6 Ways to Treat Sunburn Naturally: Stay Cool and Heal Your Skin

Posted on July 26, 2023

"Hot girl summer" really hits differently this year! According to the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction, this July 3rd we experienced the hottest day ever witnessed. The climate just set a scorching new record on a global scale! 

But has modern living ever stopped us from venturing out, even in extreme heat? For most of us, our daily activities compel us to leave the house and expose ourselves to the damaging sun rays in one way or another. Even those who manage to escape the concrete jungles and get to cool off at a beach somewhere cannot completely avoid occasional sunburns. While sunscreen helps, it is not foolproof. 

The importance of immediate (and natural) sunburn treatment

So, what if you find yourself among the unlucky ones who have suffered sunburns? No worries, it’s extremely common and almost unavoidable. However, sunburns are not entirely harmless, so sunburn treatment should be on your priority list if they happen.

Sunburns indicate that the sun's powerful rays have damaged our skin. This damage is caused by excessive exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The UVB rays penetrate the skin's top layers, damaging its DNA and triggering an inflammatory response. The skin becomes red, warm, and painful as the body tries to repair itself. 

Taking care of sunburns not only prevents further damage but also reduces the risk of long-term consequences such as complications, infections, premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. 

Numerous approaches can be used for sunburn treatment, but you guessed it—the natural way is considered the best. So, in this article, we are going through the six most common ways to treat sunburns naturally.

Six natural after sun remedies

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is your magical natural sunburn remedy. This gooey gel that comes straight from the aloe plant has been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a potent after sun remedy for soothing inflammation and accelerating skin healing. Just slather on some pure aloe vera gel directly onto your sunburned skin, or spritz some of the Seven Minerals' After Sun Cooling Aloe Vera Spray and enjoy immediate relief. Aloe vera gel's cooling properties can help reduce redness and inflammation, providing much-needed relief. 
2. Cold Compress or Cool Bath: A cold compress or gently applying a towel soaked in cool water onto an affected area is the best way to take the edge off the burning sensation and reduce swelling. The coolness helps to constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and alleviate discomfort. For an added cooling effect, chill the cloth in the fridge before use. Or just take a refreshing cool bath.
3. Moisturize: Dry skin is a very common result of sunburns. To combat the dryness, reach for a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Look for one with ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or chamomile. Apply it generously to your sunburned skin to help keep it hydrated and prevent excessive peeling. 
4. Hydrate: Sunburns can also dehydrate your body, so remember to drink plenty of water to replenish those lost fluids. Staying hydrated not only helps with overall skin health but can also aid in the healing process. Proper hydration is crucial in promoting skin elasticity and preventing the skin from becoming dry and flaky after sun exposure, ensuring a faster recovery.
5. Oatmeal Baths: Did you know that oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties? This further explains why oatmeal baths are an incredible natural sunburn relief. Just grind up some oatmeal or use colloidal oatmeal and sprinkle it into a cool bath. The oats have anti-inflammatory properties that can calm angry, red skin and relieve itching.
6. Other Natural Remedies:

Feeling adventurous? Try out some natural sunburn remedies, but make sure you do it with caution and be careful of potential allergic reactions. If everything is alright, you can experiment with a few options, such as:

• Witch hazel - It has astringent properties that may help soothe the burn. 
• Apple cider vinegar - Delude with water and apply as a compress to reduce inflammation. 
• Chamomile tea - Brew a strong cup, let it cool and use it as a compress for its calming effects. 
• Cucumber: Cucumber has a cooling effect on the skin and can help reduce inflammation. You can slice chilled cucumber and place the slices directly on the sunburned skin.
• Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that can help calm inflamed skin. Brew green tea, let it cool, and apply it to the sunburn using a cotton ball or a clean cloth.
• Essential oils - Several essential oils can provide relief and promote healing for sunburns, such as Lavender oil, Peppermint oil, Tea tree oil, Chamomile oil or Eucalyptus oil.

Why is Seven Minerals' After Sun Aloe Vera Spray the best natural sunburn remedy?

Looking for an after-sun remedy that goes beyond the regular aloe vera gel? We suggest you try Seven Minerals' After Sun Aloe Vera Spray. While aloe vera in any form is beneficial for your skin, this spray offers a unique and convenient alternative. It's lighter, easier to use, and still packed with all the goodness of aloe vera. 

Unlike other sprays out there, this one actually contains real Aloe Vera from freshly cut Southern Texas aloe leaves.

The secret to its effectiveness lies in its immediate hydration power. Packed with hydrating ingredients like Vegetable Glycerin and Natural Vitamin E, it gives your skin the moisture it craves after a sunburn, helping it recover faster. This aloe vera spray also begins your skin's natural healing process with ingredients like Mango, Chamomile, and Panthenol.

This product gets bonus points for being eco-friendly too. It's carbon neutral and comes in a 100% PCR (Post-Consumer-Recycled) plastic bottle. So you can feel good about taking care of your skin and the planet.

Stay Cool, Stay Protected

So, are you ready to embrace the sun with open arms this summer? Remember to prioritize your skin's protection as the temperatures rise due to global warming. If sunburn strikes, turn to natural remedies to heal and soothe your skin and remember - prevention is key, so don't forget to shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Stay cool, stay protected, and enjoy the sun responsibly!

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