My ‘unorthodox’ trick will drastically reduce your discomfort when you get a sunburn – sounds weird but it works
IF you’re prone to sunburns, this DIY treatment may be worth a try the next time you get scorched.
One man shared the divisive trick his mother taught him to soothe his irritated skin after a day in the sun.
Commenting on a Reddit post, user Carmando revealed the kitchen item he swears by for treating bad sunburns.
He explained that his hack “might seem unorthodox” but insisted it works.
“If you are in a lot of pain, applying a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water will drastically reduce your discomfort,” he advised.
The Redditor recommended putting the solution in a spray bottle for “ease of application.”
However, he did point out an obvious issue with the homemade hack.
“Sounds weird, but it definitely works and is worth doing as long as you can stand smelling like vinegar,” the poster said.
He praised the solution for easing his pain after getting badly burned.
“This is particularly useful right before bed if your sunburn is making you so uncomfortable that you find it hard to fall asleep,” he wrote.
The poster credited his mother with the unusual skincare solution.
“I remember as a kid thinking my mom was crazy when she suggested it, but it really works better than any sunburn treatment product I’ve ever tried,” he said.
Reddit users shared their experiences with the homemade solution in the comments section.
“Yes, this really works! I have really fair skin and have suffered through many sunburns,” wrote one reader.
“Last summer, I tried vinegar for the first time and it drastically helped my pain and seemed like it helped the burn fade faster.
“I didn’t peel afterward either. Sounds weird but it really works.”
“My mom used to do the same thing too! Smelled like a French fry but it worked!” said another person.
How does sunscreen prevent aging?
Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist and the author of the upcoming book The Ageless Revolution, explained how sunscreen prevents aging.
“Sunscreen protects your skin by acting as a barrier against harmful UV rays,” Dr. Aziz told The U.S. Sun.
“There are two main types of sunscreen ingredients: mineral and chemical.
“Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a physical shield, reflecting UV light away from the skin.
“Without SPF protection, your skin may develop uneven pigmentation in an effort to shield itself from the sun’s rays, leading to potential sun damage such as sunspots and premature aging.
“Using sunscreen is essential to prevent this and maintain healthy skin.”
However, not everyone is sold on the idea of using vinegar as a skincare ingredient.
Medical professionals have been divided on the solution, with some disputing the controversial hack.
Dr. Richard O’Brien, an emergency medicine physician based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, spoke to WebMD about why the ingredient shouldn’t be used in skincare.
He advised against putting acid on irritated skin, recommending instead a cold compress and an over-the-counter painkiller.
On the other hand, Dr. Beth Goldstein, a dermatologist in North Carolina, praised the unique hack.
“If you don’t have open skin or blisters, you can use some diluted vinegar to help ease pain, itching, and inflammation,” she told Aetna.
The skincare pro suggested adding a cup of vinegar to a lukewarm bath or soaking washcloths in the substance before freezing them and applying them to the skin.