Summertime Sunburn Remedies

Sunburns are pretty much the most irritating thing about the summertime. Sunburns can ruin a trip to the beach, and can happen even if you stay in the shade and wear sunblock / sunscreen. Sometimes, sunburns are just inevitable because of the changes going on in our planet, and the fact that nothing besides being indoors can truly protect you from all of the sun's harmful UV rays. There are simple, natural ways you can heal and soothe your difficult, painful sunburns at home without having to buy expensive products or go out in public with your red, itchy, peeling nose!

Natural remedies are always the best when it comes to skincare, especially skin that has been damaged by the sun. Sunburns will make your skin far too dry to remain healthy, and it can crack, peel, blister, and expose the sensitive layers of skin beneath, causing pain and irritation that can really slam the door on your summer fun. Obviously, using natural and green ingredients to heal your sunburns can truly bring out the best in your skin and leave it smooth and healthy for the rest of your days at the beach. The most common and effective remedies that come right from our earth are aloe vera, chamomile, vinegar, apples, and extracts and oils from mint. Here are some handy, useful, and incredibly effective tips on curing and soothing your painful sunburns this summer:

The Peppermint Vinegar Spray

This is a fantastic way to heal your sunburns, making your harmed skin feel tingly and cool, even hours after applying! It smells great too, and won't be too shiny or noticeable should you have to go out in public with your sunburn. The ingredients are pretty simple; just some mint or peppermint essential oil or extract and some apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Both types of vinegar are effective, but white vinegar is cheaper and might sting a bit more.

The easiest and most effective way to combine these two ingredients is to mix them together in a small spray bottle, shaking it up well before you spray onto the effected area. This is also a great remedy to use on children, because it feels cool on their skin and won't hurt when you apply it!

Aloe Apple Mousse

This is a fun way to cure your sunburns, and just like the peppermint spray, it smells great and won't be too noticeable or shiny! The ingredients are just as simple; crushed apple that's been de-seeded and skinned, and some natural aloe vera lotion. You want to use a lotion or lotion like product made with 100% aloe, or as close as you can get to 100%. Most lotions made with pure aloe are lighter and fluffier than the normal, and when you add the naturally smooth and sweet clumps of fresh crushed apple to the mix, it makes a sweet smelling mousse that applies easily and rubs right into your skin.

To add the ingredients together, first make sure you crush the apple as best you can. I normally use a mortar and pestle to crush fruits and vegetables into a smooth consistency that can be easily applied to the skin. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a good quality food processor, or even take your time with a whisk or potato masher in a sturdy bowl. Once you properly crush your fresh juicy apple, you can add it to about a quarter of a cup of aloe lotion with your fingertips, and mix until it's a fluffy mousse that has a thin, sugary layer of natural juices at the top and bottom. The best way to apply is swirl your fingertips in the mixture and then apply in small circles, lightly, so as not to further irritate your sunburn.

Chamomile Tea Remedy

The easiest way to soothe a sunburn is to soak a chamomile tea bag in some cool water and gently press it against the affected sunburned areas of your skin. Chamomile has been used for centuries to soothe pained and irritated skin, and can make the sunburned area feel cool and refreshed as soon as you apply it.

Because it's just a liquid application, it should be reapplied often if using in the daytime. I recommend using this remedy just before you go to bed. It's a good way to stop the pain and let you sleep, and chamomile's natural scent is a wonderful natural sleep aid.

Good luck, keep your skin healthy during the summer, and always use the most natural approach to skincare!