Caring for a Sunburn

Getting a blistering sunburn significantly increases our risk of developing a serious type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma. Skin cancer usually occurs from a sunburn received during childhood. As the Earth’s ozone layer thins, we are even more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause skin cancer.

Treating a sunburn quickly and with healing ingredients is important to help reduce the damage and to protect against further damage.

Aloe Vera Gel
For sunburn there is nothing better than aloe vera gel; it is antibacterial and deeply healing for burns in part because of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system. Aloe vera gel is used in hospitals for burn victims. Aloe Vera comes from the aloe vera plant, and the gel may be squeezed from its leaves, or you can buy pure aloe vera gel as a product in most health food stores.

Vitamin E Cream
One of the antioxidants, vitamin E creams, ointments and oils, can help heal sunburn damage and shorten its effects.

Increase Your Vitamin C
Another antioxidant, increasing your vitamin C intake while sunburned will help you heal.

Black Tea Sunburn Soother
The tannins in cool black tea will help sooth a sunburn.

Baking Soda Bath
Have a cool bath to which 1/2 a cup of baking soda has been added.

Calendula Creams
Calendula is one of the most healing plants. The flowers are emollient, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral. They are immune system stimulants and rich in carotenoids. Look in your health food store for calendula creams and ointments.

Avoid: Petroleum jelly, as it will hold in the heat.

Read more: Beauty, Skin Care

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Robert O.

2:50PM PDT on Jul 7, 2011

Thanks Annie.

send a green star

John S.

11:51AM PDT on Jun 3, 2011

Thanks, all good stuff.

KS G.

5:25AM PDT on Mar 28, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Paula P.

4:21PM PDT on Sep 7, 2010

I burned myself BADLY being dumb 4 days ago - I pulled the heating unit from the electric griddle when finished 'griddling' pancakes and dropped and tried catching it as a reflex action. Well, I caught it alright.

Rather than the automatic 'run under cold water', I grabbed the Made from Earth Aloe & Jojoba Lotion and slowly dribbled it into my hand and let it run over the side where the worst part of the burn was. Because it had been in the frig and was cold, I could feel the relief right away but as it dried, it hurt like heck.

I repeated the application throughout the day about 5 times, using maybe 4 drops each time. It is now 4 days since I was that dumb and I never got a blister, never had it bubble up, it never scabbed over, and this morning I can barely see it. It did scar a teeny bit, but nothing like I thought it would based on my past experiences of burning myself. This situation alone will definitely ensure I NEVER run out of this stuff.

Dan S.

4:27AM PDT on Jul 27, 2010

Very good article, I've followed a few articles about aloe vera now and every time I find something new. I have a sensible skin and I get sunburns every time I'm exposed to the sun more than 30 minutes, I usually used yogurt to calm my skin but I really hope aloe vera works better

NO EMAILS P.

12:38AM PDT on Apr 27, 2010

thankyou

Yvonne M.

1:53AM PDT on Apr 20, 2010

Fish oil and evening primrose oil supplements can be added too to treat sunburns.

Past Member .

10:02PM PST on Dec 20, 2009

This is a great post for me. I have two colors in the summer. Casper and tomato! I hope I wont need to try these but I am excited to have them if I do need them.

Schießpulver Tee

9:41AM PDT on Jul 12, 2008

Tea Tree and Aloe Vera Gel is an amazing healing treatment. It took care of my son's blistery sunburned face in 2 days.

He's a fair skinned toe head, and this was his 1st trip to Hawaii-and he was being unreasonable about re application of sunblock. It was horrible to see, and this treatment was recommnded to me by a healthcare professional.

It just works.

Mercedes W.

12:22PM PDT on Aug 15, 2007

some vinegar in your bath water helps take the sting out of a sunburn