10 Natural Solutions for Sunburn Relief

For millennia, the sun has been revered. However, in the past century, people have sought to achieve a golden tan, often ignoring the underlying redness and burn that accompanies it.

If your skin has suffered from excessive sun exposure, these home remedies can offer some comfort while your body heals. Remember, these solutions cannot undo the damage caused by unprotected sun exposure.

Begin with straightforward remedies on the next page, utilizing everyday kitchen staples and household items.

1: Take a Bath

Incorporate several tablespoons of baking soda into cool bathwater to create a soothing remedy for sunburn. Limit your soak to 15-20 minutes to avoid drying out your already parched skin. After bathing, let your skin air-dry naturally and avoid rubbing off the baking soda.

Adding oatmeal to cool bathwater provides excellent relief for sunburned skin. Fill the tub with cool water—avoid cold water to prevent shocking your body. Skip bath salts, oils, or bubble baths, and instead mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of oatmeal, a natural skin soother. Alternatively, use Aveeno, an oatmeal-based powder available in pharmacies, following the instructions on the packet. Like with baking soda, let your skin air-dry and leave the oatmeal on.

2: Add Some Aloe Vera

The gel-like juice from the aloe vera plant can reduce the sting and redness of sunburn by constricting blood vessels. This healing plant is easily found at local nurseries or grocery store floral sections. Cut open a leaf and apply the gel directly to the burn five to six times daily for several days.

3: Apply a Cool Compress

Soak a washcloth in cool water and gently place it on the sunburned areas (avoid using ice or ice packs). Rewet the cloth frequently to maintain its coolness and apply it several times a day for relief. For added soothing effects, mix baking soda into the water or run water through a cheesecloth containing dry oatmeal, then soak the compress in the oatmeal-infused water.

4: Drink Water

Sun exposure dehydrates your skin, so it's essential to replenish lost fluids by drinking ample water during recovery. Proper hydration aids in the healing process, and you can gauge your hydration levels by ensuring your urine is nearly clear.

5: Cool Off With a Soak

A cool bath can soothe widespread or hard-to-reach sunburns, such as on your back. Avoid soap, as it can dry and irritate the skin. If necessary, opt for a gentle soap like Dove or Aveeno Bar, and rinse thoroughly. Skip washcloths, sponges, and loofahs. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. To prevent dry skin, which can worsen itching and peeling, avoid prolonged soaking and consider a cool shower instead.

6: Moisturize

Sun exposure dehydrates the skin's surface, leading to cell and blood vessel damage, which exacerbates moisture loss. While cool baths and compresses provide relief, they can also strip moisture from damaged skin. To combat dryness, apply moisturizer right after soaking. For added cooling and pain relief, refrigerate the moisturizer before use.

7: Pat Down With Potatoes

Potatoes are a simple yet effective remedy for pain relief. This age-old method is widely known. Blend two washed potatoes into a liquid, adding water if needed. Apply the mixture to sunburned areas, let it dry, and rinse with a cool shower. Alternatively, spread the mash on gauze and place it on the burn, changing the dressing hourly. Repeat several times daily until the pain subsides.

8: Use Cornstarch

Sunburns often occur where skin rubs against swimwear. Areas like bikini lines, under buttocks, or around the breasts and armpits, which are frequently missed during sunscreen application, are particularly vulnerable. These spots endure additional irritation from tight clothing. To soothe chafing, lightly dust the affected area with cornstarch. Avoid petroleum jelly or oils, as they can worsen the burn by clogging pores. If blisters form, refrain from applying anything.

9: Try a Topical Anesthetic

Topical anesthetics like Solarcaine can provide temporary relief from pain and itching. Opt for products containing lidocaine, as they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Always test on a small skin area before widespread use. These anesthetics are available in creams and sprays, with sprays being more convenient for extensive burns. When applying to the face, spray onto gauze first and gently dab to avoid direct contact.

10: Take an OTC Pain Reliever

Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation caused by sunburn. Follow the instructions on the label and take them with food, stopping if stomach discomfort occurs. For those who cannot take aspirin or ibuprofen, acetaminophen is an alternative that eases pain but does not address inflammation. Refer to this list of precautions for safe use of OTC pain medications.

Regardless of the home remedy you select, let the discomfort of your sunburn serve as a reminder to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure in the future. While natural remedies can alleviate symptoms, sunburn is always harmful to the skin.