towels are dry. Repeat many times a day for some days until your condition improves.
8.) Cold Compress to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
A cold compress is yet another effective remedy to treat sunburn. Put some ice cubes in a plastic bag and cover the bag with a thin towel. Place this bag on the affected area for 30 minutes. Repeat the process few times daily for some days, until you get the desired result. You can also dip a towel in cold water and apply the towel to the affected area.
9.) Oatmeal to Treat Sunburn Fast
Oatmeal is one of the most popular home remedies for sunburn treatment. You have to prepare an oatmeal bath for the purpose. Fill the bathtub with cold water, add one cup of oatmeal to it and blend thoroughly. Dip in the bath water for about 30 minutes. After getting out of the water, air dry your body and bypass rubbing the skin with a towel. Repeat this once daily until you get rid of sunburn completely.
10.) Baking Soda to Treat Sunburn Fast
The process of using baking soda to treat sunburn naturally is almost same as oatmeal. Fill the bathtub with cold water, add a cup of baking soda and stir properly for some time. Soak in the water for about 20 minutes. After getting out of the bath, allow the body to air dry. Repeat this once daily until you get the desired result.
11.) Mint Tea to Cure Sunburn Naturally
Mint has naturally cooling properties and soothes whatever it touches, and sunburns are one of them. The theobromine and tannic acid found in green tea also help reduce pain and heal damaged skin when directly applied topically. Bring one liter of water to a boil. Add five tea bags to the boiling water and three cups of fresh mint leaves to a pan. Strain and then chill the solution. When the tea has chilled thoroughly, use cotton pads soaked in the liquid and apply to the affected area. You can even pour it over the burn if you wish. It is one of the best ways to get rid of sunburn fast.
12.) Drink Plenty of Water to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to get rid of sunburn fast. Sunburn can also cause dry and itchy skin. The only natural solution to overcoming this is by drinking plenty of water while recovering from a sunburn. If you are well hydrated then the body heal faster and better. If your urine runs almost clear then that’s mean you are well hydrated.
13.) Cornstarch to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Cornstarch is the remedy that has been used to treat a number of skin related problems. With its soft and silky texture, it goes smooth on skin and helps you treat sunburn fast. It not only treats the sunburn fast but also makes the skin smooth and shiny. You can also use baking soda if corn starch is not available. What you have to do is:
- Take some cornstarch in a bowl and enough cool water to make a paste.
- When the paste is ready, spread it over the affected area.
- Leave it for some time and then wash off.
14.) Witch Hazel to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
You can also go for witch hazel to get rid of sunburn fast. Witch hazel is the remedy that has been used to treat a number of problems. Witch hazel plant has medicinal properties. Its bark, twigs and leaves are used for medicinal benefits. Follow the given steps to use it:
- Take a bowl and add three tablespoons of witch hazel to it.
- Take cotton ball and dip it in witch hazel.
- Apply the witch hazel on the affected area.
- Repeat it several times a day for best results.
15.) Yogurt to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
You can also go for yogurt in order to get rid of sunburn. Yogurt is used to treat a number of skin and health related issues. This remedy is perfect to treat sunburn on face. Being rich in probiotics and enzymes, it effectively treats sunburn and other skin problems. You should be careful while using the yogurt. Make sure that you go for plain yogurt. Do not choose any flavored one. What you have to do is:
- Take some plain yogurt in a bowl.
- Spread the yogurt over the affected area and leave for half an hour.
- Wash your face with cool water.
16.) Green Tea Bags to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Green tea is widely known for weight loss. It works wonders for skin as well. Green tea bags are among the most wonderful remedies for sunburn treatment. It contains tannic acid that helps reduce redness and inflammation. What you have to do is:
- Take a bowl of water and bring it to boil.
- Brew some green tea bags in it.
- Allow it to steep for five minutes.
- Let it cool.
- When it cools down completely, dip a clean cloth in.
- Wring out extra water and spread that cloth on the affected area.
- Leave it there for some time and repeat.
17.) Egg Whites to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Egg whites are great for wrinkles treatment. You can use it to treat sunburn as well. It helps with the burning sensation of the affected area. What you have to do is:
- Separate the egg yolk from the egg white.
- Apply the egg white on the affected area and leave for some time.
- Wash it off with cold water.
- You can also add honey for added benefits.
18.) Cucumber to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Cucumber has cooling properties and thus can work great on sunburn. It helps with inflammation and swelling. You can simply cut a cucumber into thick slices and rub them on the affected area. Or you can try the other way as well:
- Grate a cucumber and extract juice from it.
- Use a cotton ball and apply the juice on the affected area.
- Leave it for some time and then wash off with cool water.
19.) Tomato to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
You can also go for tomato to treat sunburn fast at home. It has soothing properties that help with inflammation and redness. You can simply cut a cucumber in thick slices and rub it on the affected area. Or else,
- Take three tomatoes and crush to extract juice.
- Collect the juice in a bowl and add a tablespoon of yogurt to it.
- Mix it well and apply on the affected area.
- Leave it for twenty minutes and then wash off.
20.) Almonds to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
You can also go for almonds in order to cure sunburn fast. It is rich in vitamin E and thus is great for skin. To use almonds, follow the given steps:
- Soak some almonds overnight.
- Peel off the skin and make a paste.
- Also add milk to the paste.
- Apply it on the affected area and leave for twenty minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
Remedies to Get Rid of Sunburn Overnight:
If you do not have much time to pay attention to the affected area then you can our overnight remedies as well. Here we will suggest you overnight ways to get rid of sunburn fast.
1.) Wet Cloth or Towel to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Going for the wet clothes is one of the most effective ways to get rid of sunburn fast and naturally. What you have to do is dip a washcloth in a bucket of water. Now splash some apple cider vinegar on it. Wring out the extra water and spread the cloth on the affected area. Leave it there for some time and then go to bed. Do not wash the area before going to bed.
2.) Coconut Oil to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
You can also go for coconut oil to get rid of sunburn fast and naturally. Coconut oil has properties that soothe skin fast and relieves you from inflammation and pain. What you have to do is take some coconut oil in you palm and rub both palms against each other. Now apply that oil on the affected area and go to sleep.
3.) Aloe Vera Layer to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
You can also use Aloe Vera to get rid of sunburn overnight. This is the simplest and a very effective remedy to get rid of sunburn fast. Applying it is very easy. What you have to do is cover the affected area with a thick layer of Aloe Vera gel and go to bed. Aloe Vera gel has soothing properties that will soothe the skin all night and you will notice the difference next morning. You can use the Aloe Vera gel available at the stores, but it better to use the freshly extracted gel.
Tips to Prevent Sunburn:
We all know that prevention is always better than cure. So, in place of treating what is being done, it is good take some precautions to not to allow it to occur at first place.
- Cover Yourself – Always cover yourself completely before leaving home. Whenever you are going out of your home, try to cover yourself as much as you can. Try to wear full sleeves clothes. Also do not forget to cover your face with a scarf. You can also use a hat as well. And yes, do not forget to take an umbrella.
- Apply Sunscreen – In case you cannot wear full sleeves clothes, just apply sunscreen. You can find a number of sunscreen in the market. Do not go for any sunscreen. Try the creams with UVA and UVB protection.
- Avoid Being Outdoor – It is good to avoid being outdoors. Be in your house most of the time. If you have some plans like shopping, you can postpone it to evening.