We are advised to use sunscreen whenever we are outdoors in the sunlight. But even when you apply sunscreen, sometimes you still end up with a sunburn. The CDC notes that continuous exposure to the sun at sunburn-causing levels can lead to premature skin wrinkling, age spots, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Unfortunately, you might not notice immediately that you got a sunburn as symptoms may appear up to four hours later and may get worse in the following 24-36 hours.
Sunburns can be uncomfortable, but some remedies can actually make things worse. Here are some tips for addressing burns with natural remedies.
Don’t Use Commercial Soaps with Inorganic Ingredients
If you have experienced sunburns, the first instinct will be to take a bath at the end of the day. However, you should be careful of the type of soap you use. Commercial products have alcohol, benzocaine, and lidocaine which are skin irritants. Consider using aloe vera, clove soap, or other natural products.
Use Natural Soaps and Ointments to Hydrate Your Skin
One of the benefits of an all-natural soap is that it does not contain harmful ingredients that would irritate your skin. You can use natural soap to nourish, hydrate, and relieve the discomfort of sunburn.
Clove soap contains plant oils, which facilitates the shedding of dead skin cells. Clove oil is also a powerful antioxidant and can help provide relief from the stinging and itching that comes with sunburn. Peppermint soap is another good option due to its cooling effects.
Consider Using Aloe Vera Gels
Besides clove soap, you can also use an aloe vera gel to relieve sunburns and soothe your skin. Aloe vera has vitamin C and A, as well as a compound called aloin, which can minimize inflammation. It can also help hydrate and moisturize the burned skin.
Avoid Peeling Blisters and Wounds
You can clean your skin with clove soap or aloe vera but be careful not to tamper with the blisters from the sunburn. If you peel off the skin, it will cause more discomfort as it exposes the nerve endings of the wound.
If the blistering is getting severe, you should seek professional medical assistance. Signs such as purple discoloration and continuous itching mean you should consult a dermatologist.
Wear Light Fabrics and Sleep Comfortably
You should make a point of wearing light fabrics to prevent damage to the wounded skin. Heavy clothing can rub against the burn and cause blistering.
You may also use an air mattress when your wound is still healing. If the sunburns are on your legs, you can raise them higher than your head when you sleep. Working on your comfort helps to stop further swelling to the wound.
Prevention is Better than Cure
While you work on treating your sunburn, remember that prevention is always better than cure. If you have sensitive skin, you can use dead sea mud and eucalyptus oil to soothe and moisturize. Make a point of wearing protective clothing when going outside. Use sunscreen with an appropriate SPF value to prevent sunburns from the sun’s UV light.
The organic personal care industry will rise to $25 million by 2025, according to the Grand View Research report in 2019. Natural remedies are becoming more popular because they have few side effects on the skin. If you are interested in using clove soap to assist with your sunburn, buy clove soap today online with Carter Mill Soap Company.