Natural Sunburn Remedies

Most of us are aware of the dangers of getting too much sun. Sun damage can result in not only wrinkles and sun spots but can also cause skin cancer. With the number of skin cancer cases reaching about a million of Americans each year, it is critical to take precautions when in the sun. Slather on sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, wear long sleeved clothing in dark, tightly woven fabrics and try to avoid the sun when it is at its peak, between 10:00 in the morning and 2:00 in the afternoon. If however, you find that the sun has gotten the best of you and you have a painful sunburn, natural remedies can help ease the pain and promote healing.

Aloe vera gel is an old standby when it comes to treating sunburn. It is highly effective because it counteracts prostaglandins. These are the very substances that are released from the skin and cause the pain of sunburn. Not only can aloe vera gel eliminate the pain of sunburn, it helps to heal the skin itself. Look for aloe vera gel that is between 98 and 100 percent aloe vera. You want it to be as pure as possible for the best possible effect.

Prickly pear, otherwise known as Nopal cactus, works much like aloe vera. The gel inside of a sliced piece of prickly pear is similar in consistency to aloe vera and works just as well. Slice a piece of the cactus and lay it on the burn. You can find prickly pear in most Spanish-American grocery stores, where they are referred to by the Spanish name, "Nopalitos".

Black tea and peppermint provides a cooling effect for sunburn. Brew a pot of black tea and set aside to cool. Pour the tea through a strainer into a spray bottle. Add 4 drops of peppermint essential oil for every 4 ounces of tea and shake to mix. Spray as often as you like on the sunburned skin. The tannins in the tea contain astringent properties, while the peppermint oil will cool the skin. The combination will reduce inflammation. Avoid spray near the eyes. If your eyelids have become sunburn, consider the use of a tea bag that has been saturated in ice water. Use the cool teabags as compresses on your burned eyelids.

The thin white film that a potato leaves on a cutting board after you slice it is the very thing that can help to relieve a sunburn. Simply slice a potato in half and smooth it over your sunburn, or make a poultice with chopped up potato in a clean, cotton cloth. Use as needed to get relief.

While herbal remedies may help to relieve sunburn, consult your physician if your sunburn is extreme or if you think you might have sun poisoning.