Everything You Actually Need to Heal a Sunburn

Even when you do everything possible to prevent a sunburn and to protect your skin in the sun, there's still always that one time (for me it's always in the beginning of summer) that all the SPF in the world doesn't help... It happens, and although you should always be re-applying sunscreen in the sun, it isn't foolproof! A couple of weeks ago I was floating around in my pool and it was a super hot day - I had applied sunscreen but didn't re-apply enough - especially with how hot it was out. By the time mid-evening rolled around my legs and shoulders were burning so badly and the aloe was helping, but not as much as I needed it to... My sister told me to try (what sounded like) the most insane way to help make it feel better and at first I told her she was nuts, but by the next morning... WOW. Here's everything you need to heal your sunburn ASAP:
First, here's some of my favorite sunscreens to help prevent this from even happening - sun protection is beyond important and we all know that, but sometimes the inevitable happens!

Aloe: this is pretty much a given... it cools that awful burning feeling and helps to minimize skin peeling once the burn heals; it's also just really good for your skin and if nothing else, will make you feel a little better in the moment. Any aloe works - just make sure it's natural with no fragrances! I prefer aloe gel over the lotion but you can use either.

ACV & Coconut Oil: ok, this is what my sister recommended I try... I cannot even begin to describe just how well this combo works. Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the worst smells IMO but you can handle it if it'll make you feel better right?! I swear it's magic in a bottle. So here's what to do...

1. Put ACV into a bowl/spray bottle and dilute with water - you can eye it, but you want to add about 1/2 as much water as you have ACV (maybe a little less than that). If in a bowl, mix the water and if using a spray bottle, shake it up. Put it all over your sunburn and let it dry. You can also use a VERY soft washcloth by soaking it with cold water and then dipping it into ACV - any of these methods works, it's completely your choice! I promise you'll smell pretty gross (LOL) but it'll be worth it - I swear by this now.

2. Once the ACV is totally dry (it'll take about 5 minutes) get out the coconut oil and lather it all over the sunburn. This won't dry as quickly - it'll more so leave you oily but again, stick with me, it's worth it! I did this ACV/coconut oil method right before bed, so I put a large towel over my sheets and an old pair of sweatpants on and let my skin absorb it overnight.

When you wake up, your skin will be soft, bronze and 110% cured from the sunburn you had just hours ago. I now swear by ACV and Coconut Oil and will never use anything else again! My sunburn was pretty red and hurt pretty bad, but it wasn't the worst it could of been; I can't say for sure if it would help a more severe burn but it definitely helped mine and guarantee it'll help yours too. The one and only downside is the smell of ACV, but whatever works right?

Hawaiian Tropic After-Sun Cooling Gel: I LOVE this stuff! I use it after every single time I've been in the sun and it's one of the things I look forward to the most during the summer. The smell is my absolute favorite thing, ever. EVER. It is so good and feels incredible on your skin; doesn't leave you sticky, just smelling amazing. ;) I wouldn't put this on your skin to help heal a sunburn necessarily, but I included it because once your sunburn begins to heal (AKA a day after you burn since the ACV will magically heal you) this cooling gel will help you maintain your tan and minimize any skin peeling that still may happen. It's my go-to, #1 summer essential of all time!

After-Sun Watermelon Face Mask: I have quickly fallen in love with this mask! It's a hydrating sheet mask that's meant to wear post-sun exposure - whether you're tanned or burned. Getting burned on your face is hard because there's not much you can do other than hydrate and stay moisturized. I love this mask because it's meant to help keep you hydrated and maintain a tan - it definitely works and feels incredible when it's on your skin.

Oil Blotting Papers: when your face has sunburn and gets extra oily, lightly blot your skin with these oil blotting sheets. It may not make your skin feel better but it'll keep the shine minimal.

While it's much easier to just continuously re-apply sunscreen and prevent a sunburn in the first place, it's bound to happen every so often. This method will 100% help minimize the pain, discomfort and down time that a sunburn causes during the summer! I've been so excited to share this little tip because of how well it worked for me. I was able to spend the following day at the beach with friends as I had planned - just with an umbrella and lots more sunscreen this time around. ;)
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XOXO -A