It’s all fun in the sun until someone gets sunburned.
Too much time outdoors without proper protection can lead to dry, pink, sensitive skin — and this time of year it’s more common than ever. To prevent sunburn, you should be using the right sunscreen. However, we’re not perfect and sometimes we make mistakes. If you spent too much time soaking up some UV rays, help heal your skin with these four natural and super effective sunburn remedies.
1. Milk
Since all you need is milk (and you probably have it in your refrigerator) this really is one of the easiest remedies. Simply pour some milk into a bowl and use a washcloth or gauze to soak up the liquid. Apply your compress to sunburned skin for as much time as needed. The chilled temperature of the milk will provide immediate relief to skin, while the protein can help to protect and heal the damage. If I’m traveling somewhere sunny, I like to bring along Emulsion Pure since carrying milk isn’t exactly practical. It’s a soothing essential oil blend that can be used as a healing compress just like milk. To get the same cooling effect, I just pop it in the mini fridge for a little bit.
2. Potatoes
You may already know potatoes work wonders at alleviating pain and calming skin irritations. Usually people will use just a slice or two to cover the affected area but with a full body sunburn that could get tricky! Another way to receive the same benefits of potatoes without hiring a team of assistants is to cut one or two up, put the cubes in a blender and create a smooth paste. If you’re not getting a good consistency you can add a little water, and then pour your puree into a bowl. Like with milk, you can use gauze to absorb the liquid and then apply to the skin. I also like the idea of just getting in the shower and applying it all over like lotion, sitting for five minutes and then rinsing off.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal baths are very therapeutic and can heal a whole slew of skin woes. Oats can replenish moisture in the skin, are anti-inflammatory, and contain polysaccharides (which can coat and help heal your skin). To treat sunburn, make an oatmeal bath by adding a cup or two of plain oatmeal and filling the tub with warm water. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil or Phyto-Bain, a concentrated bath treatment that contains lavender as well as other essential oils and plant extracts.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt can be great at soothing sunburn because it contains healing enzymes and probiotics. To reap the benefits, apply like a mask directly to your face and any other sunburned areas. Leave on for a few minutes and then rinse off with cool water. You can repeat this treatment a few times a day to help speed up recovery time.
To prevent long-term skin damage these natural remedy options must be complemented by a soothing body milk that contains repairing and hydrating ingredients. The best hydrating and repairing solution perfect for parched summer skin is Lait Apres Soleil . It’s power house of milk protein, cucumber, chamomile and Vitamin B-5 and it’s an indispensable summer solution for the whole family.
