5 Ways To Instantly Get Rid Of Sunburns

Summer and sun go hand in hand, but the subcontinental heat can get a bit much even for the toughest of us. Sunburns can be crazy painful, and put a damper on the fun you could be having. There’s no need to suffer anymore though! We’ve got the eight best tips for treating even the most stubborn sunburns. Use these easy fixes and enjoy the beach every single weekend without worrying!

1. Cover Up

The best way to prevent sunburns is by hiding sensitive areas of your skin from the sun. If you’ve already developed red patches on your skin, cover the affected areas up with a hat or cloth, and stay away from the sun. Exposing the affected area to more sun will aggravate the damage and prolong healing time.  

2. Wash It With Cold Water

Sunburns cause redness, but sometimes can also result in swelling. To avoid swelling, immediately take a cold shower or bath. This will soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. After your shower, you should also apply aloe vera gel or an intensive moisturizer to help calm your skin down.

3. Take Pain Killers

People with sensitive skin may even experience intense irritation or pain due to their sunburns. Taking anti-inflammatory medication, or common painkillers can instantly reduce any pain or discomfort to the skin. 

4. Drink Lots Of Water

Your body can lose water after staying in the sun for too long, and this is worse for you if you have sunburns! Sunburns also have a dehydrating effect. Your skin is made up of 60% water, so it’s super important to drink lots of water for it to heal.  

5. Avoid Wearing Tight Clothes

Make sure nothing causes more itching or increased irritation to the affected areas. This will only increase the swelling, make it more painful, and prolong the healing period. Wearing tight clothes can also affect the damaged area by rubbing up against it constantly. It is therefore recommended to wear loose clothes. 

6. Cold Milk Compress

US News recommends combining cold milk and ice cubes in a bowl for a cold milk compress. To do this, first dampen a washcloth in the mixture and hold against your burn. Rinse after – we’re warning you, this can leave a smell. Added bonus: milk fat is anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, and the cold temperature soothes the heat.

7. Green Tea Compress

Boil water and pour in one teaspoon of loose green tea leaves. Cover it up and let it sit until it cools. Then, soak a cloth and place it on the skin for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and sting.

8. Baking Soda Bath

Draw a bath and add two-plus cups of baking soda. This will restore your skin’s pH balance and relieve itchiness and pain.