How to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast?

After writing about how to get rid of a bruise?, how to get rid of poison ivy?, and home remedies for burns, Here is our next article on how to get rid of sunburn fast? If you are planning to go for a vacation, then remember ‘A vacation is a sunburn at premium prices’. If you see reddish and swollen skin do not panic, it could be a sunburn. Sunburn is inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiations of the sun. This can vary from mild to severe and its extent depends on upon the type of skin and the amount of exposure. It is a very common condition and by trying some homemade remedies you can get rid of sunburn fast.

How Sunburn is Caused?

When your skin is exposed to the sun the skin pigment melanin to a certain extent blocks ultraviolet radiations from penetrating the skin. After repeated exposure to the sun, the skin produces more melanin, which darkens the skin but protects it from further damage. But when this goes too far and the skin cells peel off and die then sunburn is caused. There can be two kinds of sunburn. Minor sunburn which causes slight redness and in some cases blisters and extreme sunburn which can be very painful and require hospital care.

Symptoms of Sunburn:

Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• There is slight redness and tenderness in the skin. Peak redness will take 24 hours.
• Touching or rubbing the skin can cause pain.
• A sunburn victim can become dehydrated as heat triggers fluid loss.
• In severe cases, there may be fever, weakness, chills and vomiting.

Best Remedies to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast

1.) Use The Potato Slices

This starchy vegetable rich in vitamin C will help you to get rid of sunburn fast. It is well known for removing tan, dark spots and blemishes. It soothes the skin.

• Cut a slice of potato.
• Rub that slice on the affected area.
• Alternatively, drop some potato juice on the affected area.
• This will give you a soothing sensation.

2.) Apply The Aloe-Vera Gel

The gel of Aloe-Vera has soothing qualities and has antibacterial properties. The glycoproteins in Aloe-Vera relieve pain and inflammation. It does not contain any oils or elements that clog the pores and irritates the skin. It is a very easy and popular home treatment to get rid of sunburn fast.

• Cut an Aloe Vera leaf.
• Squeeze the leaf and take out the gel with the help of a spoon.
• Apply the gel over the affected area.
• Leave on until dry and absorbed.
• Repeat the process three to four times a day.

3.) Take Help From Yogurt

Calcium, Protein and Zinc present in yogurt help to rejuvenate skin. The lactic acid in it dissolves the dead skin cells. It contains an abundance of probiotics that help heal our skin.

• Take one cup of cold yogurt.
• Apply it on the affected area.
• Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with cold water.

Note: You can mix oil or Aloe-Vera gel for better results. Some of the oils that you can use are lavender, rose and clove bud.

4.) Cucumber Will Help

The antioxidant and analgesic properties of cucumber give instant relief to the scorched skin. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps to get rid of a sunburn fast. It promotes healing and gives relief from discomfort.

• Cut a cold cucumber into slices.
• Place that slice on the affected area.
• You can also extract its juice and mix it with rose water or glycerin, which is good for sunburn on the face.
• Leave until it dries and is absorbed by the skin.
• Rinse it off with cold water.

5.) Apply The Tomato

Plenty of vitamin C and A present in tomato helps to soothe skin. Its beneficial ingredients help to maintain healthy skin. It has antioxidant properties which help to get rid of sunburn.

• Either use the tomato pulp or cut the tomato into slices.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Leave it for 15 minutes.
• Apply it three to four times till the irritation goes away.
• You can also mix tomato juice with curd for better results.

6.) Use The Oatmeal and Honey

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oats make it a perfect remedy for soothing irritated and sunburned skin. The polysaccharides present in oatmeal is beneficial for the skin.

• Grind the oats in a blender until they become powdered.
• Put the oat powder in a bowl and add milk and honey. Instead of milk, you can also use mashed papaya.
• Stir it well. Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Leave it for 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with cold water.

7.) Egg Whites and Orange Juice

The proteins present in an egg white has a property that moisturizes the skin and accelerates the formation of new tissue. It is rich in vitamin A, which helps to lighten a sun tan. Orange is good in vitamin C and contains astringent properties that help to remove the dark patches and get rid of sunburn.

• Crack an egg and separate the egg yolk from egg white.
• Place the egg white in a bowl.
• Mix 2 spoons of orange juice ad stir well.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Apply it for 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with cold water.
• You can also use egg whites with honey to reduce redness and inflammation.

8.) Baking Soda Helps Cure Sunburn

Baking soda can prove to have soothing affects on the sunburned skin due to its alkaline nature. It has antiseptic properties that help to relieve the itchy skin associated with sunburn. It helps lessen swelling on the body associated with sunburn.

• Mix 2 tablespoon of baking soda in your bathtub,
• Soak yourself in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• You can also combine baking soda with vinegar to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area for some time.
• Rinse it off with water.

9.) Cool Milk Compress

Milk compress is one of the simplest and quickest ways to get rid of sunburn. The cooling agents present in milk eases pain and reduces inflammation. It also has some moisturizing properties which are good for the skin.

• Pour some milk in a bowl.
• Add some ice cubes and water to it.
• Soak a cloth in this solution.
• Squeeze the cloth to drain off the liquid.
• Now place the soaked cloth on the affected area for some time.
• Repeat the process three to four times a day.

10.) Combo of Mint and Green Tea

This can be one of the most effective methods to get rid of sunburn. Mint cools naturally and soothes sunburn. The theobromine and tannic acid present in green tea bags help to cure sunburn perfectly. You can also use black tea as it also contains tannic acid.

• Boil water in a pan.
• Add  5 green tea bags in it.
• Add 3 to 4 cups of mint leaves to it.
• Cover it with a lid and leave it for an hour to settle.
• Use a cotton cloth to apply the solution to the affected area.

11.) Witch Hazel Will Help

Treating sunburn with witch hazel prevents the skin peeling and flaking as it contains chemicals like tannins and catechins, which helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. It contains antioxidant compounds which can help you to get rid of sunburn.

• Pour the necessary amount of witch hazel in a bow
• Soak a clean cotton or a cloth in the solution.
• Place it on the sunburned area for about 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with cold water.
• Repeat this process twice or thrice to alleviate pain.

12.) Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is perfect to get rid of Sunburn as it has alkaline properties and prevents any peeling and blistering of the skin. The astringent properties and acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar reduces inflammation and eases the pain.

• Make a vinegar mixture by mixing two parts of cold water and one part of apple cider vinegar.
• Soak a clean cotton cloth in the vinegar mixture.
• Dab it on the sunburned area for 15 minutes.
• Repeat the process until pain diminishes.

13.) Cucumber, Rose Water and Lemon Juice Pack

This is one of the most efficient homemade face masks to get rid of sun tan. The goodness of cucumber and lemon are the two perfect combinations of natural bleaching agents. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid that helps to lighten skin tone. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that neutralizes the damage caused due to sunburn and helps lightening age spots, tan and dark spots. But it is advised to use a sunscreen with higher SPF while using a lemon remedy. Because the acidic nature of the lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to the UV rays of the sun.

14.) Apricots to Remove Suntan

This is another effective remedy to treat sunburn. Yes, apart from being delicious they help soothe your skin from sunburn. All you have to do is peel and mash some apricots. Apply them on the affected area and massage gently with your fingers. Then, wash it off with water after 15 minutes. Make sure you don’t rub the skin with a towel, just pat dry your skin to avoid any skin damage.

15.) Apply The Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is commonly known for its moisturizing and soothing properties that are vital to get rid of sunburn. To try this method, take few drops of coconut oil and rub it on the sunburn area for 2-3 times a day.

Once the initial sunburn gets treated, you can use coconut oil as a skin moisturizer. Make sure that you do not use coconut oil as sunscreen. Coconut oil does not work as a SPF or provide any UV protection, so you are more liable to get sunburned if you use coconut oil instead of sunblock with SPF.

16.) Use Green Tea Bags

The tannic acid present in green tea makes it a perfect remedy to cure sunburn fast. Green tea also reduces the redness caused by the ultraviolet radiations. The best thing about this remedy is that it has no side effects.

• Boil a bowl of water and soak some green tea bags in it.
• After 5 to 10 minutes strain the solution.
• After it cools down, soak a cloth in this solution.
• Squeeze the cloth and place it on the damaged skin.
• Repeat this remedy twice a day to heal sunburn fast.

17.) Use The Lettuce Leaves

This nourishing vegetable is surely going to heal your sunburn fast. It reduces the itch that is caused by sunburn. Sunburn causes lot of pain and inflammation, which can be easily reduced with this cool vegetable.

• Soak 10 to 15 leaves of lettuce in an ice bucket.
• Leave it there for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Now, keep these lettuce leaves on the damaged skin.
• Do this atleast 5 to 6 times to get relief.

18.) Make Your Own Sunburn Cream

This cream will contain all those ingredients that are beneficial in treating your sunburn. It contains Aloe Vera, mint leaves, witch hazel and baking soda. All of these contains magical properties which will speed up the healing process

• Take a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of water.
• Mix one tablespoon each of witch hazel and Aloe Vera gel.
• Allow the mixture to infuse.
• After 2 hours, add 2 cups of crushed mint leaves and 4 teaspoons of baking soda.
• Store this cream in a tight fitting jar.
• Keep the jar in a cool dark place and allow it to infuse for the next 24 hours.
• Now, you can easily apply this cream anytime.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Sunburn:

• Avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm).
• Drink lots of water and cover yourself while going out.
• Apply a sunscreen that contains SPF (sun protection factor).
• Consume more vitamin D as it  helps you to protect from ultraviolet radiations of the sun.
• Apply coconut oil on the skin. It has antioxidant properties, which bolster natural defenses and prevents damage from long-term sun exposure.
• Avoid using petroleum jelly on the skin, as it will worsen the problem.
• Do not scrub your skin harshly.
• Avoid usage of Benzocaine and Lidocaine.