Some of the best sunburn remedies are natural remedies, from milk baths to oatmeal. As a person who would rather find natural solutions to most every problem at home, I was glad to run into a website that had information on natural sunburn remedies and summarized them below.
Here are ten natural remedies that can be found in your pantry or refrigerator and are sure to bring relief to those suffering from sunburn. Breaking off the leaf of an aloe vera plant and rubbing it on your sunburn can also bring relief. If you plan on purchasing aloe from a store, watch this first, “How to Distinguish Between Good and Bad Aloe Vera Products”.
In a Nutshell:
- Natural Sunburn Remedies: Effective sunburn remedies using common pantry and refrigerator items like Aloe Vera, cucumber, oatmeal, and more, offering quick relief and soothing properties.
- DIY Sunburn Relief Recipes: Easy-to-follow recipes for homemade treatments, such as Aloe Vera & Cucumber Gel and Green Tea & Honey Compress, to naturally alleviate sunburn symptoms and promote skin healing.
- Sunburn Care and Prevention Tips: Emphasizing the importance of hydration, cool showers, and regular moisturizing, the article also advises avoiding further sun exposure to support optimal recovery and prevent additional damage.
Natural Sunburn Remedies from Your Pantry and Refrigerator
When sunburn strikes when you’ve forgotten to reapply your natural sunscreen, relief can often be found right in your kitchen. Here are some common pantry and refrigerator items that can help soothe and heal sunburned skin naturally.
Aloe Vera
While not always a pantry item, if you have Aloe Vera gel or a fresh Aloe Vera plant, it’s your go-to remedy for sunburn. Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties provide quick relief. If you don’t have an Aloe Vera plant, many kitchens may have Aloe Vera gel in their first aid supplies.
How to Use: Apply the gel directly to the sunburned area. For added cooling, keep the gel in the refrigerator before use.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are known for their hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. They cool the skin and reduce swelling and redness.
How to Use: Slice a chilled cucumber and place the slices directly on the sunburn. You can also blend cucumber to make a paste and apply it to the skin.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is excellent for soothing irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
How to Use: Cook oatmeal as per the instructions and let it cool. Apply it as a paste to the sunburned areas, or add it to a lukewarm bath for a soothing soak.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt can provide relief with its cooling and probiotic properties. It helps reduce redness and promote healing.
How to Use: Apply plain, unsweetened yogurt directly to the affected skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Milk
Milk has proteins and fats that create a soothing layer on the skin, which can reduce heat and pain from sunburn.
How to Use: Soak a clean cloth in cold milk and gently apply it to the sunburned skin. Alternatively, you can take a milk bath by adding a few cups of milk to a cool bath and soaking in it.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant and has antimicrobial properties that can aid in healing and soothing the skin.
How to Use: Apply a thin layer of raw honey to the sunburned area. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Potatoes
Potatoes have compounds that can cool and reduce inflammation. They can also help to relieve pain and prevent infection.
How to Use: Slice a raw potato and place the slices on the sunburn, or blend the potato into a paste and apply it to the skin.
Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannins that help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
How to Use: Brew several tea bags in hot water, let it cool completely, and use a cloth to apply the tea to the sunburn. Alternatively, place the cooled tea bags directly on the skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of the skin and reduce the heat sensation from sunburn.
How to Use: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) and gently dab it onto the sunburned area with a cloth. You can also add it to a cool bath for a more extensive treatment.
Egg Whites
Egg whites can provide relief and help to draw out heat from the skin due to their cooling properties.
How to Use: Separate the egg whites from the yolk and gently apply the whites to the sunburned skin. Let them dry and then rinse off with cool water.
These remedies are effective because they combine cooling, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties to help your skin recover from sunburn. Always patch test if you’re using a new remedy and consult a healthcare provider if you have severe sunburn.
Natural Sunburn Recipes
Aloe Vera & Cucumber Soothing Gel
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh Aloe Vera gel
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for added moisture)
Instructions:
- Extract Aloe Vera Gel: Cut a fresh Aloe Vera leaf, scoop out the gel using a spoon, and place it in a blender.
- Prepare Cucumber: Peel the cucumber and chop it into small pieces. Add these to the blender.
- Blend: Blend the Aloe Vera gel and cucumber until smooth. You can add a tablespoon of coconut oil for extra moisturizing properties.
- Strain (Optional): If you prefer a smoother gel, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
- Cool: Place the gel in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before applying to enhance the cooling effect.
Storage:
- Store the gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to one week.
Tips:
- Apply the gel generously to sunburned areas. The Aloe Vera and cucumber soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing inflammation and redness.
- Reapply as needed, especially after sun exposure.
Green Tea & Honey Compress
Ingredients:
- 2 green tea bags
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Brew Green Tea: Boil the water and steep the green tea bags in it for about 10 minutes.
- Cool: Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool down to room temperature or place it in the refrigerator to chill.
- Add Honey: Stir in the honey until it’s fully dissolved.
- Soak Cloth: Soak a clean cloth or cotton pads in the tea mixture.
- Apply: Place the soaked cloth or pads on the sunburned areas and leave them on for 15-20 minutes.
Storage:
- The green tea mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips:
- Green tea contains tannins and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
- Honey adds moisturizing properties and aids in healing.
- This remedy is particularly effective for facial sunburns.
Oatmeal & Yogurt Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added hydration)
Instructions:
- Prepare Oatmeal: Cook the oatmeal according to the package instructions and let it cool completely.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the cooked oatmeal with the yogurt in a bowl. Add honey if desired for extra moisture.
- Apply: Spread the mixture evenly over the sunburned skin and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse: Gently rinse off with cool water and pat dry.
Storage:
- This mixture is best used immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if needed.
Tips:
- Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe irritated skin.
- Yogurt contains lactic acid, which can help to gently exfoliate and cool the skin.
- This mask is suitable for large areas like the back or shoulders.
General Tips for Sunburn Care:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal from within.
- Cool Showers: Take cool (not cold) showers to reduce the heat of the sunburn.
- Moisturize: Use natural moisturizers like Aloe Vera gel or coconut oil regularly.
- Avoid Further Sun Exposure: Keep sunburned areas covered and out of direct sunlight to prevent further damage.
These homemade remedies are gentle and effective for soothing sunburned skin, promoting faster healing and relief.
Circling Back Around
Natural sunburn remedies offer a gentle and effective way to soothe and heal your skin after too much sun exposure. With simple ingredients like Aloe Vera, cucumber, green tea, honey, oatmeal, and yogurt, you can create homemade treatments that reduce inflammation, cool the skin, and promote recovery. These remedies not only provide immediate relief but also nourish your skin, helping it to heal naturally and efficiently. Remember to stay hydrated, moisturize regularly, and protect your skin from further sun exposure. Embrace these natural solutions to keep your skin healthy and comfortable all summer long.
FAQs on Natural Sunburn Remedies
What are the best natural remedies for sunburn relief?
Aloe Vera gel, cucumber, green tea, honey, oatmeal, and yogurt are great natural options. They soothe, hydrate, and reduce inflammation.
How often should I apply these natural sunburn treatments?
Apply these remedies immediately after sunburn and reapply every few hours for optimal relief and faster healing.
Can these natural remedies prevent peeling after a sunburn?
They help reduce the chances of peeling by keeping the skin moisturized and soothing inflammation, but they can’t completely prevent it.
Are these natural sunburn remedies safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, they are generally safe. However, do a patch test first to ensure there’s no adverse reaction.
Can I use these natural remedies alongside other over-the-counter sunburn treatments?
Yes, they can be used with over-the-counter treatments. Just follow product instructions and consult a healthcare professional if needed.