Cool bath and aloe vera are both natural sunburn relief options. Which one is better? Are these the only natural treatments to relieve sunburn? Let’s find out here.
Sunburn Relief: What to Do?
The best way to handle your sunburn is to prevent it from happening by applying a broad spectrum SPF of at least 15. You should apply it every two to three hours. However, if you have already developed it, there are several natural treatment options you can do.
Soaking in a Cool Bath
When you have sunburned skin, the skin becomes hot and painful. The best way to cool it down is to apply a water compress or soak yourself in a cool bath. Opt to add a quart of milk to the bath. This will help in coating the skin with a layer of protein. After soaking, don’t rinse the milk. Soak your towel in cold water and drape it over the affected areas.
Applying Soothing Aloe Vera Gel
It’s the most popular sunburn relief. Aloe vera cools down the affected area and soothes it. It’s also helpful in reducing inflammation. You can buy aloe vera gel from the nearest drugstore. However, if you have an aloe vera plant in your garden, you can extract its gel and apply it directly to the burned skin.
Leaving Blisters Alone
Whatever you do, you must not peel off the blisters. According to My Health, “Small blisters usually heal on their own. Do not try to break the blisters. Just leave them alone. Do not cover the blisters unless something such as clothing is rubbing against them.”
Hydrating Your Body
Your body loses a lot of water through sunburned skin. Burned skin is one of the signs of dehydration. Keep in mind that dehydration can cause fatigue, nausea, and headache. If you’re experiencing that while enduring the pain from sunburned skin, then it’s a clear sign you’re getting dehydrated. Thus, you must drink a lot of fluids. This can help in allowing your body to heal itself.
Applying Sunscreen Before Heading Out
There’s not much you can do about your sunburned skin. As long as you have applied soothing aloe vera and you are drinking a lot of water, your body will start to heal itself. However, it can take a while before the blisters are gone. While the skin is healing, make sure to avoid wearing clothes that irritate the blisters. Don’t expose yourself to direct sunlight, unless unavoidable.
The Use of Good Sunscreen
There are many sunscreen options available on the market. Thus, there’s no excuse for you not to use one. But remember that sunscreen is just a part of a program. In addition to sunscreen, you also need to wear hats and sunglasses. Then, seek shade when possible. Avoid the sun when the rays are at their most powerful.