Sunburn can be a real inconvenience – particularly if it happens on the first day of spending some time in the sun. We know that the sun is vital for vitamin D production, hormone balance and for so many other benefits and therefore careful and conscious sun exposure can be beneficial for our health. That being said, we obviously do want to absolutely avoid sunburn as much as we can.

Here are some of my favourite natural remedies for easing sunburn, that help accelerate the healing process, so you won’t have to endure the sore pink skin for too long.

1. ALOE VERA

Aloe vera gel has been used for many years as a natural remedy for sunburn. It really helps to soothe the area by giving a cooling effect and reducing the burning sensation. Using fresh gel from the plant is the best way to reap the benefits, however using gel or lotion which contains aloe vera can also benefit the sun burnt area too!

2. STAY HYDRATED

Sunburn is incredibly drying for the skin and can lead to dehydration. Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water to replenish your body and skin to help keep the affected area hydrated which will in turn help the area to recover faster.

3. APPLE CIDER SPRAY

This may sound slightly unusual, but this spray is so effective at reducing the symptoms and pain caused by sunburn. I make a spray from diluted apple cider vinegar, mint leaves and lavender and leave in the fridge. I add the mint and lavender to the spray bottle which contains diluted apple cider and this makes a very effective, natural sunburn reliever spray. This formula is cooling on the skin which helps to remove the heat from the affected area.

4. CBD OIL

I absolutely love using CBD oil on my skin. It helps with breakouts, evening out skin tone and gives immediate relief for sunburn too! All you need is a few drops on the sunburnt area of skin and it helps to heal and reduce any pain from the burn.

5. VITAMIN E OIL

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant which can help to repair and reverse damage to the skin caused by sunburn. Using a good quality Vitamin E oil topically on the burnt area helps to soothe the sunburned skin, hydrate the area and helps to prevent any skin damage.

It’s also important to consider that although these remedies are excellent for alleviating sunburn, prevention is still always best. Make sure you aren’t exposed to direct sun for long durations, eat a diet rich in healthy fats, proteins and fruits and vegetables to feed your skin and help to avoid sunburn.

Holly Zoccolan is a Holistic Lifestyle & Skin Health Coach, offering consultations for weight loss, fatigue, skin conditions, digestive issues, mindset shifts and overcoming emotional eating. After overcoming her own stress-related dermatitis and eczema, Holly is keen to educate others on how to best improve their health from the inside out. Holly has a holistic approach to health and teaches her clients to understand and identify current habits that are not working for them and how to adapt their lifestyle for them to get the results they want.