At times, we all suffer from over-exposure to the sun. Soothe the pain with 100-percent organic home remedies from the pantry and let your skin feel healthy again.
Sometimes, accidents happen, and we get sunburned. Nature, however, has plenty of wonderful skin-soothers that can take away the redness and soreness. To tackle burns, not just sunburn but any minor burns, every home should have an Aloe vera plant. The plant is not only attractive to look at, but it also harnesses amazing powers.
In hot climates, aloe vera can be grown outdoors. If you live in a cooler climate, or anywhere where there’s a risk of frost, the plant is happiest situated on a table near a window.
To use, simply slice off a leaf of aloe and peel it, then apply to sunburned skin (it leaves a sticky “snail’s trail” of soothing gel.) Alternatively, make a batch of aloe vera antioxidant gel and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for use in summer.
To make the gel:
- Slice oil a large outer leaf and peel it with a potato peeler or a paring knife. Put it in a blender or food processor.
- For every ‘A cup (50 ml) of aloe gel, acid 500 mg of powdered vitamin C, the contents of one vitamin F capsule (400 IU), and ‘A tsp lavender essential oil.
- Blend thoroughly. Then apply the gel as needed to cuts, burns, insect bites, and any type of skin irritation. Kept refrigerated in a clean glass jar, this gel will stay fresh for a couple of months.
Recent studies have also shown that slathering skin with extra-virgin olive oil after sun exposure may protect against skin cancer. In tests, skin treated with extra-virgin olive oil after being blasted with damaging ultraviolet rays developed smaller, fewer, and less life-threatening tumors, probably due to the high level of antioxidants in the oil. So, treat your skin to organic extra-virgin olive oil as an after-sun massage, but be aware that non-virgin olive oil does not offer the same skin protection.
Another effective skin soother is using natural yogurt.
Insect bite soother
If you do get bitten, try a cold compress to calm the area: soak a cloth in ice water to which a few drops of chamomile and lavender oil have been added, then wring out the cloth and lay it on the affected area for 15 minutes.