Home Remedies for Sunburn – 8 Ways to Soothe Your Skin

Whether you’re on vacation, or have fallen asleep in your backyard, or are floating in the pool, it can be very easy to get sunburnt.

Sunburns are a pain to deal with as they can last for days.

Depending on the degree of the burn, the pain can be excruciating.

People with severe sunburns experience pain while wearing clothes and even face difficulty in moving their arms and feet! 

Luckily, there are plenty of effective home remedies for sunburn. They not only soothe your skin but also boost recovery.

Inflammation, redness, heat, and pain can also be greatly relieved with the help of the right remedies.

So, if you or someone else you know has gotten sunburnt, the following are some home remedies that you should try out.

1. Cool Water

Applying cool water to the affected area can help soothe your skin, moisturize it, and also take much of the heat or pain away.

You can take a cold shower or a bath or even use a wet compress to give relief to your burnt skin. 

Do not scrub your skin or use products like soaps, body washes or bubble baths.

These products usually contain chemicals which will further irritate your skin. 

2. Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack can also be a great way to reduce inflammation and swelling.

 It helps calm down the redness of the affected skin.

You can use one you already have or DIY it.

For a DIY ice pack, all you need to do is use an unopened pack of frozen veggies, wrap it in a microfiber towel, and place it on the burn site.

Never use ice directly as it can cause more damage to your already burnt skin.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel is one of the most popular ingredients used in home remedies for sunburn. It has anti-inflammatory qualities which help soothe angry skin.

It is also perfect for easing skin discomfort, moisturizing the area, and boosting the healing process.

You can either buy organic gel from a store or extract it from the leaf of an Aloe Vera plant.

For the most soothing experience, keep the gel in the fridge and apply it cool on your skin.

If you’re looking for high-quality, organic aloe vera gel, we recommend NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel.

4. Honey Application

Honey is great for your skin since it has extremely high anti-oxidant, antibacterial properties.

It’s commonly used for cuts, scrapes, and even as part of a beauty regime for your hair and skin.

However, it also works wonders for sun-burnt skin by rejuvenating it. 

Simply apply a thin layer of organic honey on the affected area and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes or for as long as needed.

Wash off gently and avoid rubbing the skin.

5. Oatmeal Application

Another popular option among home remedies for sunburn is the use of oatmeal.

Oatmeal is highly moisturizing and helps soothe inflamed skin.

You can use it in different ways, including an oatmeal pack or an oatmeal soak.

For an oatmeal pack, just mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal in ¼ cup of milk.

Mix until you have a thick paste and then apply it to the burnt skin.

For an oatmeal soak, finely ground a cup of oatmeal by blending it in a food processor. Add the mixture to your bath water and then soak in it for 15 to 30 minutes.

Rinse off with clean water and repeat as needed.

6. Greek Yogurt Application

Greek yogurt is perfect for sun-burnt skin because it is high in probiotics and lactic acids.

Both these contribute to the moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of Greek yogurt.

Studies have also found that the topical application of probiotics can reduce skin redness and sensitivity.

You just need to apply some organic, plain Greek yogurt to your skin and face.

Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.

7. Witch Hazel Pack

Even though Witch Hazel has anti-inflammatory qualities; it is not frequently used since it can be corrosive for your skin.

So, you should always dilute it before application.  

We would also recommend that you do a patch test just to be on the safe side.

To use it, all you need to do is get some cotton gauze.

Layer it to create a small pad and wet it. Now apply some witch hazel and place it on your sun-burnt skin for 20 minutes.

Do this 2 to 3 times a day or as needed to minimize the pain and soothe the inflammation of your skin.

We recommend T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel since it is high-quality and comes with cotton rounds!

8. Milk Pack

Milk is packed with lactic acid, proteins, and fatty acids. 

It is one of the best, most commonly used home remedies for sunburn because there’s always milk in the fridge.

Not only is it deeply hydrating, but it also helps soothe your skin, takes out the heat, and can be effective in boosting your skin’s healing efforts.

You can either use a milk pack by using some cotton gauze or make yourself a milk soak.

To create a milk pack, use some cotton gauze and layer it to make a small pad.

Soak this pad in cool milk and then apply it to the burnt skin.

For a milk soak, fill your bathtub with water and add in a cup or two of milk.

Soak in this mixture for 20 minutes. For best results, add in some oatmeal to help your skin heal faster.

Rinse with water and then apply some aloe gel on the skin.

Getting Professional Help

It should be noted that home remedies for sunburn are only recommended to treat mild to medium sunburns.

In cases where the skin is weeping, blisters have formed, or there is cracking and bleeding; you should seek professional help.

Similarly, if kids, that are 2 years old or younger, get severe sunburns they need immediate medical attention.

Additionally, always remember to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing or accessories like a wide-brimmed hat.

Research by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has found that frequently getting sun-burnt increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

So, it’s better to be safe than sorry when you’re out in the sun!