Do you reach for a bottle of apple cider vinegar after a long day in the sun?
You’re not the only one. Vinegar has long been used as a quick fix for sunburn. Many people believe that it’s an effective remedy to ease redness and stinging. But does it actually work? The short answer is no. There is little scientific evidence that vinegar helps relieve sunburn, and because it’s acidic, it may actually worsen irritation on already damaged skin.
Fortunately, there are safer ways to soothe sunburn and support your skin’s natural healing process. Let’s separate fact from fiction, as we’ve summed up some natural home remedies for sunburn.
But first, let’s explore the science behind what happens to skin during prolonged sun exposure.
What Happens When You Get Sunburn?
It all starts with the ultraviolet radiation of the sun, which is like invisible arrows piercing through your skin.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sunburn happens when your skin is overexposed to ultraviolet radiation, which damages the primary layer of skin.
Due to prolonged exposure, your body’s inflammatory response comes to the rescue, where your blood vessels dilate and increase blood flow. This makes your skin look red, swollen, and painful. You may also feel itching, tenderness, or a burning sensation.
Mild sunburns are not very serious until you have a pre-existing condition or very sensitive skin. You’ll see the full impact of sunburn within 24 hours, and it will heal within three to five days. However, severe sunburns can cause severe symptoms and may require medical attention.
Now, if you’re considering vinegar for sunburn from your kitchen cabinet, hold on! Let’s pause and explore whether treatment with apple cider vinegar is backed by research or not.
Is Vinegar Recommended by Dermatologists for Sunburn Relief?
Some doctors acknowledge the antibacterial and cooling properties of vinegar for sunburned skin. However, others say that it can cause irritation and increase skin damage.
Dr. Carol Cheng, MD, a dermatologist and a professor, warns against the use of apple cider vinegar for sunburn, highlighting its acidic properties that can cause more irritation.
Not to mention, acids can also increase the chances of damaging sunburned skin rather than healing it. Therefore, you need to be careful and choose safer alternatives.
One more piece of evidence stems from the experts at the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology, who advise people to cool their skin with tap water.
How Has Apple Cider Vinegar Been Used for Sunburn?
Are you curious about how ancient folks applied vinegar to tame mild sunburns? As we step back in time, we find two methods from the bygone era that are still used today.
- A popular approach involves a vinegar bath for sunburn. It requires you to add highly diluted apple cider vinegar into your bathtub, which is believed to provide a cooling effect on sunburned areas.
- People also spray diluted vinegar and water on mildly sunburned skin to reduce inflammation and promote a cooling effect.
A quick heads up! These methods of application of vinegar to sunburn haven’t received support from scientific research or evidence; rather, they rely on traditional solutions.
A Word of Caution: If you have very sensitive skin, any pre-existing skin condition, or you’re dealing with a more severe second-degree sunburn, refer to a nearby healthcare professional or dermatologist. Do not use home remedies without consulting a doctor, as it can heighten the risk of further complications.
8 Best Alternatives to Treat Sunburn
As suggested by the Cleveland Clinic, the first and foremost step to take when treating a sunburn is to cool down your skin with a shower and apply a moisturizer on sun-exposed areas.
You should allow your skin the grace of time to heal naturally if you have a mild sunburn. If you do not have sensitive skin or a serious sunburn, you can also utilize at-home remedies to cool down your skin to relieve inflammation. Here are some you can apply right now:
1. Cool Shower or Bath
Taking cold showers works wonders in bringing down your skin’s temperature. You also get soothing relief from pain, inflammation, and redness from sunburn after every bath.
2. Apply Cool Compresses
Soak a clean towel or washcloth in cold water and apply it on a sunburn for 10 to 15 minutes multiple times a day. It reduces inflammation, relieves blisters, and provides a cooling sensation.
3. Soothe your Skin With Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera gel contains 90 % of water and is recommended as one of the most popular remedies. With its cooling properties, it soothes the skin, restores moisture, and reduces redness and pain.
4.Use a Fragrance-Free Moisturizer
Applying a fragrance-free moisturizer first thing on your damp skin locks in moisture, soothes inflammation, and speeds up healing. Plus, it does not contain those irritating fragrances that further add to skin discomfort.
5. Consider an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
If you have sharp, stinging, and burning pain, take medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin. These anti-inflammatory medications provide instant relief and reduce discomfort. If you have any medical condition, consult your healthcare provider in terms of dosage.
6. Use Hydrocortisone Cream if Needed
It is common for sunburned skin to feel itchy and red. However, using 1% hydrocortisone cream can calm irritation and provide temporary relief. Try to use it for a short duration and always consult your healthcare provider before applying it directly onto blistered skin.
7. Cucumber
Cucumber has hydrating properties and is known to cool the skin. You can even make a paste or place cold cucumber slices on the skin to reduce redness and irritation.
8. Green Tea
Green tea contains tannic acid and theobromine, which relieve pain and heal damaged skin. Boil some water and soak a tea bag for an hour. After the water is cool, use a cotton pad or clean cloth to apply the cooled tea to sunburned skin.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care for Sunburn?
Most mild sunburns get better in a few days with proper home care. However, you should visit urgent care if you experience the following signs.
- Large or painful blisters covering 20% of your body
- High fever or chills
- Headache
- Severe pain and swelling
- Dehydration, nausea, or dizziness
- Signs of skin infection, such as pus, increasing redness, or swelling around blisters.
- Symptoms keep worsening
At Family Urgent Care, we check your symptoms and provide proper treatment to avoid further complications in severe cases of sunburn.
Takeaway
To sum up, we’ve observed mixed opinions about applying apple cider vinegar to sunburn. While age-old remedies have their charm, many dermatologists recommend safer alternatives.
However, sometimes remedies do not work, and you may need expert advice if you have a severe sunburn. If that occurs, you can visit our urgent care clinic in Rogers Park, Logan Square, or Schererville to experience expert care for all your sunburn concerns. Our team is always here to provide the thoughtful attention your skin deserves.
FAQs
1. How long does sunburn last?
Most mild sunburns last about 3 to 5 days, with redness and discomfort improving each day. More moderate sunburns, which may include swelling and peeling, can take up to a week to fully heal. Moreover, severe sunburns with blistering may take two weeks or more to recover, and in these cases, it’s best to see a healthcare provider.
2. Does aloe vera work better for sunburn than vinegar?
Aloe vera is generally the better choice for soothing sunburn. It cools the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps it heal. Pure aloe gel or products with a high aloe content are safe for most people. Vinegar, on the other hand, is not recommended as it can irritate already damaged skin, cause stinging, and potentially worsen the burn. For best results, stick with aloe vera, keep the skin moisturized, and stay hydrated while your sunburn heals.
3. Can you get sunburn on cloudy days?
Yes. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds, meaning your skin can still burn even when the sky looks overcast. This is why many people underestimate sun exposure on cloudy days and end up with an unexpected sunburn. If you’re outdoors for more than 15 – 20 minutes, it’s best to wear sunscreen year-round, even when it’s not sunny.
4. Does white vinegar take the sting out of sunburn?
While white vinegar is used as a popular home remedy for sunburn, there is no high-quality scientific evidence that it relieves pain or supports healing. This is because vinegar contains acetic acid that could interfere with already damaged skin and further increase pain and inflammation. However, you can use some good alternatives like aloe vera gel, cool compresses, and a fragrance-free moisturizer to treat sunburn safely.
5. How long should you apply apple cider vinegar to a sunburn?
Apple cider vinegar is generally applied to a sunburn for 10 to 15 minutes per session using a diluted solution. However, it’s best not to use this old-age remedy as it may irritate the already inflamed tissues caused by sun damage.
6. How to get rid of sunburn redness overnight naturally?
Unfortunately, you can not remove sunburn redness overnight because your body takes time to repair the skin barrier and heal completely. However, you can stay hydrated, use cool compresses, apply aloe vera gel, and fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce inflammation and support faster recovery.
