Ways to Get Rid of a Sunburn
There are ways to get rid of a sunburn. This is helpful when your skin burns unevenly and leaves unsightly tan lines. Try these instead of bleaching methods.
As we said above, sunburn isn’t aesthetically pleasing but the most important thing here isn’t to recover your natural color. It’s more important to concentrate on effective ways to rehydrate. This is the only way to relieve the burns and even out the tone.
If you have any doubts about how to take care of the skin in these circumstances or other related issues, you can always consult a dermatologist, as Dr. Rocío Gil Redondo states.
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Home remedies to get rid of a sunburn
There are some good home remedies to get rid of a sunburn and even provide relief and moisturize.
Get rid of a sunburn with aloe vera
Aloe vera is widely used for aesthetic and health purposes. This is because its moisturizing properties can provide relief and help get rid of a sunburn.
To use it, just open one of its stalks in half, extract the pulp, rinse it with plenty of water, and then apply the gel on the affected area.
However, you must be consistent in the application of aloe vera for it to provide good results. Be aware that opinions about it are divided and while some generally accept its use in case of first and second degree thermal burns, others recommend avoiding it.
Some people are allergic to aloe vera. Thus, it’s essential to know your type of skin before you use it and any other natural substance to relieve discomfort or treat a burn.
Lemon juice
This is an extremely simple home remedy. Just squeeze a lemon and dilute it in a glass (250 cc) with water. Then, apply the lemon juice with a cotton swab, wiping it gently over the affected area.
You can also use a lemon zest poultice. Of course, it’s best to avoid sun exposure when undergoing treatment with this remedy. This is because it could have the opposite effect and darken the area.
Yogurt and milk
In addition to being an excellent prebiotic, yogurt, as well as milk, can help reduce itching and inflammation. Use the milk in the form of cold compresses. However, take the same precautions as those the previous remedy to prevent further irritation.
Oatmeal
There’s proof for efficacy of oatmeal for the treatment of dermatitis. In fact, it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory so it can sooth and help get rid of a sunburn.
To apply it, make a paste by diluting the oatmeal in cold water. Then, use it as a mask on the affected skin area. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then, wash it off.
Chamomile
This plan might have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and could help treat a sunburn. Make an infusion and let it cool down before gently applying it with a cotton pad.
Papaya
Papain, the natural compound of papaya, has skin regenerating properties, even for burns, according to several studies.
To get rid of a sunburn, make a puree with a ripe papaya and apply it on the affected area. Leave it for ten minutes and then, rinse it.
Egg white
Eggs are high in protein and can help nourish the skin. The preparation and application of an egg white remedy is simple: just beat two or three egg whites until they become foamy. Then, apply the mixture on the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse it with warm water.
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How to care for and get rid of a sunburn
The goal here isn’t to lighten sunburned skin, but to care for and moisturize it to aid in its regeneration. There are several ways to do this.
Using sunscreen
Applying sunscreen daily and touching it up whenever necessary helps prevent sunburn to a great extent and evens your skin tone. Especially during the summer when most of us want to show off an attractive tan.
Moisturizing and hydrating
In addition to applying sunscreen, you should apply a good moisturizing after sun lotion. Not only when you’re sunburnt but on a daily basis.
Additionally, drink enough water daily to remain hydrated. The amount will depend on your thirst. Also, be sure to eat fruits that help you achieve this. Some of the most popular ones for this purpose are watermelon and cantaloupe. But, there are many more to choose from.
Prevention is the key to avoiding sunburned skin lightening
Despite these solutions, it’s important to reiterate that you shouldn’t overly expose yourself to the sun. Did you know that sunscreen is often not enough? This is why you must replenish it throughout the day and use the right SPF for your skin.
Likewise, don’t forget about the other ways to protect your skin from the sun. For example, wear sunglasses, wear a hat, and use a shawl to cover your shoulders, etc. These accessories will help you prevent sunburn.
Sunburns don’t only lead to uneven skin tone but also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Thus, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. There are so many ways to do it these days so, why not take advantage of them?
Never go outside without sunscreen, use an umbrella at the beach or the pool, and wear sunglasses. Prevention is the best remedy.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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- Rodríguez Domínguez, Ileana, Santana Gutiérrez, Odalis, Recio López, Orlando, & Fuentes Naranjo, Marilín. (2006). Beneficios del Aloe Vera l. (sábila) en las afecciones de la piel. Revista Cubana de Enfermería, 22(3) Recuperado en 28 de junio de 2019, de http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03192006000300004&lng=es&tlng=es.
- Suárez, S., & Jazmín, D. (2015). Plan para elaboración y comercialización de una crema corporal aclaradora, que contenga dióxido de titanio y extracto de limón, para mujeres que presenten hiperpigmentación, en la ciudad de Guayaquil (Bachelor’s thesis, Universidad de Guayaquil. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas).
