10 Wonderful Ingredients That Soothe and Heal Sunburn
This summer, the world is opening back up and the world is ours. That means a lot more time frolicking in the sunshine, which can lead to unexpected sunburn if you're not careful.
No one likes the unsightly, painful and itchy sting of a bad case of sunburn, but if you're dealing with it, at least there are a number of wonderfully soothing ingredients that might help.
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Curious? Here are 10 great ingredients that'll help you get over your sunburn.
1. Aloe Vera
There's a good reason aloe vera is a famous treatment for sunburn. It works. This unique plant's properties help stimulate collagen production in the skin, making it heal faster, while also calming inflammation in the skin, reducing unwanted pinkness as well as pain and itchiness. If you've got an aloe plant, you can simply slice it open and apply the cool gel to your skin. If not, it's also a common ingredient in all kinds of skin products and burn treatments, making it easy to get your hands on.
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2. Argan Oil
Argan oil isn't just a buzzy beauty ingredient—it's also great for treating sunburn. The oil naturally contains nutrients, including linoleic acid and vitamin E, that soothe and support skin that's left dehydrated and irritated by sunburn. Vitamin E is also known for creating a protective layer on your skin, blocking UV rays and protecting it from further sun damage while you heal.
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3. Baking Soda
Want a quick, at-home remedy for sunburn using something you probably already have in the pantry? Baking soda should become one of your go-to's. When your skin is sunburnt, its PH can become imbalanced, but baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that reset your skin's PH, lessening itchiness and pain. A paste of baking soda and water can be applied directly to the skin, or you can pour a cup of baking soda into a warm (not hot!) bath and soak to get all-over relief.
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4. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is known for having calming effects when you drink it, but it can also be quite calming for your sunburned skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and its antioxidants, which soothe skin while also helping burns heal. Just brew some chamomile tea (the stronger, the better), chill it in the fridge until it's cold and then soak a handtowel in it before applying to your skin.
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5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many, many uses in both the skincare and in our beauty routine, and that includes treating sunburns. It's high in saturated fats, which are great for moisturizing your skin. Sunburned skin tends to be dry and itchy, so applying coconut oil may help relieve those symptoms by replenishing your skin's moisture.
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6. Cucumber
Think sliced cucumbers on the skin are just for fancy spas? Think again. Not only are cucumbers packed with healing antioxidants, but they also have an analgesic effect, meaning they relieve pain and irritation. They're especially soothing on the skin when they've been chilled in the fridge, making them great for spot-treating sunburns—though they're not necessarily the best option if you're experiencing all-over burns.
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7. Oatmeal
If you often find yourself dealing with itchy skin, prepare to make oatmeal remedies your best friend. Oatmeal naturally includes sugar compounds called beta-glucans, which are ultra-hydrating, quickly soothing any crawling skin irritation. Simply take your oats (unflavored, of course) and mix them with water to make a paste before applying to the affected area, and kiss your itching goodbye.
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8. St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is an ingredient that's been used in herbal medicine for centuries, but it's also quite effective at treating burns, including sunburn. That's because it's both an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. When your sunburn is at its most painful, St. John's Wort oils can do wonders to improve how you feel.
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9. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is yet another powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient because it's packed with tannins. The astringent is a popular addition to cooling sprays and salves. Just apply to the sunburnt area and feel the sting and redness melt away.
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10. Yogurt
Yogurt may be a strange one, but it can be just as soothing and cooling as some of the other plant-based ingredients on this list. The protein in yogurt cools and soothes the skin while also protecting it from further damage. Just take some cold yogurt (preferably plain and nonfat) out of the fridge and apply it like a cooling mask, then wash it off once the irritation has ceased and it starts warming up.
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Currently feeling the burn? Click HERE for the best Instagram captions for complaining about your sunburn.