5 Ways to Get Rid of Sunburn

We all love a good beach trip, be it a solo trip or with loved ones. But these trips can easily turn sour if you forget to pack one of the biggest essentials aka your SPF sunscreen. If you’re struggling with a bad sunburn, here are five ways to get rid of it and take better care of your skin.

Cold showers

The quickest way to get rid of the discomfort is by jumping into a cold shower. The cool water will feel great and reduce inflammation, making the skin look less red. Hot water can actually irritate your skin further, so a cool shower can significantly help. 

Once you’re finished, gently pat your skin with a towel and avoid rubbing the burn. This will worsen the inflammation and cause more discomfort. 

Cold compress

If there are no showers nearby, use a wet towel and wrap an ice pack around the burn. This can help you absorb some of the heat from the skin while also constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling.

It’s even possible to use ice-cold water. Fill a bowl halfway with water and ice, then soak a cloth in the liquid and put it over the burn. The fabric will eventually warm up so feel free to repeat the procedure every few minutes. You can also leave a towel in the freezer for a few hours to use as a cold compress later on.

Aloe Vera

Using aloe is best for instant pain relief because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a coat of pure gel derived from the interior of an aloe vera leaf several times a day if you have an aloe vera plant at home.

It was also found to be most effective when it is purely aloe vera and kept chilled. If you can’t find a herb, look for a 100% aloe vera gel that’s available online or in a nearby pharmacy. Apply a thin film of the gel to the burn.

Oatmeal Bath

If you’re looking for a more natural and soothing remedy, try an oatmeal bath. These oats will retain a lot of moisture and pass it to your skin, making dry, flaky skin less bothersome.

Pour your homemade oatmeal into a tub of flowing warm water and mix. Feel for lumps around the tub’s bottom and split up those you spot. You can also make an oatmeal paste. Grind 1/2 cup of oats in a food processor then combine it with 1/4 cup milk and a few tablespoons of honey then leave it on your skin for 20 minutes.

No harsh skincare

If you have a sunburn on your skin, avoid using exfoliators, toners, face masks, acne remedies, or anti-aging items until the sunburn heals. Sun exposure will make your skin super vulnerable even to your everyday products. Keep a skincare kit that’s safe for you to use at all times. And take note that numbing ingredients could worsen sunburns.

You should also drink plenty of water if you have a sunburn to ensure that your skin is healthy and hydrated. This can help your sunburn heal faster and ease your discomfort a lot quicker. And don’t forget, wide brim hats and sunscreen are your two best friends for your next trip!