Easy DIYs And Products To Instantly Soothe Sunburn
Source: FotoDuets/Shutterstock
At one point in your life, you’re likely to experience sunburn, no matter how hard you try to avoid it. And we’ll be real: it sucks… Your skin feels hot, sore, and sensitive to the touch, and it’s typically accompanied by a headache. This is why it’s important to think fast and combat the pain and sensitivity with soothing, cooling formulas, which will also help avoid peeling.
So the next time you schedule a sunbathing session, first and foremost, protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF, and stock up on these skin-soothing products. Caught off guard? Run to the fridge and save your skin with one of our go-to DIYs using staple kitchen ingredients.
1. Aloe Vera Gel, $18
Source: Amara Beauty
Aloe vera is a common ingredient in after-sun, thanks to it’s moisturizing and calming effects, so keep it simple and opt for an aloe vera gel. Packed with amino acids, antioxidants, and glycoproteins, it’ll reduce inflammation and relieve pain, all the while encouraging healthy skin regeneration. In stores, look for cold-pressed and organic gel formulas that don’t contain alcohol high on the list of ingredients. Alternatively, you can apply the gel directly from the plant – simply slice an aloe vera leaf in half and slather the gel all over your skin.
2. Coola ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion, $32
Source: coola
This cooling lotion provides instant relief for a (relatively) quick bounce-back. Formulated with agave to moisturize, anti-inflammatory aloe vera to heal, and rosemary extract to soothe, it’ll calm even the angriest sunburn. It’s also infused with a hydrating blend of lavender, sunflower, sweet orange, and mandarin oil, which are rich in antioxidants. Another selling point? It’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates and can be used on all skin types.
Top tip: Stash your after-sun lotion in the fridge for an added cooling effect. Trust us, you’ll be thanking us when the moment arrives.
Posts You'll Love:
3. Sun Bum Cool Down Spray, $12
Source: Sun Bum
After a long day in the sun, this moisturizing spray will hydrate and restore your skin. Enriched with aloe vera, cucumber, and vitamin E, it’ll work overtime to rebalance the skin’s moisture levels and promote healing. We love the spray pump as it allows for easy application. Plus, the formula is dry to the touch so it doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky.
Top tip: Never apply vaseline, petroleum jelly or lanolin onto sunburned skin as they can trap the heat.
4. Thirst Trap Cocoon Mask, $9
Source: Wishful
If your face has caught the sun or you ever find your face sunburned before a big event, your first point of call should be a hydrating, soothing sheet mask. Our Thirst Trap Cocoon Mask is a savior for dehydrated, sun-sizzled skin. It’s enriched with ingredients like aloe vera and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) that hydrates the skin deeply, all the while promoting skin cell recovery. It also boasts allantoin and anti-inflammatory niacinamide to relieve redness and sensitivity.
5. Greek Yogurt and Honey DIY
Fat-free yogurt is both soothing and protective as it’s packed with proteins. Honey is deeply moisturizing, plus it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which will alleviate the side effects of sunburn. Combine them together in equal parts and you’ll have one of the best, all-natural after suns you can find.
6. Sliced Tomatoes
If you’re sunburned and out of after sun, grab a tomato from your fridge, cut it into slices and place it on your skin. It may sound weird, but tomatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that’ll calm swelling and reduce redness. Especially if they’re cold! Plus, due to the lycopene content, tomatoes can, in fact, improve the skin’s ability to protect itself against harmful UV rays. SO, although it won’t replace a broad-spectrum sunscreen, a tall glass of tomato juice could improve your skin’s natural defenses.
Finally, don’t forget to rehydrate and drink lots of water!
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.
Leave a comment