Sunburn is a common issue, especially during the summer months. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause red, irritated, and blistering skin. While numerous over-the-counter medicines are available, some people prefer natural alternatives. One such treatment is apple cider vinegar (ACV). But does the science back up the effectiveness of ACV for sunburn?
Understanding Sunburns
Before exploring how ACV can help with sunburn, it’s essential to understand what happens when your skin is overexposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
When skin is exposed to too much UV light, it becomes inflamed. This causes the blood vessels to widen, leading to redness, swelling, and pain—the main signs of a sunburn. The skin might also feel warm and develop a stinging or burning sensation.
Sunburns can range from mild (redness and discomfort) to severe (blistering, fever, chills). Excessive sun exposure over time can also cause long-term skin damage, such as accelerated aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Does apple cider vinegar help sunburn?
Using apple cider vinegar for sunburn is based on its ability to balance the skin’s pH levels and promote healing. Here are some reasons why ACV is considered beneficial for treating sunburn:
1. pH Balancing
Sunburned skin can become extremely dry and lose its normal pH balance. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps restore the skin’s pH balance, which can aid in faster healing and relief from discomfort.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with sunburn. This can lead to quicker relief from the pain and heat of sunburned skin.
3. Antiseptic Effects
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of ACV can prevent infection in sunburned areas, especially if there are blisters or broken skin. This is crucial in preventing further complications during the healing process.
4. Soothing Effect
Applying apple cider vinegar to sunburned skin can provide a cooling and soothing effect, which can help reduce the burning sensation and discomfort.
What the Research Says
While some people claim ACV helps with sunburns, scientific evidence doesn’t fully support this.
In a 2012 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a child got chemical burns when undiluted ACV was used on infected skin. This shows ACV can be risky, especially on damaged skin.
Administering undiluted ACV can result in chemical burns. As reported in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, a teenager developed chemical scarring on their nose after using ACV to remove moles.
Dermatologists generally advise against using ACV or other acids on sunburns because they can exacerbate irritation. Instead, they suggest gentler, more soothing treatments.
Potential Risks of Using ACV for Sunburn
While diluted ACV may provide relief for some people with sunburned skin, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved:
- Chemical Burns: The acidity of ACV can be harsh on already sensitive skin, potentially causing chemical burns or worsening irritation, especially if it’s not properly diluted.
- Skin Dryness and Irritation: The acidic nature of ACV can disturb the skin’s normal pH balance, causing dryness, peeling, and increased irritation from sunburn. This can slow the healing process.
- Risk of Infection: Sunburned skin is more susceptible to infection. Using undiluted ACV, which has antimicrobial properties, might inadvertently introduce harmful bacteria or fungi to the damaged skin.
- Delayed Healing: ACV’s exfoliating properties, beneficial for some skin conditions, can hinder sunburned skin’s natural healing process by removing the top layer of damaged skin cells.
How to Use ACV Safely for Sunburn (If at All)
If you’re thinking about using ACV for sunburn relief, it’s important to be cautious and follow these steps:
- Dilute the ACV: Never use undiluted ACV directly on sunburned skin. Instead, mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Perform a Patch Test: Before using the diluted ACV on a large area, conduct a tiny patch test on undamaged skin. Wait 24 hours to ensure no adverse reaction.
- Apply Gently: Use a clean, soft cloth or cotton pad to gently dab the diluted ACV onto the sunburned skin. Avoid rubbing, as this may harm the skin.
- Rinse Well: After a few minutes, thoroughly rinse the area with lukewarm water to eliminate any residual ACV.
- Moisturize: Apply a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe and hydrate your skin.
- Seek Medical Help if Needed: If your sunburn is severe, with blisters, fever, or other worrying symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare provider should handle serious sunburns, not the patient at home.
When you use apple cider vinegar (ACV) on a sunburn, keep it on for a short time to prevent irritation. Apply the diluted ACV with a soft cloth or cotton pad to the sunburned skin for a few minutes. Afterwards, rinse the area well with cool water to wash away any leftover ACV. Don’t leave ACV on your skin for too long because its acidity can dry out or irritate your skin. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, stop using ACV immediately and consult a healthcare expert.
Alternatives to ACV for Sunburn Relief
If you’re hesitant about using ACV or worried about its potential risks, there are other gentle and effective options to soothe sunburned skin:
- Aloe Vera: Known for its cooling and moisturizing properties,aloe vera is widely used for sunburn relief.
- Hydrocortisone Cream: Available over-the-counter, hydrocortisone creams can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
- Cool Compresses: Applying cool, moist compresses to the sunburned part helps relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Oral Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and pain from sunburn.
- Gentle, Fragrance-Free Moisturizers: Keeping your skin hydrated supports the healing process.
- Protective Measures: To prevent sunburns, limit sun exposure, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen along with protective clothing.
Ask Your Dermatologist Before Using ACV for Sunburn
Using diluted ACV may feel soothing on sunburned skin, but scientific evidence of its effectiveness is limited. Dermatologists caution against using ACV or other acids on sunburns because they can aggravate irritation and inflammation.
If you decide to use ACV for sunburn relief, it’s important to dilute it correctly and do a patch test first. For severe sunburns or concerning symptoms, seek medical help rather than treating it at home.
For the safest and most effective sunburn relief, focus on gentle options like aloe vera, hydrocortisone cream, and cool compresses. To prevent sunburns, limit sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen.