The sun’s warmth can feel delightful on our skin, but overexposure to its rays can leave us with a painful reminder: sunburn.
In fact, more than one out of every three Americans experiences the sting of sunburn annually, a clear sign that we’ve absorbed too much UV radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer.1
Fortunately, nature provides a bounty of soothing remedies to help ease the discomfort of sunburn and promote healing.
1. Cool Baths or Showers
The coolness helps reduce inflammation and provides immediate relief from the burning sensation. Avoid hot water as it can further irritate the skin.
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A short, lukewarm bath with added colloidal oatmeal or baking soda can be especially soothing.
2. Aloe Vera
This plant is a sunburn superstar! Its gel contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the sunburned skin several times a day to reduce redness and promote healing.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) can help restore the skin’s pH balance and reduce inflammation. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and gently apply it to the sunburned areas.
4. Milk Compresses
The proteins and fats in milk can soothe and moisturize sunburned skin. Soak a clean cloth in cold milk and apply it to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes at a time.
5. Oatmeal Paste or Bath
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and protect the skin. Make a paste by mixing oatmeal with water and apply it to the sunburned areas, or add uncooked oatmeal to a lukewarm bath.
6. Plain Yogurt
The probiotics in yogurt can help soothe the skin and promote healing. Apply a thin layer of plain yogurt to the sunburned skin and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water.
7. Black Tea
The tannins in black tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce sunburn pain and redness. Brew a pot of strong black tea, let it cool, and then apply it to the affected areas with a clean cloth.
8. Plantain
This common weed has amazing healing properties! Its leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Crush fresh plantain leaves and apply them as a poultice to the sunburned skin, or use a plantain salve.
9. Calendula
This flower is known for its skin-soothing benefits. Calendula cream or ointment can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and moisturize the skin. Look for products with a high concentration of calendula extract.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can soothe and protect the skin. Steep chamomile tea bags in cool water and apply them to the sunburned areas as a compress, or add chamomile tea to a lukewarm bath.
11. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has calming and pain-relieving properties. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or aloe vera gel and apply it to the sunburned skin.
12. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation that can help relieve sunburn pain and itching. Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil or water and apply it to the affected areas.
13. Cucumber
Cucumber slices are naturally cooling and hydrating. Place chilled cucumber slices directly on the sunburned skin to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
14. Witch Hazel
This natural astringent has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and soothe the skin. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it to the sunburned areas.
15. Hydration
Drink plenty of water to help your body rehydrate from the inside out. This can help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing of your skin.
These are natural remedies, but if you have a severe sunburn with blistering or if you experience fever, chills, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Source:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.