NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SUNBURNS

Sunburns are the worst. We’ve all experienced that moment when fun in the summer sun quickly turns to extreme discomfort, pain, inflammation, swelling, intense heat, redness, blistering (in the most severe cases), and eventual skin peeling. Sunburns are quite literally radiation burns since UV (Ultraviolet) rays are actually a form of radiation, and they need to be treated seriously and promptly. Here are my Natural Sunburn Remedies that actually really do work for fast sunburn relief.

Fresh Cucumber Compress

Fresh cucumber is loaded in cooling natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants and feels very cooling and soothing on sunburned skin. Take a whole cucumber from the refrigerator, and cut into slices. Place the cucumber slices in the freezer for 5-10 minutes and apply directly onto sunburned skin. Alternatively, you can puree the cool cucumber and create a compress using the pureed flesh from the cucumber, or soak a cloth in the cool cucumber juice and apply directly to your sunburn.

Calendula Healing Oil-make it at home easy recipe

Calendula is an incredible plant that is scientifically proven and medically demonstrated for treating damaged, wounded and inflamed skin. Calendula Oil added topically to a sunburn will immediately provide pain relief because of its analgesic properties, and its potent anti-inflammatory benefits will calm, soothe and reduce the heat, redness and inflammation of sunburn. You can make your own calendula oil by taking dry calendula and infuse them in organic olive oil or grapeseed oil. For better results blend dry calendula and add 2-5 ml alcohol that would allow faster and more effective release of calendula healing properties. Keep it overnight and the next day add olive oil or grapeseed oil. Blend it. Keep for 3-4 weeks and strain it. You have a miracle sunburn remedy! Have a bottle on-hand all summer long to treat everything from sunburns, insect bites and stings, cuts and scratches, and even skin rashes.

Aloe Vera

The gel of this plant soothes, moisturizes, and heals burned skin. If you have an aloe plant in your home, simply break off a leaf and apply the juice and pulp from the inner aloe vera leaf. Drug store version of aloe vera gel often loaded in alcohol, artificial colors and fragrances and other additives. If you can find pure, organic aloe vera gel or juice without any additives (try whole foods or healthy planet) that would be a great substitute for the whole plant and also due to small addition of vitamin C will allow for longer shelf life. Store your aloe gel or juice in the fridge so it is cool to apply to sunburns, and it also promotes a longer shelf-life.

Oatmeal bath

Try an oatmeal bath by placing 1-2 cups finely ground oatmeal into an old sock, tying it off, and soaking with it in tepid bath water for 15-30 minutes. Baking soda is another option. Pour 1-2 cups baking soda into a tepid bath and soak for 30 minutes.