Ever had that post-beach stinging moment when your sunburned skin keeps you on the edge?
You might be on the hunt for sunburn relief remedies and stumble upon a popular folk remedy of applying apple cider vinegar to sunburn.
If yes, wait! Before you pick up the vinegar bottle, let’s find out whether it’s safer to apply this age-old remedy or not.
You may also be seeking alternatives to the traditional lotions and creams commonly available on the market. Roll up your sleeves, as we’ve summed up some natural ways to get instant relief from sunburn.
But first, let’s delve into the science behind what happens to skin during prolonged sun exposure and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying processes.
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, causing cellular damage.
Due to prolonged exposure, your body’s inflammatory response comes to the rescue, where your blood vessels dilate and increase blood flow, causing redness, itchiness, and swelling in your skin.
Sunburn alert activated! This is when you start feeling pain, itchiness, and a burning sensation.
Further, there is a second-degree sunburn that presents itself with severe symptoms such as blisters, bumps, nausea, and fever, also termed sun poisoning or sun sickness.
Mild sunburn is 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.
Now, to treat it quickly, if you’re considering reaching for that vinegar bottle from your kitchen cabinet, hold on! Let’s pause and explore whether treatment with apple cider vinegar is backed by research or not.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Sunburn?
The safety of applying apple cider vinegar to sunburn is a bit of a mixed bag. Diluted vinegar has been a classic grandmother folk remedy for treating sunburn issues.
This potential sunburn soother has been passed down through generations. Its popularity stems from the belief that its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate the discomfort caused by sunburn.
On the contrary, as we dive into research-based evidence, the efficacy of apple cider vinegar for sunburn lacks scientific research.
Now, this absence of concrete evidence leaves us in slight confusion, questioning whether this folk remedy is safe to be used for sunburn or not.
Read further to find out some dermatologists’ opinions on using vinegar to relieve sunburn.
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 on 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. You can even use cold compresses!
On the safer side, they also recommend using a moisturizer, aloe vera gel, or hydrocortisone cream if there’s persistent redness and discomfort.
Safe Way To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar to Sunburn
Are you curious about how ancient folks applied vinegar to tame mild sunburns? As we step back in time, we find two safe methods from the bygone era that are still used today,
- A popular approach involves adding 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.
What Are Some Better Ways 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:
- Dab some aloe vera on your skin: One popular at-home remedy is to apply aloe vera gel to soothe and cool down the burning sensation from a sunburn. Once applied frequently, it reduces the redness and gives a cooling effect.
- Place some cucumber slices: 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.
- Use some potato slices: Potatoes contain star-based components that could help reduce the itchiness and redness caused by sunburn.
- Green tea: It 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.
However, these home remedies do not cure the burn itself but act as a cooling agent that reduces skin discomfort and burning sensation.
If you experience symptoms such as blisters, scarring on sun-exposed areas, or fever, it’s crucial to consult with a nearby urgent care clinic or a dermatologist promptly. These signs may require proper medical attention and specific treatment for optimal care and healing.
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 as we are here to provide the thoughtful attention your skin deserves.
You can visit our urgent care clinic in Rogers Park, Lincoln Park, or Schererville to experience expert care for all your sunburn concerns.
FAQs
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.
When to visit urgent care for sunburn?
You should visit urgent care for sunburn if you have severe pain, large blisters, swelling, fever, chills, nausea, confusion, or signs of infection (such as pus or increased redness). Also seek care if the burn covers a large area, affects your face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if you have underlying health conditions that make healing harder. Urgent care can provide pain relief, treat blisters, and prevent complications.
Can you get sunburn through a window?
Yes, but only from certain types of UV rays. Standard glass blocks most UVB rays (the main cause of sunburn) but lets UVA rays pass through. UVA rays don’t usually cause immediate redness, but they can still damage your skin, lead to premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. If you spend long periods near a sunny window, especially in a car or office, it’s still a good idea to protect your skin with sunscreen or UV-blocking window film.
Which is better for sunburn: Aloe vera or 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.
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 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.
