You spent too much time in the sun and now you have a sunburn. These 7 all-natural remedies for sunburn relief will help to ease the pain and redness. Plus you will make Grandma proud for using homemade remedies to relieve your sunburn!
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7 All-Natural Remedies for Sunburn Relief
As a pasty white freckled cancer survivin’ redhead, I have a love-hate relationship with the sun. I love all of the health benefits that the Sunshine Vitamin (Vitamin D) provides, but I’m not a fan of getting sunburned and the risk of skin cancer. I’ve learned from a very young age to take precautions when out in the sun.
Depending on the time and day, if I’m going to be outside for less than 10-15 minutes, I typically go au-naturale to let that Vitamin D sink in. Anything longer than that, I lather up and spray on my favorite all-natural and mineral-based sunscreen. I love being out in the sun. My body needs its Vit-D. I don’t want to get skin cancer. So it’s a delicate balance, and I’ve managed to dial it in to that happy Goldilocks state.
But mistakes and misjudgments do happen. I’m not perfect. And case in point, we had a little situation the other day, which prompted the research for this article about remedies for sunburn relief.
I had just started swimming laps again, and I knew I wasn’t going to be in the pool very long. I always have my sunscreen in my bag just in case. When I got to the pool, the swim team was practicing in the lap lanes. My bad for not checking the schedule. So I ventured into the main pool to swim laps in the one little kinda sorta lane they had carved out. I swam one lap and saw a friend on the other side.
We started talking. And talking. And I lost track of time. 100% bad judgment. I could feel my shoulders getting warm and I did spray before I jumped back into the lap pool (swim practice was looong over by then). But it was too late. The damage was done. Fortunately, it was in that gray area of more than a suntan but less than a sunburn, but I still wasn’t pleased with my lack of prevention.
So basically what I’m saying is that if you are reading this article, it’s probably because you got a little sunburned. This is a ZERO JUDGMENT ZONE. It’s all good.
To Sunscreen or Not to Sunscreen
Before I get into the remedies, I did want to touch on the controversy of… the sun causes skin cancer. Sunscreen prevents skin cancer. But… the sun is good for you, and certain types of sunscreen may cause skin cancer. I’ve researched the studies and dissected them for you in the article Is Your Sunscreen Causing Skin Cancer Instead of Preventing It? You will be shocked to learn the results.
Psst… wanna know which skin care ingredients are toxic, hormone disruptors, and carcinogens? Click below…
How Can I Stay Safe in the Sun?
How can you stay safe in the sun? My recommendation is common sense and moderation. Enjoy the sun during the morning or late afternoon. When you are out in the middle of the day, wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and find shade. When it comes to sunscreen, be an educated consumer, know your level of risk, and read labels. By all means, don’t get burned, and NEVER use tanning beds!
When I am out for prolonged periods of time, I use Beautycounter CounterSun sunscreen and protect myself from burning as much as possible by wearing a hat or sitting in the shade. Sunshine makes me happy.
All-Natural Remedies for Sunburn Relief
If you do find yourself in a situation where you need some all-natural remedies for sunburn relief, here are 7 great options. First and foremost, you will want to hydrate. Drink plenty of water, and you can even apply a cool compress on the site.
Aloe Vera
My #1 go-to is Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and acts as a natural moisturizer which helps to reduce the sunburn and redness. The plant is always your best option (cut off a piece and use the gel) or if you don’t have a plant available, then use a store-bought gel which has more natural ingredients.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Place an equal amount of ACV and water into a cup. Use a washcloth and apply the mixture to the sunburn. Don’t use ACV neat as it can irritate your skin.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain a lot of water and also have a cooling effect. Slice them up and place on your sunburn. Be sure to change often and don’t use the same slice twice to prevent infection.
Green Tea
Brew some green tea and let it cool in the fridge. Use a washcloth and apply the cooled green tea to your sunburn.
Lavender Essential Oil
If you use this Linen Spray for your sheets, you can also grab it to use on your sunburn. Fill a small spray bottle about 85% with water, and add 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil per ounce. Spray on your sunburn.
Oatmeal Bath
Use one cup of oatmeal in your cool tub of water and soak. While this one will make Grandma proud, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, if you have any kind of gluten sensitivity, ensure that you are using certified gluten-free oatmeal. Second, be sure to wipe the tub afterward. Dried oatmeal is not fun to clean up.
Witch Hazel
I swear you can use Witch Hazel for anything and everything. You can use it neat but start with a small area to ensure there isn’t a reaction. Otherwise, you can dilute it 50-50 with water to help with sunburn relief.
It’s Also Good to Note
It’s also good to note to practice common sense when you get a burn. Don’t go back out into the sun, don’t pop the blisters, and wear loose-fitting clothing.
More Great Resources You Will Love
Is Your Sunscreen Causing Skin Cancer Instead of Preventing It?
Are you Inspired?
Get Your FREE List of Toxic Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid!
Love, hugs, and cooling off.
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