11 Home Remedies You Can Make for Sunburn

For a sunburn, home remedies are the best!

A wonderful day in the sun might turn into a nightmare the next day if you don’t use a SPF cream. A sunburn causes inflammation and redness of the skin and it can become dangerous in extreme cases. Many sunburn-relieving creams found on the market contain a lot of irritating ingredients, like fragrance, that can actually make things worse.

So when it comes to milder to moderate sunburns, there are many remedies you can make in the comfort of your own home that will soothe the pain until your skin heals completely. Here are 11 sunburn remedies you need to try the next time you skip on SPF cream.

1. Apply some milk

Milk and yogurt are known for their soothing effect and their moisturizing properties. Even if it’s tempting to get the milk out of the fridge and use it directly on the skin, that’s not actually a good idea, as its cold temperature can irritate the skin more. You should wait until it’s cool and not cold. Afterwards, soak a clean cloth in the milk and gently apply it to the affected area. This will help with easing pain, burning, and general discomfort.

2. Slice up some cucumbers

Cucumbers are the secret to an at-home spa. We know they are great for puffy eyes, and they contain a lot of water and antioxidants, but they can also be your sunburn reliever. Slice up some fresh cucumbers. It’s better if you get them out of the fridge because the coolness will help with the burning sensation. Apply them to the burned area and wait until the slices heat up. Once that happens, turn them upside down. Repeat the process for several minutes.

3. Peel some potatoes

Who doesn’t love potatoes? They are maybe the most versatile food that exists. Baked, mashed, fried, in a salad, you can enjoy them in every form. And they are also a sunburn remedy. Cut some potatoes in thin, even slices and put them on the affected area. They will help with cooling down the skin. Apparently, the one responsible for this is the starch found in potatoes.

If the burn is fresh and it hurts too bad to rub potato slices on it, you can mash them in a blender until they become a thick paste. Apply the result on the affected skin.

4. Take an oatmeal bath

Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and one of the greatest breakfast options, but did you know it can help you treat a sunburn? It’s a great solution when it comes to a more serious sunburn that makes you feel overall uncomfortable and that may even itch.

Avoid rubbing the oats on the skin, as it will have an exfoliating effect that will make things worse. Another option is to use ground oats and honey to make a paste and apply it to the skin for about 15 minutes.

5. Apply an ice bag

I know, your skin is burning and you would do anything to cool it down. Ice is a great idea, but it’s really important to use it carefully. Your skin is irritated and applying ice directly on it can do more damage. You should always wrap the ice bag in a towel before applying it on a skin, because otherwise it can cause an ice burn. This will lead to more redness and pain, and you definitely don’t want that.

If you don’t have a proper ice bag at home, open your refrigerator and use a bag of frozen vegetables or fruit. But, again, wrap it in a towel before using it.

6. Moisturize with honey

Honey is great for treating redness and inflammation. It acts like a great moisturizer and its texture will leave a soothing sensation. By treating the dryness of sunburned skin, you will help it heal faster.

Moreover, honey is known for its antibacterial properties, so it’s best to use it to avoid any further infection. Have a soothing bath to clean the skin, and then apply some honey on the burned skin. Bonus point: Honey has a great scent, so you’ll smell great without any artificial fragrance.

7. Use apple cider vinegar to cure infections

A sunburn will cause inflamed, red and vulnerable skin, so infections can happen easily, especially when it comes to a bad burn. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, but if diluted, it can make a great remedy for sunburn, as it balances the ph. levels.

It should not be put directly on the skin as its acidity can actually make things worse. Getting more burns is not your goal, so make sure it’s properly diluted before using it. You can either put a cup of apple cider vinegar in a bath and soak for 15 minutes, or you can dilute some in a glass and use a cotton pad to apply it to the affected skin.

8. Baking soda

As it heals, your burned skin might start peeling or itching, which is definitely not fun, but it’s all part of the process. Baking soda can help with the uncomfortable sensation and may soothe the itching.

You can make a paste out of it, by mixing it with water and then you can apply it to the affected skin. If you are in the mood to take a relaxing bath, throw some baking soda in the water and let it soak for several minutes. Don’t forget to avoid exfoliating as it can make things worse.

9. Use some Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera isn’t just a great house plant and decoration. Its healing properties have been used for centuries. Its leaves produce a clear gel which can be used for minor infections and to reduce inflammation.

When it comes to a sunburn, you can get the best results by getting the gel directly out of the plant. Cut a leaf in half and squeeze it until the gel comes out. However, if you can’t find the actual plant, you can definitely buy an over-the-counter aloe cream. Read the ingredients carefully and go for a fragrance-free option.

10. Experiment with chamomile tea

There are so many ways you can use chamomile tea to cure a sunburn. First of all, if there’s only a small surface that’s affected, you can simply use tea bags, either warm or cool. You can boil some water and add a couple of chamomile tea bags to it. Let them cool down and apply them to the affected area.

For more severe burns, you can take a tea bath. Add several tea bags to some boiled water and let them soak for 20 minutes. Let it cool down a little bit and then add it to your bath. It will definitely help with inflammation.

11. Stock up on lavender essential oils

If you love essential oils, this one is for you. Lavender is known for its ability to reduce anxiety, so its calming effects may help you manage your sunburn more effectively without worrying. But it can be used as an actual treatment too. According to Healthline, you can use lavender essential oil with a carrier oil as a relief. Carrier oils help dilute the essential oils and they also help your skin absorb all the ingredients better.

By the way, if you’re looking for more interesting posts, here is one: 21 Warning Signs Your Heart Might Be in Danger.