Can tomatoes clear sunburn?

Sunburn is a common condition that most people experience at some point in their lives. It occurs when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun for too long without protection. This overexposure causes damage to the skin cells, leading to redness, pain, swelling, blisters, and peeling.

What causes sunburn?

There are three types of UV rays that come from the sun:

• UVA rays – causes aging and wrinkling of the skin
• UVB rays – causes sunburn and direct damage to skin cells
• UVC rays – absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the ground

UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. When they penetrate deep into the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), they cause production of free radicals. This damages skin cell DNA, membranes, and proteins. The cells respond by releasing inflammatory mediators that cause redness, swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Risk factors for sunburn

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of getting a sunburn:

• Fair skin – Those with lighter skin tones have less melanin which is the pigment that protects against UV damage.
• Geographic location – Areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight.
• Higher elevation – UV rays get stronger the higher up you go.
• Time of day – UV light is strongest between 10am to 4pm.
• Cloud cover – UV rays can penetrate through clouds.
• Reflective surfaces – Water, snow, sand reflect up to 85% of UV radiation.
• Medications – Some drugs like antibiotics increase sun sensitivity.
• Previous sunburns – This can increase your risk of more severe burns.

Young children and infants are also vulnerable as their skin is more delicate and they cannot protect themselves by moving into the shade or wearing protective clothing and sunscreen.

Symptoms of sunburn

Sunburn symptoms tend to appear within a few hours after sun exposure. They include:

• Red, warm, tender skin
• Blisters on the skin
• Headache, fever, nausea (in severe cases)
• Peeling skin a few days after the burn
• Dehydration

The extent of the symptoms depends on the severity of the sunburn. Mild sunburn may only cause slight redness while more severe burns can cause blisters, swelling, chills, and fainting.

Sunburn stages

There are three stages of sunburn:

1. First degree burn – Mild redness and pain. Lasts 3-5 days before peeling.
2. Second degree burn – Blisters emerge. Can take 1-2 weeks to heal.
3. Third degree burn – Widespread blisters and wet peeling skin. High risk of infection and dehydration.

First degree is the most common reaction from sun overexposure. The higher degree burns are serious and require medical attention to prevent complications like infections, scarring, and skin cancer.

Treating sunburn

There are a variety of methods you can use at home to help soothe sunburned skin:

• Cool baths or compresses
• Moisturizing aloe vera gel
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen
• Apply a soothing lotion containing lavender, green tea, or calendula
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
• Keep skin clean to prevent infection
• Rest in a cool, shaded area
• Wear loose, breathable clothing

Some people find relief using natural remedies like applying milk compresses, apple cider vinegar, cucumber slices, or mashed potatoes to the skin. There is limited evidence that these home treatments are effective, but they are unlikely to cause harm.

More severe sunburns may require professional medical treatment. Blisters can get infected so doctors may lance them and apply antibiotic creams or ointments. Oral steroids and pain medication may be prescribed. In rare cases, hospitalization for IV fluid or electrolytes is needed if dehydration or electrolyte imbalances occur.

Can tomatoes help sunburn?

Tomatoes have gained attention in recent years as a possible natural way to heal sunburn based on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Let’s examine the evidence behind using tomatoes for sunburn relief:

Nutrients in tomatoes

Nutrient	Benefits
Lycoprene	Potent antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals from UV damage
Vitamin C	Anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce swelling and redness
Vitamin A	Supports skin cell regeneration
Vitamin E	Protects cell membranes from further damage

The combination of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, along with vitamins A, C, and E point to tomatoes having properties that could theoretically help heal sun-damaged skin.

Research on tomatoes for sunburn

There have only been a handful of scientific studies investigating the use of tomatoes for sunburn, with mixed results:

• A 2002 study on hairless mice found that applying lycopene gel reduced edema (swelling) from UV overexposure after 3 days. However, it did not impact redness or skin thickness.
• A 2009 study in humans looked at ingesting tomato paste before UV exposure. People who ate the paste had less sunburn erythema (redness) compared to the control group.
• A 2011 study found that subjects who ate 5 tablespoons of tomato paste in oil daily for 10 weeks did not have a significant difference in their response to UV light compared to those eating just olive oil.
• A 2013 study had 21 women eat 55 grams of tomato paste in olive oil daily for 12 weeks. They found no change in sunburn susceptibility or skin blood flow after UV radiation.

The results have limitations but suggest tomatoes may provide some protective effects against sun damage if consumed regularly. However, the evidence is lacking to support they can treat sunburns after they occur.

How to use tomatoes for sunburn

While more research is still needed, some people find applying tomato products soothing for mild sunburns:

• Tomato paste – Mix with olive oil or yogurt to make a thick paste. Apply to burned areas.
• Tomato juice – Use a cotton pad to apply chilled tomato juice directly to the skin.
• Sliced tomatoes – Gently rub sliced tomatoes over the skin and allow the juice to soak in for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

Some también opt for taking tomato nutritional supplements that contain a concentrated form of lycopene. But dietary tomato products like juice, sauce, or soup can also increase your lycopene intake.

Other sunburn remedies to try

While the jury is still out on tomatoes, there are lots of other natural ingredients you can use to relieve sunburns:

• Aloe vera – Has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Look for gels with at least 50% pure aloe.
• Apple cider vinegar – Contains acetic acid that balances pH and prevents blistering.
• Honey – Has antibacterial properties to fend off infection in broken skin.
• Cucumber – Helps hydrate and cool down inflamed skin.
• Oatmeal – Colloidal oatmeal baths soothe itchy and irritated skin.
• Yogurt – Contains probiotics and lactic acid to ease redness and discomfort.
• Tea bags – Black or green tea contain tannic acid to reduce swelling and inflammation.

These time-tested natural ingredients may provide relief without the need for specialized tomato products.

Preventing sunburn

The best approach is protecting yourself from sunburns in the first place:

• Use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply often
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and protective clothing
• Seek shade during peak sun hours
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
• Examine skin regularly for any suspicious moles or lesions

While painful and irritating, most sunburns heal within 3-6 days and do not cause lasting harm as long as blisters stay intact. Seek emergency care for severe reactions like fever, chills, nausea, or widespread blistering.

Conclusion

Using tomatoes for sunburn treatment shows some promise based on their antioxidant content, but benefits have not been definitively proven. While tomatoes appear generally safe to apply topically, relying on unproven home remedies may delay proper medical care. Your best bet is being vigilant about sun protection whenever possible. Talk to your dermatologist about effective sunburn relief options.