Oatmeal, cucumber and honey aren’t just for the dinner plate, as they can also be used in home remedies for painful sunburn relief.
That’s according to experts from money saving website NetVoucherCodes.co.uk who’ve researched and revealed ten of the best natural remedies for sunburn.
When you slip up on SPF protection, the sun can burn really easily, resulting in swollen, red, and sore skin for days at a time.
Fortunately, there are a variety of different ways to nurse a sunburn at home, using things you can already find in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “If you get sunburned, it’s important to remember to drink plenty of fluids and keep out of the sun until the burns have healed.
“If the sunburn blisters, covers a large portion of your body, or is accompanied by a high fever, severe pain, nausea or chills, you should seek medical attention immediately, but for mild sunburns, try these all-natural sun soothers”:
1. Greek yoghurt
Thanks to its lactic acid, Greek yoghurt is considered an anti-inflammatory and can be used to soothe and moisturize sunburned skin. Apply plain, organic Greek yoghurt to the face and body as a mask and rinse after 15 minutes.
2. Aloe Vera
The gel from inside this cactus plant eases discomfort, speeds healing, and moisturises skin. Either split a plant leaf and apply the sap directly to skin or buy pure Aloe Vera gel.
3. Honey
Studies suggest honey may work better than some antibiotic creams at speeding up healing, reducing infection, and minimising pain, and it’s been used as a burn salve since Ancient Egyptian times.
4. Oatmeal
Believe it or not, finely ground oatmeal works as an anti-inflammatory when mixed with bathwater. You can make your own by grinding a cup of instant or slow-cooking oatmeal in a blender or food processor until it has a smooth, fine consistency. Pour into tepid bathwater and soak your burns in it for a short while.
5. Milk
Place a washcloth soaked in cool – not cold – milk on the reddened area to create a protein film that eases discomfort and reduces the heat in the burn.
6. Cucumber
Cucumbers have natural antioxidant and pain-relieving properties. Chill cucumbers, then mash in a blender to create a paste, and apply to affected sunburned areas. This can be used on the face too, and it’s also soothing for peeling skin following a sunburn.
7. Apple cider vinegar
Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a cool bath to help balance the pH (acid or alkalinity) of sunburned skin, alleviate itching, and promote healing.
8. Witch hazel
When applied to the skin three or four times a day for 20 minutes, witch hazel can help reduce inflammation, and can help relieve other sunburn symptoms like pain and itching.
9. Ice
Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies in a soft towel and apply to the burn. Never place ice directly on skin as it can cause frostbite and thus more damage.
10. Coconut oil
Once the initial sunburn has calmed down, coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturiser.
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