AN INVENTIVE mum has been praised as a “godsend” after sharing a “miracle” – and surprise – cure for sunburn which eases any pain in just half an hour.
Cindie Allen-Stewart was desperate for relief after finding her skin scorched no matter how much sunscreen she plastered on.
Yet the mother-of-two from Mount Calm in the US state of Texas found a hack to heal sunburn pain, one she has shared not only with her kids but also now online.
She credits her mother-in-law for the tip too.
The answer appears to be raiding the bathroom wardrobe for shaving cream and slathering that on, instead of more traditional anti-sunburn treatments.
Cindie insists that as well as being quick to apply it manages to soothe your skin in as little as 30 minutes.
She raved on Facebook: “It takes the heat out of it fast and makes it more comfortable on you.
“First, buy some Menthol foam shaving cream. It has to be the foam and it has to have menthol in it.
“We found Gillette shaving cream on Amazon since we had problems finding menthol foam in stores.
“We ended up buying six cans of it, but it works out because we live in Texas and sunburns happen a lot. (Plus, we have given a couple cans to friends.)
“Next, apply the shaving cream on the burn. It may seem like it’s a strange shaving ritual, but trust me!
“Don’t rub it in, just let it sit on your skin. It will start bringing all that heat out (you’ll be able to feel it). You may feel like you are itchy too, but that’s a good thing! Itching means healing.
“You will feel as if you’re becoming a little cold. At least on the sunburned part of your body. That is a good sign!
“Finally, if you still need it, do it again the next day. Usually after that second treatment, the sunburn disappears. I use this on my kids too!”
Her mother-in-law apparently learnt the life hack from a doctor 40 years ago – with Cindie saying she “thought it was crazy then too until she saw it in action”.
The stay-at-home mum rates shaving cream more effective than her previous preferred option, aloe vera – though added: “I’m not saying to go out and do this, I was just showing my friends what I do.
“Please remember to always use sunscreen! Too much sun exposure can be dangerous and lead to cancer.
“By no means am I endorsing going out without sunscreen! I burn with sunscreen as well and know of the hassle, but it is worth it to wear it!”
Online response has been appreciatively – and suitably – warm, with one fan commenting: “This is a godsend and saved my life already this summer!”
Another posted: “This works amazing! With aloe you have to keep putting it on and it doesn’t help for very long.
“But the menthol shaving cream stopped the burning feeling after the first use permanently, and after the second I hardly feel the sunburn.”
The advice comes after Brits basked in the hottest weekend of the year so far, with temperatures soaring to above 32C – though there are warnings of heavy rainfall ahead this week.
Other recommendations for coping with sunburn include not only that idea of aloe vera but also bathing in oats and eating watermelon.
