Summary
Summer is here! Time to enjoy the first rays of sunshine while relaxing on a terrace. Don’t forget your sunscreen – a first-degree burn can happen quickly, as UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. If you’ve been exposed without protection, how can you ease the pain of sunburn?
Here are 10 natural remedies to soothe the discomfort.
What is sunburn?
Before discovering the best natural remedies to try when discomfort appears after sun exposure, it’s useful to understand what sunburn actually is and the different types of rays involved. In short, sunburn is a skin burn caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
There are two main types of ultraviolet rays that reach the Earth’s surface: UVA and UVB. The effects of the sun on the skin are multiple:
- UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and penetrate the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). They are more intense between 10am and 4pm, and their strength varies with the season and latitude. UVB rays also play a major role in the development of skin cancer.
- UVA rays, on the other hand, are less intense but penetrate deeper into the skin (down to the dermis). They are present all year round and can even pass through clouds and window glass, meaning you are exposed to them even indoors. UVA rays contribute to premature skin ageing, wrinkles, and other skin issues.
It is essential to protect against both types of UV rays to prevent sunburn and long-term damage. When exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce melanin to shield your skin from harmful rays. A tan, although attractive, is in fact a sign that your skin has absorbed a lot of UV!
How to soothe sunburn naturally?
1. Cool the burn with cold water
To relieve sunburn, run the burn under a stream of cold water. This helps reduce inflammation, instantly eases pain, and rehydrates the epidermis.
If blisters appear, seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor. They may recommend a soothing ointment to apply several times a day.
2. Plain yoghurt to calm sunburn
Feeling sore after spending hours in the sun? If your skin turns bright red and sensitive to clothing, you’ve definitely got sunburn. If you don’t have healing cream at hand, apply a thick layer of plain yoghurt to the burn. Leave it on for about fifteen minutes to reduce the heat. Like skimmed milk, yoghurt contains lactic ferments with known anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Melon pulp to ease sunburn
Did you know melon pulp contains vitamin A, which helps calm inflammation? Blend melon with its seeds, which are rich in fatty acids, to create a natural remedy to soothe sunburn. Apply the pulp directly to the burn, cover with a cloth for around 15 minutes, then rinse gently with lukewarm water.
4. Aloe vera to calm pain
Aloe vera is well-known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its rich composition of enzymes and amino acids essential for cell renewal. A true natural remedy for sunburn! Simply apply aloe vera gel directly to the burn and let it absorb before reapplying.
5. Vinegar for sunburn relief
To ease irritation quickly, use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Its pH helps rebalance the skin while providing an instant cooling sensation.
Mix vinegar with cold water in a bowl and soak a compress in it. Apply directly to the skin for five minutes, and repeat two or three times if needed.
6. Calendula oil for sunburned skin
Known for its soothing and healing properties, calendula oil is ideal for skin regeneration thanks to its content of carotene and vitamin A.
Apply a few drops of oil, then gently massage sun-damaged skin for around ten minutes. Leave it on overnight for best results. Avoid applying near the eyes if the sunburn is on your face.
7. Brewer’s yeast as a natural remedy
To stop the burning sensation, brewer’s yeast is an excellent natural solution. Rich in B vitamins and vitamin E, it supports skin health and speeds up cell regeneration. Ideal for treating sunburn, it can be taken in tablets or flakes.
8. Clay poultice for skin repair
Clay, particularly green clay, is a powerful healing and anti-inflammatory agent. Its mineral-rich composition helps relieve the burning sensation naturally overnight.
To make a clay poultice, mix clay with water until it forms a paste and apply it directly to the burn. Leave it on for at least two hours or overnight, then rinse with lukewarm water.
9. St. John’s Wort oil for healing
St. John’s Wort flowers have healing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended to calm burns and sunburn, its oil can be applied directly to the skin or combined with essential oils for added benefits. Mix 80 drops of St. John’s Wort oil with 20 drops of lavender essential oil, then apply the blend to the sunburn.
10. Bicarbonate of soda, the classic home remedy
Thanks to its alkaline environment and antiseptic properties, bicarbonate of soda is recommended to ease sunburn.
Dissolve a tablespoon of bicarbonate in water, soak compresses, and apply directly to the skin for 10 minutes. You can also mix it with a few drops of apple cider vinegar and apply it as a poultice.
How long does sunburn last?
Depending on its severity, sunburn can last from a few hours to several weeks. Like any burn, it can range from first-degree to superficial second-degree and deeper burns. With mild sunburn, the skin becomes red without blistering. Peeling may occur after a few days. On average, mild sunburn may take up to a week to fully disappear. More severe cases with blisters can take weeks to heal.
Quick fix: how to ease sunburn in one day?
What can you do to quickly relieve the pain and speed up healing? At the first signs of sunburn, run the affected area under cold water for at least ten minutes. This reduces inflammation and calms the burning sensation.
For deep hydration and faster recovery, apply plenty of aloe vera gel to the affected area. Its natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for sunburn recovery.
Repeat these steps several times a day to maximise soothing effects and help your skin regenerate faster!
How to prevent sunburn?
Preventing sunburn is possible with the right habits:
- Apply sunscreen suited to your skin type, choose a high SPF, and reapply frequently
- Expose your skin gradually, especially if you have fair skin
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours
- Wear loose clothing, preferably dark-coloured, along with wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
- Avoid using cosmetics or perfumes before sun exposure to limit allergy risks
The role of nutrition in sun protection
Good nutrition plays an important role in skin health, especially in protecting against sun damage. Nutrients such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve the skin’s resistance to UV rays and external aggressions.
Including these nutrients in your daily diet can help your skin better protect itself against sunburn and recover more quickly after exposure.
As you can see, there are several natural ways to treat sunburn quickly and effectively. To better prepare your skin for the sun and prevent premature ageing, discover our sun supplements. Vegan tanning gummies with a delicious fruity flavour to support you all summer long!