While we all love spring break, summer, and any excuse to lie out in the sun, “tanning” inevitably comes with a raging sunburn. As someone who rarely gets sunburns because I’m such a freak about putting on liberal amounts of sunscreen, I was most unprepared when I received my first VERY noticeable sunburn. In order to mediate it, I consulted everyone I knew to get all of their expert advice on how to treat this calamity. Here is a selection of some of the best remedies I received:
1. Aloe Vera
Tried and true, aloe vera really is the best way to treat a sunburn. For best results, put it in the refrigerator so it’s extra soothing when you put it on.
2. Ice Cubes
An odd remedy, however, it definitely helps. Similarly to the aloe vera, the cooling sensation of the ice cubes is second to basically only aloe vera. The only problem is that the heat of your burn melts the cubes rather quickly…
3. Ibuprofen
As an anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen is great at reducing the redness of the burn. Since it’s also a pain reliever, it helps with the painful sensations that come with a sunburn.
4. Hydrate
Hydrate or Diedrate! Typically when you get a sunburn, your skin is suffering because the sun has damaged it. It needs to be reinvigorated and treated, so hydrating it by drinking water is super helpful!
5. Non-Petroleum-Based Lotions
All petroleum-based lotions are oil-based and that oil blocks your pores. If the pores are blocked, then heat and sweat can’t escape, so then the sunburn can’t heal. CeraVe is a fantastic alternative to petroleum-based lotions. It helps to hydrate and soothe your skin, which is the perfect combination for a sunburn!
Hopefully some of these tips are helpful next time the sun scorches you! Let me know below what some of your best remedies for sunburns are!
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