Sunburn can happen to the best of us. Whether you fall asleep in the sun, forget to reapply your natural sun cream, or you just stay out in direct sunlight for that little bit too long, most of us will be cursed with redness and soreness, at least once or twice in our lives. But knowing how to combat it when it happens is the key to reducing temporary discomfort as well as long term damage.
Aloe Vera
It is a good idea to keep an aloe vera plant in your home. Just snap off one of the leaves and squeeze out the gel from within. Then rub into the affected area and allow it to sink in, removing pain, inflammation, and soothing sore skin. Alternatively, choose a natural after sun or natural product with lashings of organic aloe in it for instant relief.
Honey
Honey is great for all kinds of skin complaints including cuts, abrasions and burns. Just smooth a thin layer over the burnt skin and massage it in to enjoy its healing, soothing, and moisturising qualities.
Oatmeal
Oats are great for soothing skin and if you have sunburn, the best way to use it is to add it to a lukewarm bath. Just add a cup of finely ground oats to the bathwater, swirl it around, lay back and soak for around 20 minutes to get the full effect.
Witch hazel
With its strong and potent smell, you might not think witch hazel would be particularly useful for soothing sunburn, but it is packed full of tannins which reduce inflammation whilst fighting free radicals. By applying witch hazel to your burn, you can reduce the itchiness and pain that is commonly associated with too much sunshine!
Lavender Oil
For centuries, humans have been using lavender oil to soothe skin and souls. Known for its gentle and relaxing properties as well as for being an anti-inflammatory, it reduces redness and swelling caused by excess sun exposure. At Peace With The Wild we stock Scence natural after sun that is made with vegan ingredients and lavender essential oil for a truly soothing, natural after sun solution.
Chamomile
Not just for drinking, chamomile is useful as a tonic for damaged skin. You can brew a cup of chamomile tea, let it cool thoroughly and then soak a compress in the liquid. Apply it to the skin until the compress is no longer cool to help the skin heal and feel better faster.
