A moderate to severe sunburn can be incredibly painful and cause discomfort for days until your skin finally heals. While no treatments can make sunburn go away immediately, several home remedies can relieve your discomfort and help you find relief.
Cool Compress
A cool compress can help your skin cool down and relieve some of the burning and itching produced by sunburn. Soak a cloth in cool water or milk, wring it out, and then lay it gently over the parts of your skin that feel hot and uncomfortable.
Cool Bath
A cool bath can reduce burning on your skin and help it cool down, similarly to how a cool compress works. Soak in a cool bath and consider adding a few cups of pure colloidal oatmeal, which can further soothe and cool your skin.
Aloe Vera
The gel in aloe vera leaves is loaded with strong anti-inflammatory compounds that can instantly soothe your skin and provide relief from sunburn. Aloe vera can also reduce redness and inflammation, and help your skin heal more quickly.
To use aloe vera for sunburn, break off a piece of an aloe vera leaf and squeeze it gently to release some of its gel. Then, gently apply the gel to your skin in a thin layer.
If you don’t have an aloe vera plant on hand, use aloe vera formulas that contain only 99% to 100% pure aloe vera gel and have no additives like fragrances, dyes, or alcohol. The extra ingredients added to many commercial aloe vera products may worsen your symptoms and skin health.
Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce pain and discomfort caused by sunburn. When using honey for sunburn, use pure Manuka honey or 100% natural honey that contains no preservatives or additives, such as sugar. Apply the honey directly to the affected parts of your skin to promote its healing.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a probiotic loaded with good, healthy bacteria with the ability to promote healing. When applied directly to sunburn, yogurt acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce redness and soothe your skin. Use only plain yogurt without extra ingredients like sugar and food coloring, as these additives will not produce extra benefits for your skin or your sunburn.
Tea
Tea contains tannins, a class of compounds that offer antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits. Black teas often contain the highest amount of tannins, though chamomile tea may also help relieve sunburn.
Boil a few cups of water and then steep several tea bags or several tablespoons of loose tea leaves in it for about an hour. Next, soak a washcloth in the tea for several minutes and apply the washcloth to your sunburn. You could also place the tea bags directly on your skin, as long as they have cooled down and are no longer hot.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is shown to be promising at treating a variety of skin conditions, including sunburn. It can reduce redness, promote healing, and relieve burning.
Add one to two cups of ACV to a cool bath and soak in it to experience relief. You can also mix one part ACV with one part water in a spray bottle and spray it directly to your sunburn, or soak a washcloth into the solution before placing the cloth on your skin.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is another natural antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, redness, and pain caused by sunburn. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a cool bath or to a cool compress you can place on your skin. You may also mix a few drops of lavender oil with a few teaspoons of coconut oil, and gently apply the mixture to your sunburn.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a cooling agent that can provide immediate relief for sunburn. In addition to cooling your skin and taking away the burn, it also works as a natural pain reliever to reduce any related discomfort. When using peppermint oil for sunburn, mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently apply the solution directly to your skin.
Many of the above at-home remedies for sunburn are based on anecdotal stories and evidence and may not work for everyone.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away if your sunburn has caused you to develop large blisters and sores, which can increase your risk for an infection. You should also see your provider if you experience additional symptoms with your sunburn including fever, vomiting, and confusion. Your provider can work with you to reduce your symptoms and may refer you to a skincare specialist like a dermatologist if you need additional treatment.
Resource Links
- “How to treat sunburn” via American Academy of Dermatology Association
- “Embrace the Soothing Power of Aloe Leaf: Your Summertime Herb for Radiant Skin and More!” via Maryland University of Integrative Health