Sun rays can be life-affirming but excessive exposure to the sun can wreak havoc on our bodies. Too much of the sun can cause our immune systems to initiate many inflammatory responses. Hence, sunburn can be extremely painful to our bodies. Sunburn is characterized by inflamed skin and heightened body temperature, along with excessive body pain. Rays of the sun on bare skin can produce free radicals that can damage our tissues and weaken our immunity. Rays of the sun can be both good and bad. The good rays of the sun can provide our bodies with vitamin D. These good rays are available in the mornings and evenings. The bad rays are generally found in abundance in the afternoons. These rays cause skin damage, tanning and sunburns.
Sunburns are usually classified into three different categories. First- and second-degree sunburns are considered to be less harmful and temporary. These types of sunburns go away in a few days with necessary care without causing much harm. Third-degree sunburn is the harmful kind. It is characterized by chills, fever, breakouts and inflamed skin. It is advised to consult a doctor immediately, if you are suffering from third-degree sunburn.
First- and second-degree sunburns can be treated at home with many available kitchen ingredients like teabags and milk.
Efficacy Of Tea
Tea is a rich source of variety of antioxidants. Antioxidants can increase the healing of damaged skin. The polyphenols present in tea can effectively diminish the redness of skin. Tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate which is synonymous with anti-inflammatory effect. The theobromines and tannins present in tea can reduce heat produced by sunburns. And, catechins of tea can repair skin damage and restore skin health.
Type Of Tea To Use For Treating Sunburns
Any type of tea can be used for treating sunburns. Various teas like oolong tea, peppermint tea, earl grey, black tea, mint tea, Ceylon tea, peppermint tea etc. can be used for treating sunburns. But, black tea has more amount of tannins.
Teabags For Treating Sunburns
1. Soothing Tea Bags
This remedy is perfect if your sunburned area is small. Boil some water in a container. Take the container off the flame and submerge 2 to 3 tea bags into the water. Leave it aside for 15 to 20 minutes. Take the tea bags out and place it on the sunburned area. Keep it on the sunburned area until the tea bags are dry. You can put the tea bags in the tea solution again and repeat the process, if you want.
2. Health Restoring Tea Bath
This remedy works when large parts are sunburned. Boil 4-5 cups of water and add 6 to 7 tea bags in the water, after removing from flame. Leave it aside to steep for 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags from the container and add the content of the container to your bath water. Soak yourself for 20-25 minutes in that solution. Take bath with cold water afterwards.
3. Tea Infused Water
This remedy can provide instant relief to sunburned skin. This can stop sunburned skin from peeling. Boil 4-5 cups of water. Add 5 to 6 tea bags to the boiling water and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove the water from the flame and cool it down to room temperature. Soak in a piece of cloth in this solution for a few minutes and place it on the sunburned areas until dry. Remove the cloth after its dry, then rinse the area with cold water and pat dry. You can repeat this for three times a day to see visible change.
Additional Tips
Drink plenty of tea for healing your body from inside as well. Wear loose fitting clothes. Use appropriate SPF sunscreen lotion to protect yourself from the harsh sun rays.
Try one of these hacks today to get rid of painful sunburned skin and restore great skin health.
