Coconut oil, repairs and rejuvenates our skin from sunburn. Here are some tips on using coconut oil for sunburn. Coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and it hydrates skin effectively. It acts as a natural shield for our skin protecting from damage and sun. It has low molecular weight so it penetrates deeper into our skin. Coconut oil is also rich in saturated fatty acids, thus Coconut oil provides long lasting moisture to the skin.
Sunburn is redness and swelling on the skin due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV rays) from the sun. It is painful when mild to moderate and can be life threatening when severe. Coconut oil gives a natural home made cure for treating sunburn. Coconut oil is an essential part of our skincare as it nourishes our skin and enriches our beauty.
Why using coconut oil for sunburn
- Coconut Oil hydrates our skin and offers a lasting nourishment.
- The fatty acids present in coconut oil help in healing sunburn
- Coconut oil has saturated fatty acids, which deep moisturizes our skin and relieves from sunburn inflammation.
- Coconut oil soothes and pacifies the burning and pain created by sunburn caused dryness and blisters.
- Coconut oil is rich in Vitamin D and E , thus it provides necessary nutrients for the skin.
- Coconut oil is rich in anti-oxidants that eliminate free radicals on the skin
- It acts as a natural sunscreen
- Coconut oil also revitalizes and cures wrinkles and dark circles.
Ways of using Coconut oil for sunburn
1Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
- Take a few drops of extra-virgin coconut oil
- Apply over the sunburn, gently with your fingers
- Make circular rounds of massage for 5-7 minutes
- Then keep it overnight to heal
- Wash your face with cold water in the morning (do not use face-wash or soap)
- Apply moisturizer
2Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 4 parts water
- Now using a cotton ball apply on your face
- Leave it for 2 minutes
- Then take few drops of coconut oil on your fingers
- Gently massage on your face
- After 5-6 minutes, wash your face with cold water and apply moisturizer
3Coconut oil, Yogurt and Honey
- Mix coconut oil and honey in 1:1 ratio
- Now add chilled yogurt to the mixture
- Now apply the mixture with gentle massage on your face
- Use circular motions of your fingertips to do the massage
- Keep it for 15 minutes
- Then wash with cold water
- Repeat 2 times a day
[Also read: Benefit of Honey for dry skin]
4Coconut oil and mint leaves
- Blend the mint leaves and add few drops of water to make it a smooth thick paste
- Now add coconut oil to the same
- Now apply this paste to your face
- Keep it for 20 minutes
- Now wash the face with cool water
- Repeat 2-3 times a day
5Coconut oil and Aloe Vera
- Take aloe vera gel in a bowl
- Add coconut oil to it
- Now add few ice cubes
- Then apply the same to your face
- Keep it for 30-35 minutes
- Wash your face with cold water
- Repeat 4-5 times a day
6Coconut oil and cucumber
- Grate cucumber making a paste
- Strain it and drain out the water
- Add few drops of coconut oil to the cucumber paste
- Now apply the paste on your face
- Leave it for 30-35 minutes
- Wash it with cold water
- Repeat 3-4 times a day
7Coconut oil and whole milk
- Add few drops of coconut oil into raw milk
- Now with cotton ball apply this mixture on your face
- Leave for 10 minutes
- Wash with cold water
- Repeat 2 times a day
8Coconut oil, sandalwood powder and rose water
- Mix sandalwood powder and rose water first
- Make a thick paste
- Now add coconut oil into it
- Now apply on your face and leave the pack to dry
- After it dries completely use a wet damp cloth to wipe it
- Now wash your face
- Repeat 2 times a day
9Coconut oi Corn starch and baking soda
- Mix baking soda and coconut oil
- Now separately mix corn starch with little water and form a thick paste
- Now add the two pastes
- Apply this on your face and leave for 5-6 minutes
- Wash it with cold water
- Repeat once a day
10Coconut oil and lavender oil
- Take few drops of coconut oil
- Add lavender oil to it
- Now with your fingers gently massage your face
- Keep it for 10 minutes
- Then wash your face with cold water
- Repeat 3-4 times a day
PRECAUTIONARY TIPS ON USING COCONUT OIL FOR SUNBURN
- Use pure extra virgin coconut oil
- Check for your skin allergies
- Before applying any of the above on your face, apply on your elbow to check reaction on your skin (PATCH TEST)
- Do not apply coconut oil as soon as you get sunburn. As it can trap the heat from inside and make it worse. Wait for a few days and then start these home remedies
- Always use coconut oil after washing your face
- Coconut oil can also be used as a sunscreen
- Consult your dermatologist for sever sun burn blisters
- Do not use 2 or more of the above treatments together, they may cause opposite reactions
Using Coconut Oil for sunburn is an effective, natural and home made remedy. It can prevent you from getting severe effects of sunburn. Follow all precautions before proceeding.
Minu Manisha
