Summer is finally here — and if you’re a fan of the heat, humidity, beach, and outdoor picnics, I bet you’re thrilled the season is finally here. I, personally, don’t care for the sun because — well, wrinkles, but if you’re careful with sunscreen that’s not a problem. I know that even the most diligent sunscreen-wearers can forget to cover a spot here or there or maybe the UV rays were a little more crazy than usual. First your skin looks a little more red than usual and then that redness turns to “oh, I am never going to be able to wear a shirt again or sleep oh, the pain”.
If you’ve been in the sun a little too long and are looking for some relief from your sunburn, there are some items at home you can turn to that will ease the fire-feeling on your skin and allow you to comfortably get dressed for work. So, after taking a little ibuprofen for the swelling, test out any of these home remedies to see which one works best for you.
1. Aloe vera
The aloe vera plant has super powers with the gooey inside being a great soother of skin. Cut open a bit of the plant and rub the inside onto your sunburned skin. The cool gooey stuff will help reduce some swelling and ease that fiery feeling you’ve got.
2. Cornstarch
Take some cornstarch and mix with some water to make it into a paste. Take that paste and cover your sunburn and let it dry. It’s going to feel weird like a mud mask, but it will take the pain away and you’ll love it.
3. Black tea
If you have a really bad sunburn and you have no idea how you’re going to be able to function, here’s the best trick: fill the bathtub with warm water and place 4-5 black tea bags into the water. Lay in it. Yes it’s weird, but I swear to you it works miracles. Also, get some tub cleaner cause the tea will stain a bit.
4. Cucumbers
There’s a reason you see ladies in old photos with cucumber slices on their eyes — the coolness of the cucumber and the properties in it help make it the perfect skin and body conforming ice pack.
5. Witch hazel
This stuff is not only useful for hemorrhoids, but will work wonders on your inflamed, red sunburn as well. Take some witch hazel and pour into cotton pads. Dab your burn with a good amount and feel the fire die down and the witch hazel work the magic.
6. Breast milk
Not kidding. If you know someone who is lactating, get a hold of some breast milk and cover your burn with some. It’s a miracle worker and the antibodies will protect from infection and soothe the swelling and pain.
Photo credit: adapted from camerakarrie | Flickr