Honey can help soothe and heal sunburns, but it won't magically remove the sunburn itself. The healing process takes time. Honey's benefits stem from its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
How Honey Helps Sunburns
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Moisturizing: Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws and retains moisture. This helps to rehydrate sunburnt skin, speeding up the healing process. One of the ways that Manuka honey can help your sunburn heal is by drawing moisture to the skin. [Source: Provided reference material]
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Anti-inflammatory: Honey reduces inflammation, soothing the pain and discomfort associated with sunburns. [Source: St. Luke's Health article]
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Antibacterial: Honey possesses antibacterial properties, helping to prevent infection, a potential complication of severe sunburns. [Source: CourtneyHasseman article]
Important Considerations
While honey can be a soothing remedy, it's crucial to remember:
- Not a cure-all: Honey offers relief, but it's not a replacement for proper sunburn treatment. Severe sunburns require medical attention. [Source: Medstar Health article]
- Not all honey is created equal: The effectiveness might vary depending on the type of honey.
- Avoid certain practices: Applying honey in combination with other substances (like mustard, ketchup, or butter) is not recommended. [Source: Medstar Health article]
Using Honey for Sunburn Relief
If using honey, apply a thin layer of raw honey to the affected area. Allow it to absorb into the skin. You can also create a soothing paste by combining honey with other ingredients like milk and oats. [Source: Tri-City article, Koa article]
Note: Always consult a doctor for severe sunburns or if you experience any unusual symptoms.
