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The Sun might be great for tanning, but it is not so great when you get sunburned! UV or ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes inflamed skin that appears red on the skin and it burns like crazy when you touch it afterwards. There are very few remedies out there that can help with sunburn, but the most unlikely of them all has to be the effectiveness of Epsom salt for sunburns!
While in the search for effective relief from sunburn, Epsom salt has been widely used. Due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, it has gained so much attention. But there is confusion about whether this home remedy truly works its magic against the misery of sunburn. So, the question remains: Does Epsom Salt Help Sunburn? This article will give all the answers related to the connection between Epsom salt and sunburn. Let’s find out whether it is an effective remedy or merely a myth. If you’re curious whether Epsom salt deserves a place in your sunburn recovery routine, read on!
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring chemical compound known as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). It splits up into magnesium and sulfate. This salt has unique properties and uses. Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a home remedy for various purposes. While bathing, these enter the body through the skin. That is why Epsom salt is often used in baths and foot soaks. Magnesium is believed to play a role in relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can help alleviate sore muscles, tension, and stress.
Does Epsom Salt Help Sunburn: How?
Epsom salt is one of the best treatments to help sunburn because of how easily it absorbs into the sunburned skin! Skin easily absorbs the salt and as a result, it works effectively from the root to give relief. Epsom salts are comprised of magnesium sulfate and have wound-healing properties.
While soaking, the incredible detoxifying properties of Epsom salts penetrate the skin and give relief from painful sunburns as well as some additional wound-healing power. As a result, it becomes ideal to deal with sunburned skin. To get it a perfect relief for sunburn, use a salt bath, salt compress, salt spray, etc. through the correct preparation and application of the salt.
The salt can minimize inflammation, swelling, discomfort, and itching of the skin. Magnesium present in it increases circulation boosting healing as well as helping to ease the sting of sunburn. As magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, soaking in Epsom salts may help to reduce the discomfort of mild sunburn and minor wounds like paper cuts and ingrown toenails. Also, soaking skin with the salt bath provides the skin with the necessary hydration which in turn results in quick recovery from sunburn. So, soak your skin in the salt solution for 1 or 2 times a week. It will help if you develop redness or itching caused by sunburns.
While there is limited scientific research specifically addressing the use of Epsom salt for sunburn relief. Some people report feeling better and getting relief from a few symptoms associated with sunburn after using Epsom salt soaks. But still, the effectiveness of this remedy is largely anecdotal.
5 Amazing Ways of Sunburn Relief With Epsom Salt
Even though we enjoy basking on sandy beaches, a sunburn is the unattractive and frequently painful token we bring home. And home remedies can provide better relief than any other source of relief. Let’s discuss about 5 amazing ways of sunburn relief with Epsom salt!
1. Salt Bath
Epsom Salt Bath is one of the most popular ways to get the benefits of salt. It has inflammatory properties of the mineral compound and thus it helps to give you relief from sunburn pain. It is possible to use the Epsom salt bath for a bathtub soak or a foot soak. Soak for at least 15 minutes to help sunburn and repeat the process every day to help the sunburn heal. Do not use plastic containers for essential oils as those are very concentrated and thus break down plastics.
Ingredients: 2 cups of Epsom salt, dead sea flakes, and essential oils.
Step-By-Step Guide: Here is the step-by-step guide for the preparation, application, and storage of Epsom Salt Bath.
- Add ½ cup of Epsom salt and ½ cup of dead sea flakes to a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil and 10 to 15 drops of essential oil to the mixture.
- Add lavender with peppermint essential oils for soothing your skin (optional).
- Combine all the ingredients and soak in the salt bath.
- Store the bath salts in a glass mason jar for 6 to 8 weeks.
Apart from this, there is another process for making regular homemade bath salts. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water. Next, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to the bathtub and stir well to dissolve. Immerse the sunburned area for about 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, pat dry and avoid rubbing on the skin.
2. Epsom Salt Compress
Epsom salt compress is a quick and effective way to get rid of sunburn irritation. If you do not have a bathtub or have a very short time, go through the salt compress to soothe your skin from excessive sun exposure. You have to go through this process when a full bath is not possible. If you want, you may use essential oils. It is possible to use warm water instead of cold water for a quick dissolve of Epsom salts. In that case, put the solution mixture in the freezer so that Epsom salt compress to cool slightly before use.
Ingredients: 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt, 1 cup of water, and soft cotton washcloth.
Step-By-Step Guide: Here is the step-by-step guide for the preparation and application of Epsom Salt Compress.
- Dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 cup of cold water.
- Soak the soft washcloth in the solution to make a compress.
- Apply the soaked cloth to the sunburned body parts for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat this process several times during the day.
- Moisturize the affected area using natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil.
3. Epsom Salt Spray
Epsom salt spray is a quick option for relief from sunburn. So, make the salt spray for use. When you are on the go or don’t have time for a salt bath or compress, simply use an Epsom salt spray.
Ingredients: 1 to 2 teaspoon of Epsom salt, cold water, spray bottle.
Step-By-Step Guide: Here is the step-by-step guide for the preparation, application, and storage of Epsom salt spray.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water.
- Put the solution mixture into an empty spray bottle.
- Next, apply the spray on the sunburned area.
- Reapply if it is necessary.
- Store the spray in the refrigerator.
4. Sunburn-Relieving Lotion
Epsom salt can be used in combination with lotion to help sunburn. Sunburn relieving lotion is a quick solution and applicable for those who lack the patience to soak in the salt bath.
Ingredients: 1 cup Epsom salt, 1 cup of hot water, and everyday use moisturizing lotion.
Step-By-Step Guide: Here is the step-by-step guide for the preparation and application of sunburn-relieving lotion.
- Combine ½ cup of Epsom Salts and ½ cup of hot water.
- Wait for the salt to dissolve completely.
- Add 3 cups of your everyday use moisturizing lotion.
- Stir well to mix all the ingredients properly.
- Transfer the mixture to a jar.
- Apply on the sunburned areas of your body.
5. Soothing Epsom Salt Paste
Use this soothing Epsom salt paste for sunburned areas that are smaller. The paste helps with rashes, stings, and bites too.
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt and 1 cup of hot water.
Step-By-Step Guide: Here is the step-by-step guide for the preparation and application of soothing Epsom salt paste.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt and 1 cup of hot water and stir the mixture until it dissolves.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Clean the sunburned area and pat dry.
- Apply the soothing Epsom salt paste as necessary.
Drawbacks Of Using Epsom Salt To Help Sunburn
While Epsom salt is often praised for its potential benefits in soothing various skin conditions and promoting relaxation, there are some potential drawbacks to using it to help with sunburn. Following are some of the drawbacks of using Epsom salt to help sunburn.
- Potential Irritation: Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, and in some cases, it may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Applying Epsom salt directly to sunburned skin could potentially cause irritation and discomfort.
- Drying Effect: Epsom salt can have a drying effect on the skin. Sunburned skin is already dehydrated, and applying Epsom salt soaks may further give a drying effect to your skin.
- Risk of Infection: Sunburned skin is more prone to infection due to its complicated barrier function. The application of Epsom salt may introduce bacteria into the damaged skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Delayed Healing: While Epsom salt may provide temporary relief, it might not be great for the overall healing process of sunburned skin. Depending only on Epsom salt soaks could delay healing. In that case, seek more effective treatments or medical advice if needed.
- Imbalance In Skin pH And Electrolyte Levels: Using excessive amounts of Epsom salt or soaking for very long periods could lead to imbalances in skin pH and electrolyte levels. Follow up with a healthcare professional for any kind of skin concerns.
If you face any of these, go for alternative treatments. There are other well-established methods for treating sunburn, such as cool compresses, aloe vera, over-the-counter pain relievers, and staying hydrated which might be more effective and have fewer potential drawbacks compared to using Epsom salt.
8 Additional Tips To Use Epsom Salt For Sunburn
Following are 8 additional tips you can consider while using Epsom salt for sunburn.
- Cool showers: Warm water will hurt after an Epsom salt bath so instead go for a cool shower.
- Sunscreen: The best protection you have against the sun is sunscreen so you can go outside in the sun after using Epsom salt by wearing sunscreen.
- Soothing essential oil: You can use essential oils like chamomile or lavender oil for extra soothing during the bath. Mix essential oils with carrier oils like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, etc.
- Moisturize the skin: Moisturize the skin with a rich moisturizer after using the salt.
- Oatmeal soothing: Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce redness.
- Proper storage: Store your bath salts at room temperature or cooler than that.
- Patch test: Perform a patch test to make sure that you are not allergic.
- Blistered skin: Avoid using Epsom salt on open wounds and broken or blistered skin.
FAQs
Yes. Organic coconut oil is good for sunburn. It can soothe sunburn as well as energize the skin cells. As a result, your body’s healing will be stimulated and the repair process will go on smoothly. The extra dead cell layers will shed which causes roughness, dullness, and scaliness of the skin.
No. Vaseline like any butter or oil-based product cannot remove sunburn. It will block pores to retain the heat and sweat which might cause infection. You should also not peel away the topmost area of the blisters. If your skin has no issues like blistering, use moisturizing cream which will relieve discomfort.
According to research, aloe vera may be useful in treating burn wounds. Still, there is little scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating sunburns. Aloe vera provides anti-inflammatory and relaxing effects for a short time that can offer relief from sunburn pain and swelling.
The severity of the sunburn will determine how long it lasts. A little sunburn will last for around 3 days. A moderate sunburn generally lasts for 5 days and is followed by skin peeling. A person who has a severe sunburn may need to consult a doctor when it lasts for more than a week.
Yes. Itchy sunburn indicates that your sunburn is healing. This procedure can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but in a few exceptional circumstances, the itching may become very intense. It is called hell’s itch, sometimes also known as the devil’s itch, and can feel like a severe, severe itch that persists for a few days following sunburn.
Final Thoughts
Epsom salt is an excellent natural home remedy that is often considered effective for sunburn relief. The magnesium present in the salt makes it a good choice to help sunburn. It does not only help sunburn, but it also provides relief from a few symptoms associated with sunburn. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce discomfort and provide hydration, facilitating quick recovery from mild sunburn and minor wounds. There are 5 amazing ways of using Epsom salt to help sunburn, such as salt baths, salt compress, salt spray, sunburn-relieving lotion, and soothing paste. Ensure its use by following the step-by-step guide to get surprising benefits for sunburn. But, there is a lack of scientific evidence that says Epsom salt can help sunburn. So, you may go for alternative treatments which might be more effective than Epsom salt. Always protect the skin with sunscreen, limit exposure to the sun, and wear protective clothing.
Key Points
- Epsom salt is a naturally occurring chemical compound known as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). The salt has been used for centuries as a home remedy for various purposes.
- As magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, soaking in Epsom salts may help to reduce the discomfort of mild sunburn and minor wounds like paper cuts and ingrown toenails.
- Some people report feeling better and getting relief from a few symptoms associated with sunburn after using Epsom salt soaks while the effectiveness of this remedy is largely anecdotal.
- 5 amazing ways of sunburn relief with Epsom salt include Epsom salt bath, Epsom salt compress, Epsom salt spray, sunburn-relieving lotion, and soothing Epsom salt paste.
- Epsom Salt Bath is one of the most popular ways to get the benefits of salt since it has inflammatory properties of the mineral compound and thus it helps to give you relief from sunburn pain.
- Drawbacks of using Epsom salt to help sunburn include potential irritation, drying effect, risk of infection, delayed healing, imbalance in skin pH and electrolyte levels, etc.
