SUNBURNT Brits should try bathing in oats, munching on watermelon and slathering themselves in aloe vera gel, according to experts.
The three hot weather hacks – all available on a budget – are said to help relieve redness, reduce inflammation and keep you hydrated.
GettyYoung woman with sunburn at beach, looking toward horizon[/caption]
Here’s how they work.
1. Oat bath
It is widely accepted that oats have anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s no wonder they’re a common ingredient in body lotions.
But have you ever tried adding a cup of them to your bathwater?
Studies suggest doing so can help relieve sunburnt skin.
But be sure to use 100 per cent whole oats and check that the water is lukewarm or cool.
It will turn a milky white colour – and relaxing in it for about 20 minutes will help soothe your skin and restore its natural barrier.
The best part? A bag of oats can be picked up for less than a quid.
Lovisa Nilsson, in-house nutritionist at fitness and health app Lifesum, told The Sun: “Oatmeal has the ability to soothe severe sunburn.”
Speaking to the BBC, Dr Nisith Sheth from the British Skin Foundation added: “Oats – and oatmeal – have been well known to reduce inflammation, and they’re in some commercial brands to treat things like eczema, because of its anti-inflammatory effects.”
2. Snacking on watermelon
It’s crucial to stay hydrated when you’ve spent time in the sun, so it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water.
But you can get extra liquid from water-filled foods like watermelon, currently on sale for about £3.50.
The British Skin Foundation says: “Sunburn can encourage fluid loss through the skin.
“Drinking plenty of water will prevent dehydration and help your body recover.”
The refreshing fruit is especially beneficial as it contains lycopene – a phytochemical that can help protect cells from sun damage by absorbing UVA and UVB rays.
It is still vital to wear sun cream and stay covered, however.
3. Aloe vera gel
When it comes to applying things directly to sunburnt skin, most people think of after-sun.
It’s easy to pick up in Boots, Superdrug and most supermarkets – and often comes in a two-pack with sun cream.
But, after-sun products can actually make your skin worse.
Skincare expert Michaella Bolder told The Independent: “After-sun formulas tend to have rich, thick consistencies containing oils, which create an emollient barrier on top of the skin.
“This traps in the heat in the upper layer of the epidermis and exacerbates the inflammation and ‘burn’ feeling on your face.
“Plus, many over-the-counter after-suns will contain chemicals and/or fragrance. This will just irritate the damaged skin.”
Instead, it’s best to try an aloe vera gel, which start from about £4.
While there is little scientific evidence to back its use to treat sunburn, scores of health professionals still recommend it.
According to Cancer Research UK, the plant has softening properties which can help soothe minor skin problems.
And the British Skin Foundation says: “Aloe vera or soy containing gels or lotions can be beneficial in soothing the skin.
“Aloe vera not only has a cooling effect on the skin but also acts as an anti-inflammatory.
“Repeated applications of this are necessary to reduce the appearance of peeling and this may need to be continued for several weeks.”
How to stay safe in the sun
TOO much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer.
In the UK, almost nine in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.
The best way to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin is to use shade, clothing and sunscreen.
Ensure you use a cream with at least SPF 15 and a four-star rating.
Use it generously (most people don’t put enough on), reapply regularly.
In the UK, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 11am and 3pm from mid-March to mid-October.
Source: Cancer Research UK
And one hack you must never try…
If you’ve tried these three hacks and you still look like a tomato, there is one trend experts urge you not to try – covering yourself in Vaseline.
While petroleum jelly has several skin uses, treating sunburn isn’t one of them.
It can actually make it worse because it doesn’t act as a moisturiser at all.
It provides a barrier between the skin and the air, which stops you from being able to release heat and sweat.
This can make you feel even hotter and itchier – which you definitely don’t want.
“Be wary of using creams or lotions that contain petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine,” the British Skin Foundation says.
“These can either trap heat in the skin or cause local skin irritation.”