Apple Cider Vinegar for Sunburn: Can it Really Help in Curing the Condition?

In the world of health and wellness apple cider vinegar seem to have been enjoying quite an outing recently. Touted as an all-rounder, the magical properties of this nature's elixir ranges from your household chores, skin and hair care to the culinary space as well as health maintenance. Apple cider vinegar works as an excellent detox ingredient, when consumed with a glass of warm water first thing in morning on an empty stomach. It is known to flush out all the toxins and prepares the digestive system for the day ahead. This piece is dedicated to understanding apple cider vinegar's role in one of the most common skin woes - sunburn - and whether or not you should resort to it as a natural way of treating the skin condition.Shilpa Arora ND, a renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach, doesn't recommend using apple cider vinegar to treat sunburn. She notes, "Tanned or sunburned skin is sensitive, using apple cider vinegar may further burn the skin. Don't use it directly on the affected area. The hydrochloric acid is too sharp to be applied directly on skin. Dilute it with water in order to use for tanning; not recommended for sunburn at all".

"Apple cider vinegar may actually exaggerate the problem," shared a leading Delhi-based dermatologist and beauty expert, Dr. Deepali Bharadwaj. While the skin-benefiting properties of apple cider vinegar cannot be brushed under the carpet, its efficiency in treating sunburn remains questionable. One thing that we could reason was that the liquid must not be applied directly on the affected area. Sunburned skin requires nourishment and ingredients that can soothe the affected area. In case you are looking for some alternative remedies and every day ingredients that can help treat sunburn, we bring you a list of ingredients that can work like magic.
Aloe Vera
The ingredient is touted for its soothing properties and is probably one of the most inexpensive ways to battle the most common skin and hair woes. If you own an aloe vera plant you can simply pluck one of the shoots, take out its gel and apply directly on the affected area.

Rosewater
An ingredient that is extremely soothing on the skin. Dab with cotton directly on the affected area. You can also mix it with multani mitti or sandalwood (chandan) powder and make a paste that can be applied on the affected area.

Coconut Oil
One of the best ways to tackle sunburn is to apply a film of pure coconut oil on the affected area, it will help in pacifying the itch as well as the discomfort.

"Ice should be applied instantly on the affected area. Curd is excellent. Once the skin is less reddish you can try ingredients like turmeric and tomato juice. Protect your skin from sun damage by tweaking your diet to accommodate more antioxidant-rich foods. Ingredients that are yellow, green, purple and red in colour act as natural sunscreen agents that can be consumed in baked, steamed, boiled or grilled form to reap maximum benefits," concluded Dr. Bharadwaj.

Sunburn can cause the body to lose its moisture, therefore hydration is extremely important. Drink lots of water and keep your skin moisturized. Get in touch with a certified dermatologist to learn more about sunburn, how to prevent yourself from it and other ways to quickly get rid of it in case you happen to have it.