Fun In The Sun? 8 Home Remedies For Sunburn To Calm Your Overheated Skin

A summer holiday out in the sun sounds like a really good idea. Sipping on cocktails, sand between your toes, wind in your hair, and the sun kissing your cheek seems like the perfect vacation. It can, however, prove to be rather harmful for your skin. When you spend too much time exposed to the sun’s UV rays without protection it can penetrate through your skin and damage it, leading to a sunburn. Thankfully, there are several home remedies for sunburn that can help soothe and calm irritated skin. These remedies can be found in the comfort of your home, and can do wonders to help bring your skin back to normal. So what exactly can one do to combat a sunburn? We break it down for you.

What is Sunburn?

Before looking at how to treat a sunburn, it’s important to understand what exactly it is. As the name suggests, it is a burn caused by exposure to the sun. Sunburn happens when the skin is overexposed to harsh UV light and can often result in inflamed skin that feels hot. 

What Are The Causes of Sunburn?

There is only one cause of sunburn and that is too much exposure to UV light. This could be from natural sources like the sun, or from man-made sources like tanning beds or sun lamps. When understanding the home remedies of sunburn, it is important to identify the difference between the effects of UVA and UVB rays. UVA is what penetrates through the layers of the skin and causes long-term damage. UVB, on the other hand, is what burns the surface of the skin and causes a sunburn. When the UV rays damage your skin cells, your body immediately reacts by increasing blood flow to the impacted areas. This results in inflammation which is commonly called a sunburn.

Symptoms Of Sunburn

What are the symptoms of sunburn? There are many ways in which your immune system reacts when it comes to protecting the impacted area—and this isn’t just limited to the face. Sunburns can span across your scalp, lips, eyes, and even your ears. Some of the sunburn symptoms include:

• Pink or red inflammed skin
• Feels hot to the touch
• Tenderness, itching
• Swelling and pain
• Small blisters
• Headache, fever, or fatigue, depending on the severity of the sunburn

8 Home Remedies For Sunburn

Sunburns usually heal themselves after a couple of days, where the top damaged layer of the skin may start to peel as part of the healing process. But, obviously this process can be rather uncomfortable. During this time, it’s best to reach into home remedies for sunburns that will help soothe and ease the pain, and speed up the healing time.

Aloe Vera Gel

One of the most popular ways to treat a sunburn, aloe vera is the go-to for all things inflammation related. The gel present in the plant has been a medicinal go-to for years now. Cut a small part of the plant and rub the gel present inside it against your skin. This will leave you with almost immediate relief. You can also invest in a pure aloe vera gel skincare product that is equally effective—you can experience all the benefits of aloe vera gel for skin.

Vinegar

While it may seem counterintuitive, vinegar’s acidic content helps prevent your sunburn from getting even more infected. Dilute the vinegar in some water and then dab it on the area with a cotton pad––this’ll prevent the burn from spreading and will also speed up healing.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a great nighttime relaxer, but did you know that it also helps soothe the skin too? Make some chamomile tea, let it cool, and then soak the mix in a cotton pad or a small towel and dab it on the area.

Baking Soda & Oatmeal

Want to cool your sunburnt skin a little? Try adding some baking soda to your cold bath water. You can even throw in some oats, as it helps calm the inflammation and also provides natural hydration. But, remember not to scrub the oats off, as this can be abrasive on your sensitive skin. So just dab yourself dry.

Cold Water

It’s simple and it’s accessible—treating a sunburn with cool water is an immediate way to help soothe the area. This stops the burn from spreading or getting worse. Avoid jumping into chlorinated water, however, as this may actually aggravate the sunburn.

Coconut Oil

This household elixir never ceases to surprise! The benefits of coconut oil for skin have been a go-to for many centuries now. It’s multiple antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe sunburnt skin and is an instant relief for sunburns. Just apply a thin layer of the oil over the affected area and let it work its magic.

Honey

Packed with antibacterial and moisturising properties. The benefits of honey on face work as a great humectant. The moisture present helps nourish the skin, prevent itching, and reduce the inflammation, and its antibacterial properties prevent the inflammation from getting worse.

Cold Milk

When used on a sunburn, cold milk creates a film around it that helps soothe irritation. It also aids in cooling inflammation and protects the skin from any further damage. All you have to do is dip a cloth in milk,dab it, and let it sit for a few minutes. Repeat it all through the day for better and quicker results.

Organic Harvest Recommended Products To Prevent & Treat Sunburn

While home remedies for sunburns are a trusted way to naturally heal your wound, sometimes prevention is key. How can one do this? By investing in some of the best sunscreens for all skin types. Other than that, you can also include ingredients such as vitamin C, eucalyptus, argan oil, in your skincare routine which help fight sun damage and aid in protecting the skin from the harsh effects of UV rays. The benefits of sunscreen, paired with the right kind of skincare routine will help keep that sunburn at bay. Scroll down to see the various skin care products you can incorporate into your skincare routine that will help prevent and treat your sunburn.

1. Organic Harvest Brightening Face Cream: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Rice Water

A brightening face cream that evens out your skin tone and revives your skin’s natural glow. Formulated with acai berry, kakadu plum, and rice water for skin, the mix works together and helps reduce dark spots and discolouration. It allows for skin cell rejuvenation and helps repair your skin from within. It reduces the appearance of acne scars, pigmentation, and sunburns too.

2. Organic Harvest Organic Aloevera Gel With Organic Glycerine

This soothing aloe vera gel for face is formulated with pure aloe vera and glycerine benefits for skin. It helps fight skin dryness, infections, acne marks, and much more. Enriched with glycerine, coconut oil, and castor oil benefits for skin, and it helps remove dead skin cells, promotes blood circulation, treats sunburnt skin, locks in moisture, and adds radiance to the skin. 

3. All Skin SPF 30 Sunscreen: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Chia Seeds

An everyday sunscreen formulated with Kakadu plum, acai berry, and chia seeds, the formula works to protect the skin from UV radiation. It leaves your skin with a smooth matte finish without a white cast. The creamy texture applies smoothly and has a high spectrum SPF that protects your skin instantly. This sunscreen is water-resistant, which mean it won’t wash away with rain or sweat. It contains vitamin C and is a strong antioxidant that helps reverse sun damage. It is the best sunscreen for all skin types. 

4. All Skin SPF 60 Sunscreen: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Chia Seeds

A mix of Kakadu plum, acai berries, and chia seeds for skin, this SPF 60 sunscreen helps fight UVA and UVB exposure. It creates a protective barrier on your skin, and all thanks to its blue light technology, you get protection from radiation emitted by your screens too.

5. All Skin SPF 50 Sunscreen: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Chia Seeds

Say hello to skin-loving ingredients like kakadu plum, acai berry, and chia seeds, all present in this sunscreen. These ingredients work together to soothe, brighten, fight acne, beat pollution, and help reduce the signs of ageing. With an SPF 50 formula, it protects the skin both indoors and outdoors—from your home to the beach, this one protects you all. It is water resistant, which means even if it’s raining or you’re sweating, the sunscreen will not wash away.

6. Oriental Botanics Natures Vitamin C Brightening Sunscreen SPF 50

Oriental Botanic’s Vitamin C Sunscreen with SPF 50 comes backed with kakadu plum and other potent natural ingredients that helps brighten the skin and improves the skin’s texture. The SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection against damage caused by UVA and UVB rays to the skin. It helps protect the skin from tanning, sunburn, and also brightens and helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s the best sunscreen for dry skin too!

Price: 749 INR
Buy link: Natures Vitamin C Brightening Sunscreen SPF 50

7. St Botanica’s Vitamin C SPF 30 Sunscreen Mineral Based & Water Resistant

A vitamin C mineral-based sunscreen that comes with SPF 30 PA+++, it protects your skin from UVA and UVB damage. It has a non-sticky formula that keeps your skin nourished and provides it with high levels of protection. It also helps prevent sunburn, tanning, and photo-ageing of the skin. It’s the best sunscreen for oily skin.

8. St Botanica Eucalyptus Pure Aroma Essential Oil

Reap the eucalyptus oil benefits for skin, with this product that is derived from plant-based ingredients. The oil is great in easing stress and loosening up sore muscles. It comes with medicinal properties and when paired with a face moisturiser, it has many benefits for your skin and hair.

9. St Botanica Moroccan Argan Oil Day Cream With SPF 30

A cream that is perfect for daytime use, the formula is packed with pure and potent natural oils, vitamins, and plant extracts. It helps enhance complexion and minimises skin damage. Formulated with argan oil, shea butter, honey, extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, and comes with a built-in SPF 30 and PA+++. It also contains antioxidant rich extracts of pomegranate, calendula, and watermelon, help neutralise free radical damage.

Price: 899 INR
Buy link: St Botanica Moroccan Argan Oil Day Cream With SPF 30

10. St Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Age Defying & Skin Clearing Moisturizer With SPF 30

A skin brightening Vitamin C, E, and Hyaluronic Acid moisturiser that helps combat the signs of ageing and helps promote glowing skin. With SPF 30, the formula provinces a broad spectrum protection that helps prevent the skin from any sort of sun damage. Enriched with vitamin B5 and E it regulates your skin’s barrier function and helps retain moisture.

Price: 1,299 INR
Buy link: St Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Age Defying & Skin Clearing Moisturizer With SPF 30

11. The Mom’s Co Natural Age Control Day Cream

Formulated with bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and sea buckthorn oil, this day cream is made for mothers out there. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and protects the skin from pollution and UVA induced damage. They hyaluronic acid replenishes lost moisture and stimulates collagen production, and boosts skin firmness.

Price: 699 INR
Buy link: The Mom’s Co Natural Age Control Day Cream

12. The Mom’s Co Natural Daily Sunscreen

A non-sticky, lightweight, mineral sunscreen that absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast, this product contains SPF 45+, PA++++ and provides complete protection against sun damage. It is enriched with 25% zinc oxide and licorice extract that offers broad spectrum protection, prevents redness and dark spots, and fights pigmentation. Non-comedogenic, this sunscreen suits all skin types.

Price: 442 INR
Buy link: The Mom’s Co Natural Daily Sunscreen

Tips to Prevent Sunburn

Want to know how to prevent sunburn? Well the trick is to stay protected. Scroll down for different ways in which you can prevent sunburns from occurring, without having to shield yourself away from the sun.

•  Apply sunscreen after or before moisturiser, even when it is cloudy outside
• Sit in the shaded areas
• Wear clothes that cover your body
• Always wear a hat when you step out of the house
• Wear sunglasses whenever you can to protect your eyes from the sun
• Use a scarf to cover your head and face when you do step in the sun
• Avoid long periods exposed to the sun

FAQs

Is Coconut Oil Good For Sunburn?

Coconut oil is very good for sunburn as it helps hydrate the skin and also acts like an anti-inflammatory, preventing any infection from spreading.

Does Ice Help Sunburn?

Yes, rubbing ice on the face benefits to gain relief from sunburn as it cools and soothes the skin. Make sure to wrap the ice in a light cloth, to prevent it from stinging the burnt area.

Can You Heal A Sunburn In 2 Days?

Healing a sunburn depends entirely on the severity of it. With continuous home remedies and the right care you can treat a sunburn in two days provided it’s mild.

How Do You Fade Sunburn Overnight?

A sunburn takes time to heal and only with proper care and treatment will you be able to return the skin back to its normal state.

Does Sunburn Turn Into Tan?

When your skin experiences extreme sun damage, it can turn into a tan, but that isn’t a guarantee.

How Long Do Sunburns Last?

With proper care, a mild sunburn can last from approximately 3 days to 5 days. If your sunburn is around for more than a week, we recommend visiting a doctor.

Can I Put Vaseline On My Sunburn?

Avoid applying any sort of oil-based product on your sunburn, as this can block the pores and trap the heat and sweat in it resulting in further infection. 

Conclusion

Sitting in the sun for too long can come at the cost of your skin—these home remedies for sunburns are the perfect solution to skin that has spent way too much time in the sun. So the next time you step out, don’t forget to slather on some sunscreen to avoid any damage.

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