Got a little too much sun over the weekend and now you're looking like a lobster and feeling the pain? We've ALL been there! Sunburns are not just annoying, but they can also be very painful, uncomfortable, and dangerous for your health. These home remedies for sunburn are tested and true, and will work to relieve most sunburns.
Of course, the best home remedy for sunburns is to protect yourself in the first place. That means applying sunscreen before going outside, and also making sure to reapply every few hours. Unfortunately, we can sometimes forget to apply sunscreen, or we may not even realize we're getting sun. Did you know that you can still get a sunburn even when it's not sunny or warm out? So that's why, even when it's cloudy out, you should always wear sunscreen. But, if you're like most of us, you sometimes you just forget, and that's why these home remedies for sunburn are here to give you a little relief! These remedies are quick, soothing, and will remedy burnt skin in a pinch.
Home Remedies for Sunburn
These home remedies for sunburn are all 100% natural and can be found at your local grocery store, or hopefully, already in your pantry! For serious burns, you should consult a doctor or a dermatologist. If the sunburn is very painful, we also suggest Lidocaine, which is medicinal cream that numbs the pain and is often used to treat sunburns.
#1. Aloe Vera
No surprise here! Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years to treat a number of different ailments and skin conditions, including sunburns. If you have an aloe plant, simply slice the leaf and apply the gel directly to the burn. Rub it in gently and leave it on. Aloe vera soothes the skin and heals the burn quickly. It is probably the most popular way to treat a sunburn because it works. If you don't have an aloe plant, you can also purchase aloe vera gel.
#2. Honey
Did you know honey has been used to treat burns and other ailments since Egyptian times? It's true! Studies show that honey may actually be even better at treating burns than some antibiotic creams. This is because honey is natural antiseptic, and will reduce pain and inflammation, all while speeding up healing. So next time you get a sunburn, apply some natural honey!
#3. Ice
Naturally, ice can bring some much needed relief to an otherwise painful sunburn. Wrap an ice bag or anything else from your freezer (veggies, etc…) in a very soft towel or cloth and hold against the burn. Be sure to never rub ice directly onto the skin – this can cause further damage and even frostbite!
#4. Cool Water
If ice can help with a painful sunburn, then so can cool water! You can hop into a cool (but NOT cold) shower or bath to give your skin some relief. Be sure to stay away from bubble bath or body washes so you don't irritate the skin any further. Additionally, you can also use a cold compress, making sure to use a soft cloth or towel.
#5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has great anti-inflammatory properties and is often used as a bath soak for people who suffer from eczema or other skin conditions. Drop a cupful of finely ground oatmeal (you can either purchase or just grind your own) into a cool bath. Soak for at least 10 minutes.
#6. Milk
When using milk on sun burnt skin, it creates a film or protein on the skin that eases pain and discomfort. Use milk to your advantage by soaking a soft cloth in cold milk and applying it to the affected area.
#7. White Cider Vinegar
You'd think that vinegar would aggravate a burn, but it's the complete opposite! The acetic acid in vinegar will help to alleviate pain, inflammation, and itching. Pour a cup of white cider vinegar into tepid bath water and soak for at least 10 minutes.
#8. Baking Soda or Cornstarch
Baking soda and cornstarch can both help to relieve pain, inflammation, and itchiness. Mix about a cup of baking soda or cornstarch to tepid bath water. Soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes relive pain.
#9. Witch Hazel
Minimize pain and itchiness with witch hazel, which is an astringent. Soak a soft cloth with witch hazel and apply to the affected areas for about 20 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day for pain relief and to reduce inflammation.
#10. Coriander Oil
Coriander oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain, redness, and inflammation. Rub some coriander oil onto the affected areas once or twice a day.
