Green and black tea
Tea (Camellia sinensis) is commonly used as a home remedy for sunburn. The Chinese recommend applying cooled black tea to the skin to soothe sunburn. Tea is an excellent source of tannic acid, catechins and theobromine that helps in removing heat from sunburns and also prevents and repair skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiations from sun. The complex polyphenolic compounds in tea have been shown to modulate biochemical pathways that are important in cell proliferation, inflammatory responses, and responses of tumor promoters. Green tea has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Researchers have found that tea polyphenols, when applied orally or topically, ameliorate adverse skin reactions following UV exposure, including skin damage, erythema, and lipid peroxidation. Since inflammation and oxidative stress appear to play a significant role in the aging process, green tea may also have antiaging effects by decreasing inflammation and scavenging free radicals. The main active ingredient in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate that works well as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sunscreen. Topical green tea applied to human skin provide a photoprotective effect, reduced the number of sunburns cells, protecting epidermal cells from UV damage, and reduced the DNA damage that formed after UV radiation.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis has been scientifically proven for all forms of burn (radiation, thermal, or solar). It is a uniquely effective moisturizer and healing agent for the skin. It has been demonstrated that Aloe vera has a prophylactic effect if used before, during, and after these skin damaging events and is mainly used for its soothing and cooling effect. The natural chemical constituents present in Aloe vera are amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, lignin, minerals, mono- and polysaccharides, salicylic acid, saponins, sterols, and vitamins. Aloe vera not only improved fibroblast cell structure, but also accelerated the collagen production process.
Walnut
The aqueous extract from fresh green shells of walnut, Juglans regia has been shown to be particularly effective as a self-tanning sunscreen agent. Its most important component is juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4- naphthoquinone) which is known to react with the keratin proteins present in the skin to form sclerojuglonic compounds. These are colored and have UV protection properties.
Plant oils as sunscreens
Borage oil
Borage (Borago officinalis) oil stimulates skin cell activity and encourages skin regeneration. It contains high levels of gamma-linoleic acid, making it useful in treating all skin disorders, particularly allergies, dermatitis, inflammation, and irritation. Borage penetrates the skin easily and benefits all types of skin, particularly dry, dehydrated, mature and prematurely aging skin.
Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil has a high gamma-linoleic acid content that promotes healthy skin and skin repair. It is usually yellow in color. It soothes skin problems and inflammation, making it a good choice for people with eczema, psoriasis, or any type of dermatitis. Evening primrose skin oil discourages dry skin and premature aging of the skin.
Avocado oil
Avocado (Persea americana) oil is rich in vitamin E, β–carotene, vitamin D, protein, lecithin, and fatty acids and offers considerable benefits when added to preparations. From avocado oil to botanicals such as rosemary and comfrey, these ingredients soothe and protect the skin.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil is an ancient aboriginal remedy. It is an effective antiseptic, fungicide, and germicide. It is a popular component of many sunscreen formulations that relieve sunburn by increasing blood flow in capillaries, bringing nutrients to damaging skin.