Sun tan isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be painful and irritating. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make your sunburn feel better without paying extra money to go to the doctor or buying over-the-counter medication (that likely includes chemicals you don’t want on your skin). Check out this list of 10 effective home remedies for sun tanning to find some natural ways to make the pain go away. Here we are going to discuss some Home Remedies for a Sun Tanning.
Aloe Vera – The Master of Sunburns
Aloe vera contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help it soothe your sunburn and reduce redness. Not only is aloe vera great for treating existing burns, but you can also apply it before going out to help prevent them from occurring. Aloe veras are readily available at drug stores or health food stores – use them liberally!
Green Tea – Helps Reduce Sun Tanning
As an antioxidant, green tea can reduce redness and swell in sunburned skin. Steep 1/2 cup of green tea and cool it down to room temperature. Strain out any clumps, add ice and apply directly to burned areas. To reap the benefits of antioxidants and reduce inflammation, drink 2-3 cups daily while sunbathing. A side note: taking aspirin or ibuprofen before going into UV rays will reduce your body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from sunlight.
Coconut oil – Protects Sun Tanning
Applying coconut oil directly to your skin can help prevent peeling and blistering. Be sure to reapply frequently, as it will wear off after about two hours. Coconut oil has moisturizing properties that make it ideal for use on dry skin, and its low molecular weight means it penetrates the upper layer of your skin quickly without clogging pores.
Raw Milk – Helps Repair Tanned Skin
If you’ve ever suffered from severe sunburn, you know just how painful it can be. It’s important to treat your skin with soothing lotions and creams, but what if you could get those results faster by using remedies that were already in your fridge? Raw milk is one of nature’s best cures for damaged skin thanks to its high levels of lactic acid, which helps speed healing when applied directly to a burn.
Baking Soda/Salt – Heals While You Sleep
Baking soda and salt together can soothe pain from sunburn and ease your healing process. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of salt, apply to skin, and leave on overnight.
Lemon Juice – Anti-Inflammatory Properties
When you’re splashing around in chlorine or saltwater, it’s easy to get sunburnt. Applying lemon juice (or any citrus fruit) directly to your skin is a quick way to soothe an existing burn and reduce inflammation. The citric acid can even help eliminate any bacteria on your skin, which means less chance of infection. But don’t use lemon juice on sensitive skin or open wounds—it will sting!
Yogurt/Milk – Speeds Up Healing Time
Yogurt/milk is great in helping to speed up your healing time. It contains lactic acid which gives you relief from swelling and itching. Apply yogurt/milk to the affected area and you’ll start to feel better right away. For best results, apply yogurt/milk immediately after sun exposure or after showering.
Grapeseed Oil – Fights Free Radicals From UV Rays
Pour grapeseed oil on sunburned skin, and you will notice your skin will become less irritated. The antioxidants in grapeseed oil help fight free radicals caused by UV rays. For best results, leave it on your skin overnight or all day until it dries completely. This remedy is especially effective when combined with aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil.
Turmeric – Natural Analgesic
Turmeric contains ingredients called curcuminoids, which are anti-inflammatory compounds. Take 1/2 tsp of turmeric with 1/4 cup coconut milk or water. Consume several times a day to treat sunburn pain. If you have allergies to spice, try black pepper instead of turmeric and add honey to the taste. Both help reduce inflammation and pain.
Glycerin, Water, and Salt
Mix 2 teaspoons of glycerin, 3 tablespoons of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt together. Spray onto irritated skin to relieve pain and rehydrate dry skin.