by Jess Shanahan

Created on: September 03, 2009

You want that gorgeous tan so badly and you think it's going to happen quicker if you don't use sunblock. Well you are probably just going to get burnt so instead of lecturing you about how you should sunbathe lets try and get that burn to turn into a tan.

1) Moisturiser - It doesn't really matter what sort of moisturiser you use whether it be aftersun or something else. However, I would suggest using a natural product. If you are like me then you will have a tub of

emu oil lying around the house. Pop it in the fridge for a little while until it starts going solid then rub it into the afflicted areas. The sun burn will turn to tan within a couple of days.

2) Lavender - I don't mean go rubbing a plant on you but generally products that contain lavender can help to soothe sunburnt skin. If you have a moisturiser that contains it then use it you will feel the benefit almost instantly.

3) White tea - Not black tea with milk but the special sort of tea you can get that is white. Brew a mug of it and let it cool. Keep the tea bag as it is great for getting rid of bags under the eyes. Use a towel or cotton wool pad to tea up the affected area for an instant cooling effect.

4) Cucumber - If you have a sun burnt face then you can make a cooling cucumber mask out of some simple household ingredients: a cucumber, an avocado, 1 egg white and 2 teaspoons of powdered milk. Combine in a blender until smooth then pop in the fridge to cool for at least 30 minutes. Once cool apply to your face and leave for 30 minutes or until it has dried. Remove using cool water. Then use a light moisturiser and you should find your face feeling less tight and you'll be less likely to peel!

5) Bags of vegetables - If you have a freezer full of frozen peas or something similar then take it out and apply it to the areas. Although it will not cure the sun burn it can help cool the area, reduce inflammation and make you feel a lot more comfortable.

6) Milk - Water down a bit of milk and add some ice cubes, apply this as a cold compress to help soothe and heal the sore skin.

7) Don't use soap - If you are braving a cool shower or bath then try and avoid soap that may dry out your skin. Use a highly moisturising shower gel if you have to and make sure that as soon as you step out of the shower you moisturise to combat any peeling.

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