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Our Favorite Sunburn Soothers

posted by Annie B. Bond Oct 29, 2006 6:57 pm
Our Favorite Sunburn Soothers
8 comments

By the Care2 Green Living Staff.

Sunburns are not only painful, they can significantly increase our risk of developing skin cancer, and they prematurely age and damage our skin. Treat a sunburn quickly with these all-natural ingredients to reduce the risk and damage, and spread soothing, healing relief.

Here are our favorite sunburn healers:

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 so effective that it is used in hospitals for burn victims. It comes from the aloe vera plant, and many of us keep a plant in the kitchen (it’s good for kitchen burns, too) and simply squeeze the gel from a freshly-cut leaf. You can buy pure aloe vera gel as a product in most health food stores.

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

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant, so increasing your intake while sunburned will help you heal.

Black Tea Sunburn Soother

The tannins in cool black tea will help soothe a sunburn. Store used teabags in the fridge and apply as a cold compress to burned skin.

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.

Try this amusing–and effective–Cucumber Body Pizza. It’s a simple refreshing way to cool and heal sunburned or itchy skin.

Sunburn Healing Bath
In a handkerchief tied with string or a muslin teabag, place the following:

1/4 cup rolled oats
1/8 cup whole milk powder
1 teaspoon tea leaves, green or black
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil

Run a tepid to cool bath and soak along with this bath bag. Use it as a compress to spread healing, cooling relief all over.

More on Natural Remedies (306 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3248 articles available)

8 comments

8 comments

add your comment »
8 comments add your comment
Kathleen Heidemann

If your lucky enough to have a comfry plant or if you know someone who has one, fresh comfry root is equal to aloe if not better.

Lythande S.

I've always used aloe vera gel, sometimes even taking a piece from my mom's plant and cutting it open for even more natural healing.

Lythande S.

I just need a way to get rid of the darkened skin left from my sunburn that I got a few months ago.

Lynn Roos

Yea, the vinegar thing works for me!!

Lillian Tanasijevic

What also helps a lot is nice cool yogurt spread over the skin. It really acts fast and brings releif immediately.

Cris Tina

Olive oil is PERFECT for sunburns and kitchen burns. The best I've ever tryed.

Kathryn H.

good stuff!

Sheila Roberts

Growing up the favorite remedy was vinegar. It takes the heat out of sun fast.

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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