Sunburn can be a painful and uncomfortable condition that can happen when you expose your skin to the sun for too long. While prevention is always the best option, sometimes you may still end up with a sunburn despite your best efforts. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that you can use at home to help ease the pain and discomfort associated with sunburn.
10 natural home remedies that you can use to ease the pain of sunburn.
- Aloe Vera Gel
One of the most popular and effective home remedies for sunburn is aloe vera gel. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn. It also contains antioxidants that can help promote healing and prevent further damage to the skin.
To use aloe vera gel for sunburn, simply cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant and apply the gel directly to the affected area. You can also use aloe vera gel that has been commercially prepared, but make sure it is pure and contains no added chemicals or fragrances.
- Cool Compresses
Applying cool compresses to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort. You can use a clean, damp cloth or a cool pack to make a cool compress. Apply the compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
It’s important not to use ice or very cold water on sunburned skin, as this can actually make the inflammation worse.
- Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal baths can help soothe sunburned skin and reduce itching and inflammation. To make an oatmeal bath, add two cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with cool water. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes, then gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Colloidal oatmeal can be found in many drugstores and health food stores.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe sunburned skin and prevent infection. To use apple cider vinegar for sunburn, mix equal parts water and vinegar, then apply the solution to the affected area using a clean cloth or cotton ball.
It’s important to dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it to your skin, as undiluted vinegar can be too harsh and may cause further irritation.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural moisturizing properties that can help soothe and hydrate sunburned skin. It also contains lauric acid, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling.
To use coconut oil for sunburn, apply a thin layer of oil to the affected area and massage gently into the skin. You can repeat this process several times a day as needed.
- Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help soothe sunburned skin and reduce inflammation. It also has antiseptic properties that can help prevent infection.
To use witch hazel for sunburn, apply a small amount of the liquid to a cotton ball or clean cloth and apply it to the affected area. You can repeat this process several times a day as needed.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with sunburn. It also has a cooling effect that can help soothe the skin.
To use baking soda for sunburn, mix a quarter cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
- Cucumber
Cucumber contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sunburned skin. Slice a cucumber and place the slices on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day until the pain subsides.
- Tea
Tea contains tannic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sunburned skin. Brew a pot of black tea and let it cool. Soak a clean towel in the tea and place it on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day until the pain subsides.
- Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil can help soothe sunburned skin by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Apply vitamin E oil to the affected area and massage it gently into the skin. You can repeat this process several times a day.
