Soothe Your Skin With a Tea Bath for Sunburn Relief

While the sun offers many benefits — like providing vitamin D, which is essential for strengthening bones and improving overall mood — too much of a good thing can lead to painful consequences. A sunburn involves red, inflamed skin and is common after prolonged sun exposure. Prevention through sunscreen application and limited sun exposure is key, but sometimes, the best intentions can fall short. Fortunately, turning to natural remedies can help, like a tea bath for sunburn relief.

What Are the Health Benefits of Tea?

Tea — one of the world’s oldest and most consumed beverages — is cherished for its inviting smell and soothing taste. However, it’s also appreciated for its healing properties beyond its role as a drink. Teas like black, green, white and herbal teas derive from the Camellia sinensis plant and other botanicals. They’ve been used for their potential health benefits for centuries because they’re rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.

Research has shown some tea varieties can strengthen your immune system, aid digestion and lower your risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Regularly drinking black tea can reduce your risk of sun damage by acting as a protective shield from the sun’s harmful rays. 

What Teas Can You Use For a Sunburn?

The idea of using tea to ease sunburn may seem unusual, but when you consider the components of different teas, it becomes apparent how they can aid in soothing damaged skin. Certain compounds in tea — like polyphenols and tannins — possess anti-inflammatory properties and cooling effects that can alleviate pain or discomfort.

Various types of tea may be a helpful addition to your bath, including:

• Black tea
• Green tea
• Chamomile tea

How to Prepare a Tea Bath for Sunburn Relief

A tea bath for a sunburn involves steeping tea bags or loose tea leaves in warm water to create an infusion you then add to a bathtub. The process is simple yet effective and harnesses the healing benefits of tea to relieve sun-damaged skin. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a relaxing tea bath.

Ingredients

• Tea bags or loose tea leaves: Opt for teas known to soothe sunburn, like chamomile, green tea, black tea or calendula tea.
• Warm water: Fill your bathtub with warm water at your desired temperature.
• Oils or Epsom salts: These are optional, but consider adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or a scoop of Epsom salts.

Instructions

1. Prepare the tea infusion: Boil water and steep your tea in it for at least 20 minutes while covered.
2. Fill the bathtub: Fill your tub with enough warm water to cover the affected areas. Avoid using too much hot water as it can further irritate your skin.
3. Add the tea infusion: Add it to the bathwater once the tea infusion has cooled slightly. Ensure the tea is evenly distributed by gently mixing the water.
4. Soak: Immerse yourself in the water and soak for at least 20 minutes.
5. Pat your skin dry: After your bath, gently pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as your skin will be sensitive.
6. Moisturize: Apply a hydrating moisturizer to your skin. Products containing aloe vera can reduce redness and cool the skin, particularly if you have a first or second-degree burn.

If you only need to use the tea on small area of your skin, skip the bath and soak a tea bag in room-temperature water for a few minutes before applying it directly to the affected area.

The Science Behind Tea’s Calming Effect

The effectiveness of a tea bath for sunburn relief lies in the compounds present in tea. For example, chamomile tea is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It contains compounds that can help reduce redness and irritation.

On the other hand, green tea is loaded with polyphenols — known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can repair damaged skin cells and ease discomfort.

A Centuries-Old Ritual

Beyond its therapeutic powers, the tradition of using tea for bathing has deep-rooted cultural and historical significance in various parts of the world. In certain cultures, herbal baths have been cherished for centuries for rejuvenation and healing.

For example, in ancient Japan, tea ceremonies weren’t confined to cups of tea but extended to tea-infused baths. They believed these baths purified the body and mind, making them an integral part of holistic wellness practices.

Similarly, the ancient Indian system of medicine advocates for herbal baths to balance the body’s energies and promote healing. The infusion of herbs and plants in baths has been a fundamental aspect of Ayurvedic therapies for skin ailments, including sunburn.

When to Avoid a Tea Bath

While a tea bath can relieve mild sunburn and various skin irritations, there are situations where it’s better to seek medical attention from a doctor. Recognizing when a home remedy might not be sufficient and when professional medical care is necessary is crucial. If you have severe, third-degree sunburn covering a large portion of your body, or it’s accompanied by blisters, extreme pain, fever or chills, you should consult a doctor.

A severe sunburn can indicate deeper tissue damage and a medical professional can provide appropriate treatment. Additionally, you should seek medical treatment if you have any allergic reactions to a tea bath, or if your sunburn has resulted in open blisters or broken skin.

Soothe Your Skin Naturally

Humans can often find the remedies they need to heal and rejuvenate in nature. Through the gentle infusion of calming teas, you can harness the natural healing power of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and the simple act of self-care to ease sunburn pain.

Remember — while a tea bath for sunburn relief isn’t a replacement for proper sun protection, it can certainly be a welcome addition to your recovery routine. The next time you find yourself nursing a sunburn after a day at the pool, consider steeping a cup of healing tea for the soul and your skin.