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Drink More Water
Sunburned skin is dehydrated skin (hence the peeling that follows the initial burn), so drinking plenty of water replenishes your skin's lack of moisture from the inside out. "You should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day, especially if you're in the sun for the majority of the day," says Ruth Tedaldi, MD, a Massachusetts-based dermatologist.
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Aveeno
Take an Oatmeal Bath
The polyphenols in oats may reduce itching and inflammation, says Nutrition Reviews. Purchase an oatmeal soak, like Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment ($6.99), or simply grab the oats from your pantry (any kind will work), grind them to a very fine powder in a blender or food processor, then add to your bath. Dry milk powder will also add additional soothing qualities. The milk's lactic acid hydrates and calms skin, explains Tedaldi.
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Aloe Up
Everyone turns to aloe for one reason: It works. The American Academy of Dermatology gives it the thumbs up, and a Skin Pharmacology and Physiology study supports its anti-inflammatory properties.
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Remember Your Vitamins
"The absolute best thing you can do for a sunburn is to load up on antioxidants," says Tedaldi. "New research shows that taking antioxidants orally and applying topically is incredibly helpful for not only treating sunburns, but preventing sunburns." For topical healing, spread vitamin E oil (prick a capsule and squeeze the oil out) directly on the burn. Argan oil and coconut oil can also help—the fatty acids helps relieve inflammation and restore moisture.
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Brew Some Tea
Remember what we said about antioxidants? Green tea has 'em, too. "It can also boost your immunity and help protect your skin from future burns," says Tedaldi.
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Use This Witch Hazel Trick
Witch hazel has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties and tannins, explains Tedaldi, making it great for treating sunburn. At the beginning of summer, soak gauze pads in witch hazel, place them in a ziplock bag, and put them in the freezer. After a day of too much sun, take out your frozen compresses and place them on your sunburn for immediate relief.
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Burt's Bees
After-Sun Lotions
Home remedies not your style? Go to the drugstore and find an after-sun lotion, like Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother ($10). It has lots of the good stuff we mentioned earlier (aloe, coconut oil, antioxidants). General drugstore words of warning: Avoid products with alcohol. They'll dry out your skin and make things worse.
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