In Australia, it seems like summer is just around the corner. So it’s better to be ready than to look like a well-roasted ham when the sunny days do roll around.
Whether you were careless and got burned while lying out at the beach, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement and forgot to put sunscreen on your kids’ faces, we’ve all been there.
A sunburn can be incredibly frustrating – not to mention painful.
But before you run off to buy aloe vera gel (which is a great idea, by the way), check out these 10 soothing ways to keep your pesky sunburn at bay. From ice baths to honey remedies, we’ve got you covered. So take a deep breath and relax – your sunburn doesn’t have to ruin your summer.
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Why Protect Your Skin Against The Sun?
Because your skin plays such a vital part in defending the rest of your body, you should do all you can to maintain it in good condition. Taking these measures will reduce your risk of contracting an illness or injuring your bones, muscles, or major organs.
Your skin’s ability to produce vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining bone health, is enhanced by sun exposure. Your mood and your ability to maintain a regular sleep cycle may both benefit from exposure to sunlight. However, too much exposure to the sun may cause sunburn and other types of damage that are invisible to the naked eye.
It is not the sunlight that you are directly exposed to that causes damage to your skin. UV, commonly known as ultraviolet light, is produced by the sun, although it is invisible to the human eye. There are types of UV radiation that might cause harm by penetrating deeply into the skin. An overexposure to the sun might cause your skin to have difficulties regenerating itself, which can result in an older-looking appearance. Excessive time spent in the sun has been linked to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Ways to remedy that painful sunburn
Summertime is the nicest of all seasons but it can be really damaging to the skin and hair— causing sunburn. Here are some surefire hacks we have gathered to remedy that painful sunburn:
1) Bring a spray bottle that contains equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar.
Sunburnt skin can be very tender. The antiseptic properties of apple cider vinegar could lessen inflammation and soothe your skin.
2) Cold compress sunburn with aloe.
Take some stalks from your aloe plant (they’ll grow back fast!) or purchase a bottle of aloe gel, put them in your ice cube tray, put them inside the freezer, and voila! instant cold aloe salve.
3) Sprinkle your sheets with cornstarch.
The powder is known to minimize friction and pain while your sunburnt skin is touching your sheets.
4) Use yogurt as a skin balm.
Let a thin layer of cold, unflavored yogurt sit on your sunburnt skin for ten or so minutes, and wipe it off with a damp towel after.
5) Bathe in your oatmeal.
Uh, this article kinda sounds like a recipe already, but it really works! Put some of your breakfast oats inside the food processor and sprinkle them into your warm bath water before you get in. Baking soda works too!
6) Be cool as a cucumber.
Put sliced or blended cucumber on your swelling skin. Also, drink some cucumber smoothie while you’re at it.
7) Gently apply your favorite after-sun lotion.
There are so many fantastic sun lotions out there these days, so pick one that you’ve heard good things about and use liberally!
8) Take ibuprofen or aspirin.
Only do this if you’re really struggling, as it’s not good to over-medicate with painkillers, but it can be necessary.
9) Drink lots of water.
Uhh, you and your skin are dehydrated, remember?
10) Wear loose, flowy clothes.
Make sure it’s cotton. Let your skin breathe, will ya?
Don’t let the sunny weather you down, okay? *Pun intended*
If you’ve been out in the sun a little too long and ended up with a nasty sunburn, never fear! There are plenty of ways to soothe your skin and help it heal. From cooling gels and lotions to soothing baths, here are ten ways to help ease the pain and discomfort of a sunburn.
Do you have any tips for avoiding getting burnt in the first place?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of warm sun on your skin after a long winter. However, it’s important to take precautions to avoid getting sunburn. One of the best ways to prevent sunburn is to wear sunscreen.
Make sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Another good tip is to limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours when the UV rays are strongest.
If you can’t avoid being in the sun for an extended period of time, be sure to take breaks in the shade and protect any exposed skin with clothing or a hat. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting a painful sunburn.