A tea bath is a remedy for soothing the inflammation and discomfort that follows excessive sun exposure. Sunburn is a form of radiation burn resulting from ultraviolet (UV) light that damages the skin’s outer layers. While a cool bath alone offers some relief, steeping tea in the water infuses it with compounds that actively work to calm the irritated skin and promote healing for mild to moderate sunburns.
Why Tea Helps Sunburn Relief
The pain and redness associated with sunburn are caused by an inflammatory response as the body attempts to repair sun-damaged skin cells. Tea contains a high concentration of polyphenols, which are powerful compounds that provide much of the soothing effect. These compounds work on the skin to reduce the swelling and heat that characterize a burn.
Tannins, which are polyphenols found in tea, act as natural astringents. Tannins help draw out heat from the burn and cause superficial tissues of the skin to contract, reducing inflammation and pain. Black tea is often selected for sunburn remedies because its manufacturing process results in a higher concentration of these tannins.
Tea also contains catechins, which are potent antioxidants that play a role in mitigating cellular damage. These antioxidants help neutralize the reactive oxygen species generated in the skin by UV radiation. By applying these compounds topically, the tea helps to calm the redness and support the skin’s natural healing mechanisms after sun damage.
Preparing and Using the Sunburn Tea Soak
Choose plain black tea bags for their strong tannin content, or chamomile tea for its anti-inflammatory properties. For a standard bathtub, use 8 to 10 large tea bags. For a smaller area, 5 to 6 bags may suffice.
Begin by steeping the tea bags in a small amount of hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes to fully extract the beneficial compounds. Once the tea is brewed into a very dark, concentrated liquid, remove the bags and allow the liquid to cool down completely. The bath water itself must be cool or tepid, as introducing any additional heat to sunburned skin can intensify the damage and pain.
Pour the cooled, concentrated tea solution directly into the tub of cool water, ensuring the water color turns a light amber or reddish-brown hue. Soak the affected areas for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the astringent and anti-inflammatory components sufficient time to penetrate the skin. For ongoing relief, repeat this treatment two to three times daily as needed over the first few days of recovery.
Essential Post-Soak Care and Safety Warnings
After the tea soak, do not rinse the skin with clean water, as this washes away the beneficial tea compounds. Gently exit the bath and use a soft towel to pat the skin dry, taking care not to rub the fragile, sunburned surface. This leaves a light residue of the tea on the skin to continue its soothing action.
Immediately following the gentle drying process, a bland, non-irritating moisturizer should be applied to lock in the hydration. Products containing aloe vera are particularly effective for this purpose, as they help to further soothe and hydrate the damaged skin. Drinking plenty of water is also necessary, as sunburn draws moisture to the skin’s surface, increasing the risk of dehydration.
While a tea bath can relieve minor discomfort, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical attention. Consult a doctor if the sunburn is accompanied by blistering (suggesting a second-degree burn), fever, severe pain, nausea, or chills. Avoid breaking any blisters that form, as they protect the underlying skin from infection.