Despite all your efforts to apply and reapply sunscreen, a great day at the beach is likely to turn into a not-so-great day for your skin when you reach home and see bright red, burnt skin from sunburn damage.
Unfortunately, there is no magical treatment to reverse the damage. However, you surely can take some steps to help your skin recover quicker.
Here are five effective natural healing remedies that will help soothe your skin and relieve the discomfort.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves three functions:
- It revitalizes your skin by promoting the growth of new, healthy cells.
- It works against premature skin aging by fighting free radicals that can cause collagen damage.
- It inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays a role in the production of the pigment melanin, which darkens your skin.
Since sun exposure increases the presence of free radicals, vitamin C can protect the collagen from damaging with its antioxidant properties. To help fight skin discoloration and damage from the sun, consider using a lotion or serum that contains vitamin C. Moreover, eating at least one vitamin C rich food, like oranges, kiwi, or kale every day will further help accelerate the recovery process.
2. Lemon juice
When life gives you lemons, use them as a healing remedy for sunburn damage!
Since lemon juice contains citric acid that promotes cell production and rejuvenation, it serves as an excellent natural remedy for sunburn damage on your entire body.
All you need to do is dip a cotton swab in the lemon juice, dab it onto the affected areas of your skin, and leave it on for no more than 30 minutes. Then use warm water to wash it off and rehydrate your skin by moisturizing it.
If you feel burning or irritation after application, consider it as a sign that you are overdoing it. Never leave the juice on for more than 30 minutes, as it will damage your skin instead of heal it.
3. Coconut oil
The fact that coconut oil is packed with fatty acids and vitamin E makes it a holy grail product! The fatty acids act as a natural moisturizer to nourish the skin, and the vitamin E reduces the inflammation caused by UVA and UVB rays as a natural antioxidant.
Coconut oil is typically solid at room temperature but it can be converted into a liquid by melting it in a microwave or on a stovetop – sometimes even your body heat is enough to do the job! In this way, it can be used as a super hydrating, wonderfully-smelling moisturizer.
Simply use a spoon or your fingers to extract a small amount of coconut oil and massage it on the sun damaged skin areas. Consider applying it three times a day for best results. Within a few days, you will see a noticeable change in both your skin tone and complexion.
4. Cucumbers
The antioxidant and analgesic properties found in cucumbers can help heal the sunburn damage. Enjoy the benefits by mashing chilled cucumbers in a blender to create a paste, and then apply it to the affected skin areas. If you find your skin peeling off a little post sunburn, cucumbers can be your escape!
5. A cool shower
Sunburns often bring redness and swelling, which can be really uncomfortable. A cool shower, in this case, will help soothe your skin by reducing inflammation. It is crucial to not use hot water, as it can dry out your skin.
Consider taking an oatmeal bath, or add lavender or chamomile essential oil to relieve some pain and stinging. Adding 2 cups of baking soda can also help reduce irritation and redness caused by sunburn.
The next time you go out on a beach, make sure you do not regret it later by using these amazing natural healing remedies for sunburn damage – your skin will be all glowy and healthy in no time!
