We’re sure British
summer times are getting even more unpredictable! Year after year, the mercury
rises, and each heatwave is worse than the one before. Even cloudy days pose a
skin risk, especially because we don’t know when the sun will suddenly emerge.
This has led to a huge increase in people unintentionally ending up sunburned; not through irresponsibility or not bothering. But because their product just wasn’t enough to cope with the unrelenting nature of the weather.
Being sunburned is a nightmare none of us really wants, but even 30 minutes in the sun can lead to redness if you’re fair.
Not applying a product properly, underestimating the strength you need or not re-applying at regular occasions all cause unanticipated burning. The most common cause is assuming because it’s cloudy (which is most days in Bonny Britain) that sun cream is not necessary.
Sunburn is a sign that the layers of the skin have been damaged. Whilst that damage isn’t reversible, it is possible to naturally ease your discomfort rapidly. But we absolutely advise an organic, full spectrum, high SPF sun cream alongside these brilliant home remedies below.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Amongst that many wondrous properties
of ACV, is its surprising ability to soothe burned skin.
It works by balancing our skin’s pH, speeding up the healing process. It’s also flexible to use. You can either mix together 1 part ACV to eight parts water, soaking an organic cotton cloth with the solution before applying to sunburned skin.
Or, you can add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a tepid bath and soak in it for 10-30 minutes. It is important to note with the latter, the bath must not be too hot otherwise you might end up further damaging your skin.
2. Aloe Vera
Soothing and healing aloe vera is great for immediate relief from sunburn. Aloe juice has been used since ancient times as a moisturiser, cell regenerator and healer. You can apply aloe vera topically, or consume and the benefits are wonderful either way.
The Chinese refer to aloe as the elixir of youth, thanks to its anti-aging properties. It is because of these reasons that many of our products contain this nutritious ingredient!
Depending on the severity of the redness, you can try our Spot on Serumfor an instant cooling effect, but also our organic body lotion as a general after sun lotion. We also recommend that you drink plenty of water as giving your skin added moisture from the inside is just as important as applying moisturiser on the outside! If you’ve an aloe plant of your own, you can apply straight from the source.
As with any products used as a pain
relief for sunburn, we suggest taking a cool shower first to cool down the
skin, followed by the application of our lotion.
3. Natural Yoghurt
As it contains lots of probiotics it is fantastic at restoring your skin’s natural barrier, which can take up to a week otherwise, which is why we recommend using natural yoghurt as a base for our Maca mask!
Make sure to go for a plain, organic, full fat yogurt – applying it to a gauze or a cotton pad. Gently rub into the affected areas of your skin and leave to soak in for at least 15 minutes.
4. Veggies
Go green and bring some vegetables to the rescue! On especially bad patches of sunburn, gently rub a slice of cucumber on the area – they contain compounds which help reduce swelling and draw out the burn.
Even better, if you blend the chilled cucumber until it reaches a smooth consistency and then apply it liberally, you’ll get more intense and deep coverage. You can leave it on for longer, giving you more time to soak up all the natural goodness!
5. Soothing Balms
A good body lotion, free from
artificial fragrance, is always good for short-term and after-sun exposure, not
only to moisturise, but to offer some soothing and protective
qualities.
Choosing ingredients like sea buckthorn, which is reparative, is an excellent idea. Our organic body butter also has shea butter, coconut oil and extra virgin olive fruit oils.
6. Cool Compress
When the skin gets sunburnt it takes in an excessive amount of heat. To help cope with the burn it is important to cool the skin and draw out this heat caused by the sun burn.
One of the simplest ways to do this is by applying a cold compress, such as a cold flannel, or have a cold shower or bath. It is important to remember once the skin has been cooled to cover the sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until it has fully healed.
7. Oat Soaks
Another one you can find in your
kitchen –
oatmeal makes a
great soak and compress.
This is because they are packed with antioxidants which helps to re-hydrate the skin, helping to alleviate the irritation and swelling of the sun burn. For the best results, cook the oats, let them cool and then apply them as a compress for 15 minutes.
Alternatively, fill a sock with raw oats, tie and drop them into a cool bath. Drizzle the water over the skin – it really eases itching and discomfort.
How Long Does Sunburn Last?
The pain from sunburn normally subsides within 24 hours. But visible effects of sunburn - red skin and peeling - can take a week to disappear.
How to Avoid Sunburn?
Research shows that 20 minutes per day of unprotected sun is as much as most skins can tolerate. So for longer exposure, use a natural sunscreen based on natural ingredients and mineral sunscreens rather than chemical sun filters which often include other harmful sunscreen chemicals.
To be sure, when we talk about mineral sunscreen, we mean one that uses zinc oxide, and often also titanium dioxide to protect you from the sun.
These minerals form an incredibly thin, physical shield on your skin, that deflects the sun’s rays. Don’t worry about finding an SPF over 30 – it’s more important to re-apply frequently (especially on children) than use a high SPF product.
Wear a hat, stay out of the sun between 11-2pm or if your skin has already burnt and remember that a t-shirt comes close to SPF 30!
READ MORE ABOUT TREATING YOUR SKIN KINDLY IN THE SUN HERE >
HOLIDAYING IN THE CITY THIS SUMMER? READ OUR GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOUR SKIN FROM POLLUTION >
HITTING THE BEACH? TREAT YOUR FEET FOR THE SMOOTHEST SKIN EVER >
Want To Try Our Products?
We only source the kindest ingredients from trusted suppliers who don’t practice unethical or cruel methods of farming, which is why we are able to label every single one of our products cruelty free!
Products Mentioned:
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| SPOT ON SERUM | MACA MASK | TROPICAL BLISS BODY SILK |
We also offer a wide range of samples for those of you that would rather try a smaller quantity before purchasing the full item: