The importance of getting out in the sun to soak up the rays goes far beyond that beautiful, healthy glow. Sometimes that “glow” can become way more than you bargained for. Vitamin D is important, but you need to avoid the damage of a sunburn. There are some great, natural sunscreen options to use when you’re planning to spend more time outside. Sometimes the time outdoors gets longer, our sunscreen application fails us, or there is no shade. If it’s too late, and you feel the tightness of a sunburn setting in, there are some ways to soothe your sunburn naturally.
Natural Tips to Soothe Your Sunburn
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for healing cuts and burns, and it can be very helpful for relieving sunburns too. ACV restores the skin’s PH and helps reduce inflammation. Put a 50/50 ratio of ACV and water in a bowl to apply with a washcloth or in a spray bottle to make it easier. Store the spray bottle in the refrigerator for extra cooling!
Silver Gel
Another great natural remedy for sunburns is silver gel. It is very soothing and healing for the skin. A Wellness Way favorite is ACS Silver Gel at the first sign of sunburn. We often use this in combination with coconut oil for its hydrating components.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is very nourishing to the skin because it’s full of nutrients and antioxidants. It’s moisturizing, antibacterial, and will help fight wrinkles along with sun damage. Your skin will love soaking up the moisture! Be sure to use organic, cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil. The picture below shows the first day of a sunburn. The bottom image shows the healing results after applying silver gel and coconut oil for three days.
Aloe
Aloe has 75 active components, including antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients that help skin heal. That’s why this has been a go-to for thousands of years. It’s best right from the plant, and it’s really easy to grow, so you’ll always have some on hand. If you have to buy some, make sure it’s organic and doesn’t have any preservatives.
Drink Up!
Your skin needs to stay hydrated from the inside out while you are healing. Drink lots of water. You can also add some aloe juice for additional benefits. Aloe is not only hydrating, but it also has some great electrolyte minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium. Be sure to stay away from sugary, non-nourishing beverages.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree are very healing for a sunburn. Add them to a spray bottle of aloe juice or the 50/50 ACV blend mentioned above to boost your relief.
Nourish Your Skin From The Inside Out
Studies support the fact that diet impacts skin health, and not just in the ways of acne, eczema, and other reactions, but in the risk of skin cancer as well. Eating a nourishing, organic, whole-food diet and will help in maintaining your largest organ, your skin!
Inflammatory foods like sugar, wheat, soy, and dairy are going to make your inflamed skin feel even worse. Swap those foods for anti-inflammatory foods like blueberries, strawberries, salmon, watermelon, sweet potatoes, and green tea. Anti-inflammatory foods that are full of antioxidants and omega 3’s will help you heal faster. Remember, though, that even healthy foods can be inflammatory if they are on your allergy list!
Prevention Is Key
Avoiding a sunburn is always better than helping one heal. Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin D by getting a safe amount of sun and using a quality supplement. Also, be sure to use a nontoxic sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, but there are some great, safe choices out there.
Sunburns can be very damaging to your skin, so you want to avoid them. If they do happen, get to healing fast. Sunburns can still happen to the best of us, so keep these natural tips handy for you and your loved ones.
Check out Dr. Patrick Flynn’s Quick Tips on Sunscreen to help you prevent the burn!
