Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies to soothe it and speed healing. From aloe vera and natural yogurt to homemade solutions like baking soda and black tea, you'll discover a range of options to quickly soothe your skin. This guide also offers some great tips for effectively treating sunburn. Get ready to turn your tan into a real skin treatment.
Understanding Sunburn
Sunburn is more than just redness of the skin. It's a burn caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The severity of a sunburn can vary, from mild redness to blisters that require medical attention. Typical symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, and, in some cases, itching.
It is crucial to understand that every sunburn can increase the risk of serious skin problems, such as skin cancer , in the long term.
Sunburn is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA caused by UV rays. In response to this damage, the body increases production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, making the skin darker.
Identify the symptoms of sunburn
Recognizing the symptoms of sunburn is the first step toward proper treatment. The most common signs include redness of the skin, a feeling of warmth to the touch, and pain of varying intensity depending on the severity of the sunburn. Sometimes, blisters may appear on the affected area. The skin may also begin to peel after a few days; this is a normal healing process. In some cases, itching may occur. More general symptoms such as fatigue , headache , or fever may indicate severe sunburn.
The Dangers of Untreated Sunburn
The dangers of untreated sunburn are numerous and can have serious consequences for skin health. First, an untreated sunburn can lead to severe dehydration . In an attempt to repair itself, the skin draws on the body's water reserves, which can lead to dehydration if not replenished.
Additionally, prolonged and repeated exposure to UVB rays from the sun can damage the DNA of skin cells and increase the risk of developing skin cancer in the long term. This is why it is essential to treat sunburn promptly.
Finally, severe sunburn, characterized by blisters and widespread redness, can lead to infections if not properly treated. Blisters create a gap in the skin's protective barrier, allowing bacteria to penetrate.
How to quickly treat a bad sunburn
To quickly treat a severe sunburn, the first step is to cool the skin. To do this, take cool baths or showers . Avoid water that is too cold, which can cause thermal shock. Then, apply cold compresses to the burned skin.
Use natural remedies such as aloe vera gel which is known for its soothing and healing properties .
Another effective remedy: apple cider vinegar . Dilute it in water and apply it with a clean cloth. Its antiseptic properties will help prevent infections and relieve pain.
Remember to drink plenty of water to help your body recover and avoid dehydration.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.
The role of yogurt in treating sunburn
Plain yogurt appears to be a valuable ally in treating sunburn. Rich in lactic ferments , its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin irritated by UV rays. It is recommended to apply a thick layer of yogurt to the affected area to calm the skin's overheating.
Yogurt is also appreciated for its freshness , which provides immediate relief. The proteins it contains help reduce the pain felt.
It's worth noting, however, that yogurt doesn't actually treat sunburn. Its main role is to provide temporary relief from the burn. Therefore, it's important not to neglect other essential skincare steps, such as moisturizing your skin and body.
To use it, simply spread plain yogurt on the affected skin and leave it on for about fifteen minutes before rinsing with warm water. It's a simple remedy that can be repeated several times a day as needed.
Applying tomatoes to soothe the skin
Tomatoes are a natural solution for soothing skin after sunburn. Rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, they promote the regeneration of damaged skin . Their high water content provides much-needed hydration to relieve the dryness caused by the burn.
To use it, simply slice a fresh tomato and apply it directly to the affected skin. Chilling the tomato in the refrigerator before applying can increase the soothing effect. Leave the slices on the skin for a few minutes.
However, it should be noted that tomatoes, while effective in soothing the skin, are not a substitute for medical treatment in cases of severe sunburn. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional in such cases.
Is honey good for sunburn?
Honey , in addition to its many health benefits, is also an excellent remedy for sunburn . Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and redness caused by sunburn. Honey also acts as a natural moisturizer, helping the skin recover faster.
It is recommended to apply a thin layer of honey directly to the affected area, then let it dry for about 20 minutes before rinsing with cold water. It is best to use raw, unprocessed honey to maximize its benefits.
It should be noted, however, that while honey can help relieve the symptoms of sunburn, it is not a substitute for medical treatment for severe burns.
Natural remedies to relieve sunburn on the face
How to make a sunburn on your nose go away
To soothe a sunburned nose, there are several natural remedies available. Applying cold cucumber slices can soothe redness and pain. This vegetable is 95% water, giving it hydrating and soothing properties.
Calendula oil , known for its anti-inflammatory properties, may also be beneficial. Apply it to the affected area to speed healing.
Aloe vera gel is another effective remedy, known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Apply it to your nose to soothe the burn and promote skin repair.
- Cucumber : Apply slices to the sunburn
- Calendula oil : Gently massage onto the sunburn
- Aloe vera : apply the gel directly to the sunburn
These remedies can be used several times a day until symptoms improve. However, they are not a substitute for medical advice in cases of severe sunburn.
Relieve Sunburn on the Face with Home Remedies
To relieve sunburn on the face with home remedies , there are several solutions available to you.
Sunburn remedies :
- Apple cider vinegar , thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, can be applied as a compress to soothe pain.
- Baking soda , mixed with water to create a paste, can also be used to calm inflammation and promote skin healing.
- Finally, Roman chamomile , known for its soothing properties, can be used in the form of an infusion to be applied as compresses on the face.
These remedies do not preclude the need to consult a health professional in the event of severe sunburn.
You can also use Time To Detox Balm, 100% natural origin, based on aloe vera, which is used as an after-sun cream. It can help relieve burns: Time To Detox Soothing Balm .
Can you put moisturizer on sunburn?
Applying moisturizer to sunburn can help soothe dry, irritated skin. It helps restore moisture to the skin, soothe tightness, and promote skin regeneration.
However, some precautions should be taken:
- Make sure the cream does not contain irritating ingredients or fragrances that could worsen inflammation.
- If your skin has blisters, it is best to consult a doctor before applying moisturizer.
At Demain®, you can moisturize your skin with the 100% natural origin Go For Protection moisturizing treatment .
It's worth remembering that moisturizer won't cure sunburn, but it can help relieve some symptoms.