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As redheads, we’re all too familiar with sunburns. That pesky red skin and pain followed up by peeling is a reality for most fair-skinned people at least a few times in their lives. Redheads have a higher sensitivity to UV radiation due to their fair skin and lower levels of melanin, which provides some protection against the sun. This increased sensitivity makes them more prone to sunburns and related skin damage. While we’re big proponents of wearing sunscreen and using proper sun protection, we know sunburns happen, but what can you do about it? The most well-known cure is aloe, but it seems there are a lot of DIY sunburn cures out there, which ones are bogus, and which ones might work?
We always like to mention that attempting DIY sunburn cures without proper knowledge can exacerbate skin issues, potentially leading to more severe burns, infections, or allergic reactions. It’s always best to use medically recommended treatments and consult a healthcare professional for severe sunburns.
Does it work? Black tea: Yes
Often known for its properties to fight inflammation, black tea is a common sunburn cure. It can be soothing due to its tannins, which help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Here’s how you can use it:
1. Brew the Tea: Steep 3-4 black tea bags in a pot of boiling water for about 15-20 minutes until the tea is strong and dark.
2. Cool the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature or place it in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
3. Apply the Tea:
– Soak a clean cloth or cotton balls in the cooled tea.
– Gently apply the soaked cloth or cotton balls to the sunburned areas.
– Alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with the cooled tea and mist it onto your skin.
4. Let it Dry: Allow the tea to air dry on your skin without rinsing it off.
5. Repeat as Needed: Reapply the tea treatment several times a day as needed for relief.
Be sure to avoid any ingredients or additives that may irritate your skin further, and consult a healthcare professional if your sunburn is severe.
Does it work? Yogurt: Maybe
Another popular sunburn cure is to use of unflavored Greek yogurt. Yogurt can be an effective and soothing treatment for sunburn due to its cooling properties and probiotics, which help heal the skin. Here’s how redheads can use yogurt for sunburn relief:
1. Choose Plain Yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures. Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties as they can contain ingredients that may irritate the skin.
2. Cool the Yogurt: For added relief, place the yogurt in the refrigerator before use to ensure it’s cool.
3. Apply to Affected Areas:
– Gently spread a thick layer of the cool yogurt over the sunburned skin.
– Ensure the yogurt fully covers the affected areas.
4. Leave it On: Allow the yogurt to sit on the skin for 15-20 minutes. This will give the yogurt time to cool and soothe the burn while the probiotics work on the skin.
5. Rinse Off: Rinse the yogurt off with cool water. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel, being careful not to rub the irritated skin.
6. Repeat as Needed: You can repeat this process several times a day to help alleviate the pain and redness associated with sunburn.
Always monitor your skin for any adverse reactions, and if your sunburn is severe or not improving, consult a healthcare professional.
Does it work? Ice. No
It’s a popular misconception that applying ice to a sunburn will help to heal it. Using ice directly on a sunburn is not recommended, especially for redheads who have more sensitive skin. We typically have fairer skin that is more susceptible to damage and irritation, and applying ice directly can cause additional trauma to already sensitive skin. Direct contact with ice can lead to frostbite, which further damages the skin and exacerbates pain and irritation. Moreover, the extreme cold from ice can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area and potentially slowing down the healing process. Additionally, the extreme cold can intensify the burning sensation, leading to more discomfort rather than relief. Instead of using ice, opt for a cool, damp cloth or a cool bath to gently soothe sunburned skin. This method helps reduce inflammation and provides relief without the risks associated with ice.
Does it work? Baking soda. Yes
The use of baking soda for healing a sunburn is recommended by the Mayo Clinic. They say to add about 2 ounces of baking soda to a cool bath and soak for about 10 minutes several times a day. Baking soda has antiseptic and alkaline properties that can help with pain, inflammation, redness, puffiness, and itchiness.
Does it work? Cucumber. Maybe
Known to soothe and cool the skin, cucumber is a popular choice for sunburns. It’s unclear if cucumber will help to heal the skin, but it will cool the skin which is a good relief and will help you to feel more relaxed.
Does it work? Petroleum jelly or oil-based products. No
While these products can be soothing on irritated skin, they can clog your pores and prevent sweat from escaping which can lead to breakouts and even infection in the sunburnt skin. It’s best to keep the skin clean and use products that allow it to breathe during the healing process.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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