Sunbathing sounds like a great way to get a tan, which has nothing to do with bottles and sunbeds. However, overdo it and you end up with severe sunburns. WTM tells you how to cure sunburns naturally with some home-based remedies.

1. Say no to oily creams
Too much exposure to sun makes your skin sore and red. It also damages the capillaries in the epidermis. Avoid greasy or oily lotions in the summer, even to counteract a sun burn. This includes products made from benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly, which clog your pores and don’t allow heat to escape.

2. No to chemicals
If you have a sunburn, avoid soaps which are high on chemicals. Also stay away from detergents as they can exacerbate your situation by irritating your skin further.

3. Cool the skin
You can try cooling your skin by taking baths in lukewarm water in which a cup of baking soda or apple cider vinegar has been added.

4. Calendula bath
Put 20 drops of calendula tincture in water and bathe the skin until the pain goes away. Calendula is also available in gels and salves; it will help soften and heal burned skin. An anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, calendula can be used long after the burn to heal the skin.

5. Have the right diet
The correct diet can go a long way in helping you recover from sunburns. Make sure your diet includes milk, food rich in vitamin C, E, betacarotene and zinc. Also include food rich in protein such as meat, egg, fish and chicken. Eat lots of fruits and green vegetables.

6. Drink fluids
Make sure that you have a lot of fluids so that your body is cleaned from inside and stays hydrated. Try fresh lemonade and green mango juice with a pinch of salt to cool your body. Always carry a bottle of water when you venture out in the sun.

7. Aloe magic
Aloe Vera gel is the most common home remedy against sun burns. While lotions are an option, use fresh aloe vera if you have it at hand. Apply the gel to the damaged area of the skin, which is beneficial for the epidermis and accelerates its healing process. Aloe is anti-inflammatory and will prevent skin from swelling, while the nutritive mineral zinc will enhance tissue regeneration.

8. Essential oils
Certain essential oils have cooling properties and can prove beneficial in case of sunburn. This includes chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus and buckthorn essential oils. They can be applied directly to the skin or added to the bath water.

9. Vegetable therapy
Grate vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce and apply them on the burns. These vegetables have a soothing and calming effect on the skin.

10. Cold compresses
Make sure you keep the burnt area cool and well ventilated. Applying ice will make you feel better, as well as Epsom salt or an ice compress.