When summer is at its peak, it’s time when many of us fall victim of sunburn. Sunburn can be regarded as a severe inflammatory skin condition which is caused due to overexposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Sunscreen may seem like a perfect remedy for preventing and treating sunburns for those having fun in the sun this summer, but there is more than meets the eye when it comes to this delicate and often painful skin problem.
Most of the counter sunburn measures available in the market include steroids. In this post I will be listing some of the natural ayurvedic remedies/alternatives for prevention and cure of sun burn.
WATERMELON
This refreshing summer fruit has innumerable benefits. Eating watermelon is extremely beneficial for your health during summer, but do not throw away the watermelon rind after cutting out the delicious part! Rub the fleshy part of the watermelon rind to your skin- this calms your skin and helps tone down blisters or redness caused by sunburns.
CUCUMBER
We all know the cooling capability of cucumber. In case of sunburn, keep a cold cucumber slices on the affected area or pour some cucumber juice on the place with the help of cotton ball. You can also use grated cucumber and apply it on the affected part.
MILK
Many people are unaware of the cooling properties of milk. If cucumber is unavailable, dip a gauze pad into milk and apply it directly to the sunburn.
VINEGAR
White vinegar has been known to ease the pain of a sunburn when applied to the skin. Apply to the skin as a compress, using a small towel soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar.
SANDALWOOD AND TURMERIC
The natural oils in sandalwood help clear the skin and allow it to glow. In addition, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Mix an equal amount of sandalwood and turmeric with rose water and apply this cooling paste to the sunburn.
OATMEAL+PAPAYA+HONEY
Take 1 cup chopped papaya and crush the papaya to a paste. Add 2 tbsp oatmeal and 1 tbsp honey. Mix well. Apply this on your skin. Leave it for 30 min and wash off with cold water.
BLACK TEA
Apply cold, strong, black tea directly to sunburn with soaked cotton pads several times a day. This will soothe the sunburn.
TOMATOES+YOGHURT
Crush 2-3 tomatoes. Press the pulp on a sieve and extract the juice. Add 1 tbsp yogurt and mix well. Apply on the affected area leave for 15-20 min. Do this 2 times a day.
ADDITIONAL REMEDIES:
- Mix a teaspoon each of milk powder, honey and lemon juice with half-a-teaspoon of almond oil. Apply regularly on face and wash off after 10 to 15 minutes.
- Studies show that increased intake of Vitamin E foods can help decrease the discomfort of a sunburn. Sunflower seeds, as well as many other seeds, are full of Vitamin E.
- Taking a short, lukewarm bath, or using cool towel compresses aids in keeping the burn moist and cool. Do NOT use hot water, as this further strips the already damaged oils from the skin.