Summer is always a great time to enjoy the great outdoors and soak up some vitamin D. However, it is all too easy to get too much sun exposure which leads to the painful effects of sunburn. Sunburn is not only painful but it can lead to skin damage and, in the long run, increase your risk of skin cancer.

if you’re one of the many who’ve been lounging outside without sunscreen, or maybe you were negligent with reapplication, you’re probably feeling the burn! Luckily, there are natural ways to moisturize and nourish the skin after sunburn. But before we get to those natural remedies it is important to know what the first steps should be after a sunburn.

So let’s review sunburn first aid:

1. Move Out of the Sun: As soon as you notice signs of sunburn, such as redness or pain, move to a shaded area or indoors immediately to prevent further skin damage.

2. Cool Down Your Skin: Apply cold compresses to the sunburned area or take a cool (not cold) bath or shower to help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

3. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can occur after excessive sun exposure and can worsen your sunburn symptoms.

4. Moisturize: Apply a moisturizing lotion or aloe vera gel to the affected area. This can help soothe the skin and prevent it from drying out and peeling.

5. Avoid Further Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals to prevent further damage. If you have to be outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Now let’s review some natural moisturizers and topical treatments to help protect and repair the skin after sunburn:

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is one of the most effective natural treatments for sunburn. Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant because it contains powerful compounds that work to reduce inflammation, stimulate skin growth, and has a cooling effect on the skin. Slice open an aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to your sunburned skin. Do this several times per day, and you should see a reduction in redness and pain in no time.

2. Oatmeal Bath: An oatmeal bath is another effective way to soothe sunburn. The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal combined with cool water can help to reduce redness and inflammation, which will make you feel better fast. Simply grind up some oats in a blender or food processor to create a fine powder. Add the oatmeal powder to a cool bath and soak in it for at least 20 minutes.

3. Green Tea: Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can help to repair sun-damaged skin. When you apply chilled green tea bags to your sunburned skin, the catechins found in the tea work to reduce skin inflammation and soothe the pain. Soak several green tea bags in cool water, and then apply them directly to the affected areas of your skin.

4. Shea Butter: The moisturizing qualities of shea butter can replenish the hydration lost in your skin due to sun exposure and help prevent peeling that often accompanies sunburn healing. Furthermore, shea butter contains fatty acids and plant sterols, such as oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linolenic acids. These oils are absorbed by the skin and used to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Shea butter is also rich in Vitamins A and E, which are known for their ability to repair damaged skin and improve skin conditions. In particular, Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radical damage caused by sun exposure. Additionally, shea butter has reported healing properties that can be beneficial for repairing skin damage caused by sunburn

5. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural remedy for sunburn that can be used to moisturize the skin after it has been exposed to the sun. Coconut oil is full of natural antioxidants that help to protect the skin and prevent damage from UV rays. Apply it liberally after a shower to moisturize and soothe sunburnt skin.

Sunburn is painful but luckily, there are natural remedies that can help alleviate the pain. Aloe vera, oatmeal, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil are all great natural ways to ease the symptoms of sunburn. But remember, prevention is better than cure. Avoid sunburn by using sunscreen, seeking shade during peak hours of sun, and covering up with hats and clothing. Keep safe this summer and enjoy the outdoors!