Is coconut oil good for sunburn? Can it help your skin in the long run? What benefits does coconut oil come with? What are the best alternatives to it? These are some of the biggest questions people often ask when it comes to coconut oil, and if you also have the same queries, this post will answer all of them. So keep reading to find out.
What are the benefits of coconut oil for sunburn?
Coconut oil can be used to treat various skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Science also suggests that coconut oil can soothe all burnt skin. It also relieves symptoms like peeling and itching. This happens because coconut oil is quite high in saturated fat levels, which does an excellent job of moisturizing your skin. Applying coconut oil also helps relieve all the symptoms and also replenishes the moisturization levels of the skin.
How can you apply coconut oil for sunburn?
Now that we have answered the question ‘is coconut oil good for sunburn’, let’s take a look at how you can apply coconut oil for sunburn. All you need to do is take a cool or damp piece of wet cloth and apply it to the affected area for approximately 15 minutes. You could also take a cool shower and apply coconut oil to the area that is sunburnt.
Coconut oil vs. aloe vera for sunburn
Both aloe vera gel and coconut oil can help you relieve itching caused due to sunburn. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that help hydrate and nourish the skin. It also prevents excessive dryness and dullness of the skin. However, a lot of this is also dependent on the severity of the burn. A first-degree burn will only affect the outer section of the skin, which can be easily treated using coconut oil and aloe vera. If the skin is a third or third-degree burn, you will need to consult a dermatologist.
When should you skip the coconut oil?
Is coconut oil good for sunburn? Yes! But should you use this at all times? No, especially after your skin has got burnt. You should also avoid using coconut oil if the skin is extremely hot to the touch if there are any blisters in sight if there are any 1st-degree burns, etc.
Apart from this, there are several home remedies that will help you soothe and heal the skin. If none of them work, make sure that you visit a doctor or dermatologist who can help you more regarding your situation. You can learn more about the various alternatives for coconut oil in the FAQs mentioned below.
FAQs
Does coconut oil prevent sunburn?
Research suggests that the best oil for sunburn is coconut oil. It has an SPF of 7.1, which not only protects the skin against sunburn but also provides protection from the sun like no other. However, it is recommended that you also apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30, in order to treat and manage sunburns effectively.
Does coconut burn skin?
Coconut oil does not burn the skin at all. In fact, it burns the skin from damage and skin issues as well. Coconut oil also absorbs very quickly and easily into the skin, does not have any negative side effects, etc. It is considered to be one of the best and most useful oils you can use to heal sunburn.
What are the other alternatives?
Apart from aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil for sunburn are also talked about mostly. The cooling effects and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar helps treat sunburn easily and effectively. It also has huge amounts of pectin, which contains high anti-inflammatory properties. However, before using apple cider vinegar, make sure you dilute the vinegar and then apply to the wounds.
What to use on sunburn?
In order to heal sunburn, you can follow the following steps
- Appy a clean and cool towel on the affected area. About 2 ounces of probably 60 grams of baking soda is enough to do the job. You can cool the skin for approximately 10 minutes to get the best result.
- Apply moisturizer, gel, or lotion next. The best alternative will be coconut oil. If you don’t have, you could consider aloe vare gel or calamine lotion. You can cool the product in the refrigerator before using it.
- In order to assuage your sunburn, you can also drink some extra water throughout the day in order to prevent any sort of dehydration.
Is vaseline good for sunburn?
Now, this may sound a bit confusing to some of you, but applying vaseline directly to the skin can lead to further irritability. This is because when you apply vaseline directly to sunburn, it creates a barrier between the skin and air, which often causes feelings of itchiness and heat. Vaseline is also not considered sterile which means that direct application can affect the skin and breed further bacteria. So make sure to avoid this in the long run.
Is olive oil good for sunburn?
According to a study published in the year 2016, olive oil is a traditional remedy that treats skin lesions that are caused by fatty acids. Sunburn, too can be effectively treated in an easy and quick manner if you consider olive oil. All you need to do is apply some extra virgin olive oil to the affected area, let it relax for 30 minutes, and make sure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated at all times.
If you were wondering is coconut oil is good for sunburn, we hope our post has answered all of your queries. In conclusion, we can definitely say that sunburn treatments don’t always heal sunburned skin, but it surely alleviates the burning sensation. Evidence also says that coconut oil used for sunburn treatment is usually anecdotal. It reduces itching, gently moisturizes the skin, and also helps in the whole oil extraction process
