Is apple cider vinegar a good home remedy for sunburn?
Sunburn causes swelling and discomfort on the skin. Don’t worry! There is a home remedy that will help you get rid of sunburn quickly. Using apple cider vinegar can help reduce the burning sensation.
Have you ever experienced burning discomfort after spending a day in the sun and want a quick and effective treatment? Many people turn to apple cider vinegar as a solution. But can this pungent liquid soothe sun-kissed skin? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It contains acetic acid, which is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. These products are also thought to help soothe irritated skin and speed up the healing of sunburns. So the next time you’re looking to get out of the heat, adding apple cider vinegar to your beauty routine will help. Find out why apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for sunburn.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is fermented juice obtained from apples. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that it is made by crushing apples, combining yeast to convert sugar into alcohol, and then adding bacteria to convert the alcohol into acetic acid. This acid gives it its acidic taste and has many health benefits.
What is a sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. A study published in StatPearls found that this exposure can damage the skin, causing redness, discomfort, swelling and, in some cases, blisters. Sunburns can range from mild to severe, and if they are frequent or severe, they can lead to skin cancer. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun by using a high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade when the sun is strongest.
What causes sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A study published in StatPearls found that two types of UV rays can cause sunburn.
UVA rays – These rays can penetrate deep into the skin and cause long-term skin damage, including premature aging and skin cancer.
UVB rays – These rays are the main cause of sunburn because they damage the layers of the skin.
The intensity of UV radiation varies depending on factors such as time of day, season and location. It is important to understand these conditions and take care to protect your skin from the sun.
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
Here are some symptoms of heat stroke, according to research findings published in MedlinePlus:
- The skin is red, tender and warm to the touch.
- Blisters appear hours or days later.
- Severe reactions (also known as sun poisoning) include fever, chills, nausea, or rash.
- The skin on the sunspot will come off after a few days.
Apple cider vinegar: Is it a good home remedy for sunburn?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a fermented liquid made from apples that has been used as a medicine for centuries. Its acidic nature (mainly acetic acid) provides many benefits in heat treatments. Acetic acid helps lower the pH of your skin, thus reducing inflammation and pain from sunburn. This provides immediate relief from the stinging and discomfort that often follows excessive sun exposure. It also acts as a natural antiseptic, helping to prevent skin damage. This is very important because sunlight can make skin vulnerable to bacteria and other diseases.
Apple cider vinegar kills harmful bacteria, promoting faster healing. Additionally, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that apple cider vinegar can help tighten skin and reduce flaking (a sign of heat). This will help reduce discomfort and improve overall symptoms in the affected area.
Apple Cider Vinegar: How to Use It as a Home Remedy for Sunburn?
Here are some great ways that experts recommend using apple cider vinegar (ACV) to prevent heatstroke.
1. Diluted spray
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Clean spray bottle
Directions:
Make sure the spray bottle is clean and free of residue from previous use.
Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle and add the apple cider vinegar.
Close the bottle and shake vigorously to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Spray the diluted vinegar directly onto the affected area. You can use as much as needed to relieve pain.
2. Relaxing bath
Ingredients:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
Warm water
A bathtub
Directions:
Fill the tub with warm water. The water should be lukewarm but not too hot.
Pour the apple cider vinegar into the tub.
Soak the sunburned body in the water mixed with vinegar. Soak for 15-20 minutes or as long as you feel comfortable.
After the shower, gently rinse your body with water to remove any remaining acid.
Dry yourself with a soft towel. Do not rub as this may cause skin irritation.
3. Cold compress
Ingredients:
Clean cotton cloth
Apple cider vinegar
Distilled water
A bowl
Directions:
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water in a bowl.
Soak a clean cloth in the juice to make sure it is completely wet.
Put the wet cloth in the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool.
Take a cold cloth from the refrigerator and use it directly in a sunny place.
Press the compress gently against the skin and leave it for 10-15 minutes or until the compress warms up.
Once the cloth is warm, you can dip it in fruit juice and use it again.
4. Aloe Vera Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar Pack
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Combines apple cider vinegar with aloe vera gel for soothing and cooling benefits.
Gently apply the mixture to the affected area.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Wash it off with water.
5. Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar Pack
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Directions:
Mix apple cider vinegar with coconut oil to help moisturize and heal skin.
Gently apply the mixture to the affected area.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Wash it off with water.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lavender Essential Oil Pack
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
A few drops of lavender essential oil
Directions:
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the diluted apple cider vinegar
Apply the mixture to the affected area for further relief.
Massage gently into the area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Wash off with water.
7. Witch hazel and apple cider vinegar
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon witch hazel
Directions:
Mix apple cider vinegar with witch hazel for anti-inflammatory effect.
Gently apply the mixture to the affected area.
Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
Wash off with water.
What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar?
While apple cider vinegar is a good home remedy for sunburn, it can cause some side effects when used incorrectly;
- If taken in excess, it can cause a sore throat.
- Applying the product directly to the skin, which is toxic non-diluted, can cause skin irritation, burning, and even worsening of symptoms since it is quite acidic.
- Can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Long-term use of apple cider vinegar can cause stomach problems, tooth enamel erosion and potassium depletion.
Care should be taken when using apple cider vinegar, especially on injured or sensitive skin. It is also recommended that you consult your doctor before using apple cider vinegar in your daily life.