Homemade, unusal sun burn remedies to get you back outdoors quick! PLUS where to find them!

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There is nothing better than welcoming the first warm rays of the sun after enduring a harsh cold “spinter”, but what happens when you over indulge?

You’ve got it…sunburn.

Most people can say that they have had the displeasure of experiencing this unfortunate summer side effect. It starts off as tight, irritable skin followed by the sensitive, radiant heat, then the painful burn that lets you know that you have overexposed yourself. Perhaps you just suck it up and wait out the few days to a week for it to clear or maybe you are one of those people that want to end the misery as soon as possible and are researching every sunburn remedy to bring some relief.

The important thing however, is that when caring for your skin, you want to use the least harmful ingredients. That’s where home-based remedies come in handy!

Below are some great sunburn remedy recipes to try at home!

Overall sunburn remedies:

For immediate sunburn relief you want to get the heat out of your skin. Try soaking in a cool bath (not freezing) or wrapping your body with cold cloths.

Apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar has been used to take the ‘burn’ out of ‘sunburn.’ Pour some in a spray bottle with 50% water and spray all over body (don’t get into eyes!). The acids in the vinegar will neutralize the stinging pain on the sun burned skin and provide relief. Spray as needed for painful skin.

Of course, lets not forget Aloe Vera. This sunburn staple is the first thing people think of when they become sun burned. Aloe is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, two necessary elements for epidermal cells. They can quickly repair after-sun damaged skin.

To use, spread Aloe gel where you have sunburn. If you want, try the plant as a whole. Cut the stalk at the base and squeeze out the gel. Avoid aloe vera gels and lotions that contain more water and alcohol than aloe. Alcohol can have an instant cooling effect but will ultimately dry out your skin causing more itch and discomfort.

Drink lots of water!!!! Keep as hydrated as possible as your skin needs to replenish the moisture lost from the sun.

Cornstarch your sheets. If you have one of those terrible, non-forgiving burns that won’t even let you move, sprinkle your sheets with cornstarch. This will prevent chaffing and help you get a better sleep.

Sunburn remedies for specific areas:

For severely itchy, sun burned skin, have an oatmeal bath. You can grind up regular oatmeal and place it directly into the bath or put it in cheesecloth or a sock so just the liquid juices flow and not the clumpy oats. Soak in oatmeal for about twenty minutes or until your burn feels relieved.

Important! Be sure not to rub your skin with a towel, but instead to pat dry! Your sun burned skin will be very sensitive at this point!

For a face sun burn, try out this recipe:

½ peeled cucumber

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp vinegar

3 drops lavender essential oil

1 tbsp glycerine

Blend all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed. Place a wash cloth or paper towel in the solution and apply to your face until you feel relief.

Cucumber soothes irritated skin, vinegar takes out the sting, yogurt acts with enzymes and extracts to help speed up healing, lavender has been used as a burn relief for many years and also as a blister preventative. Glycerine is a humectant that draws moisture from the air to help prevent your skin from drying out. You can keep this recipe in the refrigerator for up to five days. Use 2-3 times a day until you burn starts subsiding. Avoid putting it on your eye area.

For sun burnt lips try Manuka honey. Topical use of Manuka honey on wounds has been known to reduce swelling and scarring. All types of honey contain hydrogen peroxide, which is known to act as an antiseptic. The acidity of honey also prevents the growth of many bacteria. The pH of honey is commonly between 3.2 and 4.5 which is not desirable for bacteria. What makes Manuka honey so special is that the honey often contains a bonus. With the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties already in the honey, scientists have discovered an additional property unique to the Manuka. The antibacterial and antimicrobial activity seems to be up to 100 times stronger than in other varieties of honey. Researchers have called this the “Unique Manuka Factor” or, UMF. As the UMF is not affected by light and heat it is more stable and therefore more effective. Look for a UMF of 5 or more.

To use: apply manuka honey straight onto the lips throughout the day and especially at night. Because of the antibacterial quality of the honey, any “nasties” that could possible because of cracks in the skin should be greatly reduced.

Steer clear of the following bad sun burn habits! DO NOT:

Pop any blisters that may form. This can be a great porthole for infection.

Coat your skin in anything greasy until the heat has come out of your burn

Ignore any signs of a severe burn (fever, troubles breathing, vomiting). If you have these symptoms, seek attention right away.

Go back out into the sun unless your skin is completely covered.

DO:

Keep hydrated

Stay indoors or fully clothed and out of direct sunlight until the burn has healed

Apply a hydrating moisturizer after the heat is out of your skin. Ones that contain natural coco butter, shea butter and mango with added vitamins will serve your skin best

Apply a manuka mask 2x after the burn has started healing to replenish your skin’s own moisture and to keep it clear of any infection.

Keep up with the routine of your home sun burn remedy to prevent blistering and infection.

Allow your body to shed skin without picking.

Seek medical attention if you are light headed, vomiting, have severe swelling or any other symptoms that are unusual.

Remember to always be careful when out playing in the sun this summer. Use caution when the sun is at the highest peaks (usually between 10-2pm). Nothing can ruin a great beach day, vacation or camping trip faster than painful sunburn. So cover up and keep cool!