How to Transform Sunburned Skin into a Tan

Cool the sunburned area. Cooling the skin is the simplest and most practical way to soothe sunburn. This method will provide immediate relief, reducing pain, redness, and swelling. There are several ways to cool your skin effectively.

• Take a shower or bath.
• Use a cold compress, such as ice packs or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.
• Apply ice cubes to the skin. Make sure to take breaks between applications to avoid damaging the skin.

Apply cucumber slices to the skin. Cucumber helps moisturize and cool irritated skin. Simply slice chilled cucumbers into thin pieces and place them on the affected area. The wider the coverage, the better the results. If cucumbers are unavailable, potatoes can be used as a substitute due to their high water content, which helps boost skin hydration.

• If you find it difficult to keep the cucumber slices in place, try moistening the skin with a bit of oil or lotion, as they act as an adhesive.

Apply aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is widely recognized as one of the few natural ingredients that can alleviate sunburn. Apply aloe vera gel or a lotion containing aloe vera extract to the affected area as soon as you notice redness or a burning sensation. Repeat several times a day to prevent irritation and discomfort.

• If you have an aloe vera plant, you can cut open a leaf and apply it directly to the burn for 100% natural soothing relief.

Apply a steroid ointment. Steroids are medications that can reduce pain and swelling when applied to the skin, making them an ideal solution for sunburn. Many steroid ointments are available over the counter, with hydrocortisone cream being a popular choice. Gently apply a pea-sized amount to the sunburned area and reapply every few hours if needed.

• Note that topical steroids are different from the controversial anabolic steroids often misused by athletes. Over-the-counter topical steroids are generally safe to use (except in certain cases for young children).

Soak in a tea bath. Some believe that the tannic acid in black tea can soothe sunburned skin and prevent peeling. To try this method, boil a pot of water and steep 5 or 6 tea bags for 5 to 10 minutes. Let the tea cool to room temperature (or refrigerate to speed up the process). Once cooled, use a cloth or spray bottle to apply the tea to the sunburned area and leave it on for half an hour. Alternatively, you can place wet tea bags directly on the skin.

• Black tea, such as Earl Grey, is often recommended for this purpose.

Take an oatmeal bath. While this option may sound unusual, oatmeal is a helpful remedy for treating sunburns and promoting skin healing. Oatmeal has healing properties, such as balancing the skin's pH and soothing itchy, irritated areas.

• Try mixing two to three cups of plain, uncooked oats into a cool bath. Soak for about 20 minutes before rinsing off or proceeding with other treatments.
• You can add 3/4 cup of baking soda to the bath to enhance moisture retention.

Spray vinegar on the skin. Although it may seem odd, vinegar helps restore and balance the skin's pH, soothing and healing sunburned skin. Start by taking a cool shower. Next, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and gently mist it onto the affected area. Leave it on for about an hour, then rinse off or take another cool shower.

• The smell of vinegar may be unpleasant during the waiting period, but your sunburned skin will peel less.
• Most types of vinegar work, but some sources suggest apple cider vinegar is the most effective. Avoid balsamic vinegar, as its sugar and coloring may irritate the skin.

Apply moisturizer. To restore sunburned skin, apply a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer to the affected area. Most daily skincare products can serve this purpose. You can also try using a few drops of neutral oils, such as baby oil, olive oil, or canola oil.

• Opt for fragrance-free products, as the chemicals in fragrances can sometimes irritate inflamed skin.

Drink water. Sunburned skin becomes dry and swollen, so ensure your body stays hydrated to protect your skin. Maintain hydration both internally and externally to prevent excessive peeling and flaking. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 9-13 cups of water daily.

• Plain water can also help alleviate headaches caused by sunburn.

Apply whole milk to the skin. The fats in dairy products can help moisturize sunburned skin by reducing pain and preventing peeling. Whole milk is often the most affordable and convenient option. Try soaking a cloth in whole milk and placing it on the burn for about 20 minutes as a cold compress. Alternatively, you can add some whole milk to a cool bath and soak in it.

• Avoid using low-fat or non-fat dairy products, as the lack of fat reduces their moisturizing properties.
• Full-fat Greek yogurt can also be used similarly as a skin moisturizer. Avoid using sweetened yogurt, as it can stick to the skin and cause irritation.

Apply potato paste to the skin. The starch in potatoes is rich in water, making it an excellent way to hydrate dry, sunburned skin. Mash potatoes into a paste and apply it to the skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.

• You can also use a food processor to create the paste. Cut the potatoes into small pieces first to avoid overloading the processor.

Apply coconut oil to the skin. Like commercial moisturizers, natural oils can hydrate and soothe sunburned skin, but coconut oil is often a superior choice. In addition to providing moisture and restoring sunburned skin to a healthy glow, coconut oil gently exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes healing.

• Coconut oil is available at many health food stores and specialty shops. It will liquefy under the warmth of your hands.