Skin redness after sun exposure is unpleasant, and it can be even worse if it starts to burn.
If this happens to you, there are two ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen that can help.
Dermatologists suggest that aloe vera and coconut oil can help soothe sunburns and reduce scars caused by excessive sun exposure, as reported by Well and Good.
However, dermatologist Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology, says that there is a right time to apply coconut oil.
If you apply it too soon after the burn, you could worsen the painful, swollen, and burnt skin by trapping heat. Therefore, she recommends using aloe vera first and then coconut oil.
“Fatty emollients, including coconut oil, can clog pores, which in turn retains heat and makes the skin uncomfortable,” she added.
So, how can you benefit from the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil without causing more damage?
You should only use coconut oil when your sunburns are fully healed and your skin is peeling, just like you would with regular moisturizing cream.
“If your skin is noticeably hot to the touch, it is too hot to apply coconut oil,” warns Yadav.
This means that if you have any concerns about your sunburned skin, postpone applying coconut oil and stick to cooling aloe vera or sunscreen lotions.
“Aloe vera allows the skin to breathe and is best used initially for sunburns. Coconut oil is better used in the later stage of sunburn recovery, when the skin is peeling,” says Yadav.
