Summer brings longer days, more time outdoors, and unfortunately, the risk of sunburn. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, attending a music festival, or just enjoying a sunny afternoon in the yard, too much sun exposure can leave your skin red, painful, and irritated. Even with good intentions and sunscreen, it’s easy to forget to reapply during the day, and for people with fair or sensitive skin, sunburn can be nearly unavoidable.
While prevention is always best, it’s also helpful to know how to treat sunburns quickly and naturally when they happen. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for sunburn that can help reduce pain, soothe your skin, and support healing.
Stay Hydrated: Heal From the Inside Out
When your skin is sunburned, your body pulls fluids to the surface to help with the healing process. This can leave you dehydrated and worsen your symptoms. One of the simplest but most important remedies is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration helps your skin repair itself more quickly and prevents additional dryness.
Pair this with a light moisturizer to lock in hydration externally. Lotions or creams that contain aloe vera or vitamin E are especially effective for soothing irritated skin.
Natural Moisturizers for Sunburn Relief
Moisturizing sunburned skin helps reduce dryness and discomfort. These natural remedies are gentle and effective, especially after a cool shower or rinse.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is one of the most popular remedies for sunburn, and for good reason. It has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that help reduce redness and irritation. Use pure aloe vera gel or apply it directly from a fresh aloe leaf if you have one.
Coconut Oil
Organic coconut oil can help restore moisture and soothe peeling skin. However, it’s best used after the initial heat has subsided, as applying oil too early can trap heat in the skin.
Vitamin E Cream
Vitamin E supports skin regeneration and helps reduce scarring and dryness. Apply it gently to the affected area to support healing.
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Soothing Sunburn Soaks and Essential Oils
A cool bath can provide instant relief from sunburn, especially when you add healing ingredients to the water. These soaks can help calm inflammation and reduce itching.
Vinegar Baths
Adding one to two cups of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to a lukewarm bath can help balance your skin’s pH and soothe irritation.
Milk Baths
A cold milk bath can offer relief by creating a protein layer over the skin, which reduces heat and pain. Add about four cups of cold milk to your bathwater and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Oatmeal Baths
Colloidal oatmeal, available at most drugstores, is a great option for soothing itching and inflammation. You can also grind regular oats into a fine powder as a DIY alternative.
Lavender Essential Oil
Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath can enhance relaxation and promote skin healing. Lavender has natural calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
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DIY Pastes from Kitchen Ingredients
If you’re looking for fast, natural remedies with ingredients you already have at home, try making one of these simple pastes.
Potato Paste
Peel and blend raw potatoes into a smooth paste. Apply the paste to the affected area for a cooling effect that helps draw out heat and reduce swelling.
Cucumber Mash
Cucumbers are naturally cooling and hydrating. Chill them in the refrigerator, then mash or blend before applying to the sunburned skin.
Cornstarch Paste
Mix cornstarch with just enough water to form a thick paste. Apply to sunburned areas to relieve itching and irritation.
Plain Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt applied directly to the skin can provide immediate cooling and moisturizing relief, thanks to its probiotics and natural proteins.
Effective Compresses for Quick Relief
Compresses are a great option when you need portable, targeted relief. They’re also easier to clean up than pastes and are ideal for smaller areas of sunburn.
Cold Water Compress
Soak a clean cloth in ice water or wrap ice in a towel and gently apply to the affected area. This reduces swelling and provides instant cooling.
Milk Compress
Soak a cloth or cotton pad in cold milk and apply to the burn. The proteins in milk help soothe and protect the skin.
Witch Hazel Compress
Witch hazel has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Soak a non-stick gauze pad or soft cloth in witch hazel and apply to reduce redness and discomfort.
Tea Compress
Brew strong black tea, let it cool, and apply with a washcloth. The tannins in the tea help reduce inflammation. You can add mint for an extra cooling effect.
Over-the-Counter Remedies for Sunburn
If natural remedies don’t offer enough relief, there are several over-the-counter options that can help.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream may help ease itching and swelling. Moisturizers like Aquaphor, Eucerin, or aloe-based gels are also effective at soothing damaged skin and promoting recovery.
If your sunburn is severe, especially if it includes blistering, covers a large area, or is accompanied by fever or chills—you should consult a doctor.
What to Avoid When Treating Sunburn
Certain common substances and habits can actually make sunburn worse. Avoid applying petroleum jelly, butter, or other greasy substances, especially early on, as these can trap heat in the skin. Stay away from hot showers, tight clothing, and further sun exposure. Some over-the-counter or prescription medications can increase sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to read labels or ask a healthcare professional.
Sunburns are uncomfortable, but with proper care, you can minimize pain and help your skin recover more quickly. The best approach is prevention. Apply and reapply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid the sun during peak hours. But if a sunburn does occur, these home remedies can help you heal naturally and comfortably.
Have your own go-to remedy for sunburn relief? Share your tips in the comments.
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