Credits: photography Justin Brimacombe makeup Karin Shoji model Sari Mercer at Liz Bell Agency hair Chris Deagle Moods salon
We here at Musk, know that sometimes you just don't have the time to head to the store, so we put together some home treatments for you, to soothe that burnt, sore skin. These are more meant for milder cases of sunburn. We haven't had the time to try these, so please do so carefully and at your own risk!
FOR THE NATUROPATH:
If your into naturopathic medicine, you'll probably have the following items lying around at home, so give these a whirl and see if it helps.
Mild cases of sunburn:
Try and use an aloe vera or lavender gel or lotion. The gel/lotion is cooling, the lavender and aloe vera help cool and sooth the skin. If you can't find aloe, try witchhazel, which is a good alternative. Want another? Try chamomile and cool (not ice cold) showers and compresses for a few days, they can be useful in milder cases of sunburn. Vitamin E is good for the skin, try taking some orally or you can break your tablet and apply onto the skin.
Severe cases:
Calendula ointment can be used, but again, if the sunburn is very severe, please see your doctor.
FOR THE FOODIES:
I am a total foodie, so I know you'll have this stuff at home. It's easy, convenient and in your fridge or pantry-is there anything a good meal can't solve? Here is a list of some food items and how they help:
Tomato juice-to be used if the burn is fresh BUT YOUR SKIN HASN"T STARTED PEELING YET. Tomato juice is acidic, but it helps to reduce the redness and relieves some of the inflammation. Try and put some on a gauze and hold for 20 minutes, repeat ever couple of hours as needed. Another way (if your willing to go all in) is to bath in some cool water and tomato juice.
Buttermilk-Not only is it great for your skin, but it can be very soothing and cooling when added to a cool bath, your sunburnt skin will thank you! Soak for 20 minutes.
Other bath time remedies? Parsley juice, or add a mixture of 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup of baking soda to your cool bath. This combo soothes your skin and calms down the inflammation.
Oatmeal-Wrap some dry oatmeal in a cheesecloth or towel, then wet it with cool tap water. Compress for 20 minutes, after a few times you'll feel better. The oatmeal acts to cool and reduce pain. You could also do an oatmeal bath, for an overall cooling, great for milder cases.
Black Tea Bags-Steep 6 teabags in a quart of water for 20 minutes. Let the tea cool, then soak a gauze of compress with it. Apply directly onto skin. The antioxidants in the tea will act as an antinflammatory and the coolness of the water will draw out some heat.
Other things you can use as compress? Chilled cucumbers, watermelon, apples or potatoes, or a gauze soaked in milk at room temperature.
Other helpful hints:
-stay out of the sun and cover up if you're outdoors
-remember to hydrate, sun burns can be very dehydrating, so remember to drink your water
-take cool baths and showers to help draw the heat out of your skin
-hydrocortizone cream can be helpful for reducing inflammation but do not use on children under the age of 2, nor in your private parts!
-try taking an oral anti inflammatory such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help relieve pain
-do not use petroleum jelly or butter on your burn-it slows down healing!
