Hiking is a fun outdoor activity that involves spending hours under the sun. While being out in nature has several health benefits, it can also expose you to harmful UV rays. Sunburns from hiking can make your experience painful, and it can lead to more serious skin conditions such as skin cancer and premature aging. Whether you’ve recently gone on a hike or you’re planning to go on one, it’s important to know how to treat sunburn to stop pain and help your skin heal. Here are some natural remedies to use to relieve sunburn after hiking.
Hydrate
Hiking can quickly cause your body to lose moisture through sweating and exposure to the sun. It can cause dehydration, which can make sunburns worse. Drinking water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help your skin stay hydrated. Staying well-hydrated will help you heal more quickly from sunburn along with keeping your skin soft.
Apply Cucumber
Cucumbers are known to have a cooling effect when applied to the skin. On sunburned skin, they can help reduce pain and swelling while helping the skin repair itself. Cut a few slices of cucumber then lay them on the sunburned area. Leave them on for about 20 minutes and then rinse them off with cool water. Repeat the treatment as needed for a refreshing and soothing sunburn relief.
Use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a well-known plant that has inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and repair sunburn. Its high levels of antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, help cool the skin. Applying aloe vera can help to reduce the pain and irritation of sunburn while assisting in the healing process. To treat sunburn, simply cut an aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to the burn. Keep the gel on the skin for a few hours and repeat up to four times a day.
Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil provides many benefits to the skin, including relieving sunburn. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin while providing it with essential nutrients to repair itself. It can also make the skin feel cool and reduce the redness and swelling of sunburn burns. To use coconut oil as a sunburn treatment, simply apply a thin layer of unrefined, organic, extra virgin coconut oil to the sunburned area. Let it sit for a few hours and repeat the treatment as needed for soothing relief.
Apply Cold Compress
Cold compresses are a simple and effective way to help reduce the swelling and pain of sunburn. To create a cold compress, simply dip a clean towel in cold water and apply it to the sunburned area. Keep it on your skin for up to 20 minutes, repeating the treatment as needed to soothe the skin.
Use Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that can help to promote healing by repairing damaged cells. Applying vitamin E oil to sunburns can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and heal the skin. Simply apply a small amount of vitamin E oil directly to the affected area and gently massage it in.
Antioxidant Supplements
Taking antioxidant supplements can help to boost the body’s natural healing process. Antioxidants work by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals. This can help to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of sunburned skin. Some of the best antioxidant supplements to take for sunburn relief are vitamins A, C, and E.
Sun Protection
Preventing sunburn is much easier than trying to cure it. Wearing the right sun protection can help to protect you from the harmful UV rays as you hike. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Cover your skin with lightweight, breathable clothing and wear a hat to help shade your face and neck. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
It’s no fun to have to deal with sunburn after spending time outdoors. Using natural remedies such as aloe vera, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, cucumber, and cold compresses can help to soothe sunburned skin. Stay well-hydrated, take antioxidant supplements, and use proper sun protection to help prevent sunburns and keep your skin healthy.