15 Natural And Effective Sunburn Cures

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Sunburn is the bane of summertime. As your fun day at the beach comes to an end, it can sometimes leave nasty sunburn behind. Sunburn is not just painful and bothersome but too much exposure to the sun triggers ageing and can also lead to skin cancer. If you are active or love spending time at the beach you must’ve gotten sun scorched skin at some point or the other. There are several home remedies for sunburn. Sunburn is therapeutic when done in time.

Sunburn is caused when our skins are exposed to the UV rays of the sun for too long, and can happen anytime of the year. Usually fair skinned people get more tanned. This is because continuous exposure to the sun ups our skin’s production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment which determines color of our skin, increased production of melanin is actually our skin’s natural defense mechanism. It is always better to cover-up and wear sunscreen all year round. However, sometimes despite all your efforts you may get sunburn. Sometimes a bad tan can lead to peeling, itchy skin. The skin is stings and it is impossible to do anything. However, no matter how bad your sunburn is it is always better to treat sunburn at home. Read these 15 natural sunburn cures to find out how to heal sunburn, what to put on sunburn and how to get rid of sunburn.

“As your fun day at the beach comes to an end, it can sometimes leave nasty sunburn behind. Sunburn is not just painful and bothersome but too much exposure to the sun triggers ageing and can also lead to skin cancer.”

15. Cool Water Treatment

Let’s get one thing clear. Sunburn skin is extremely dehydrated. So no matter what you do you should first reach for water. Not only drink plenty of water but also relief your puffy skin with cool water. One thing to remember is that do not use ice packs or water that is really cold! This might restrict your blood circulation by compressing your vessels and thus; have unfavorable results. We are talking about cool water which gives you relief here, by cooling down your heated skin. Try these simple sunburn remedies to get a cooling relief.

• Ditch the soda or any other fizzy drinks and have as much water as you can. Make a conscious effort of sipping water at frequent intervals. This is the simplest way of fighting the burn from within and hydrating yourself.
• Apply cold compresses. You can soak a wash cloth or a towel in cool water and leave it on your skin for a while. Repeat this as many times as you want to.
• Another fast sunburn relief idea is to fill a bathtub with water and sit in it for 10-15 minutes. Do not put any soap in your water and don’t sit in the bath for too long. This might make the skin further dry and increase itching. Soap or shower gel might also irritate your skin further.

14. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin A and C and packed with an antioxidant called ‘lycopene’. They are overall great for skin, prevent ageing and also an at home sunburn treatment. Did you know that eating tomatoes somehow prevents sunburn? These ingredients prove to be a soothing sunburn relief. Application of tomato juice takes care of the burning, and itchiness. It also helps in removal of dead skin and replenishes the skin. You can just slice a tomato and apply the juice directly on your sunburn or you could try the following sunburn remedy

• Blend and sieve 2-3 tomatoes to get rid of the seeds and skin.
• Mix it with 2 tablespoon yogurt
• Apply this paste of sun burnt skin for at least 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with cold water. Never apply soap afterwards.

13. Cucumber

Cucumber isn’t just a cure for dark circles, but this cool vegetable from the melon family is packed with nutrients which make it a great sunburn treatment as well. Cucumber is made of 96% water; apart from that it is a rich source of vitamins A & C, folate and minerals such as sulfur, potassium, manganese and silica. Applying cucumber to your skin will make you feel “as cool as a cucumber”, as the summer vegetable is not just an antioxidant but also an analgesic. Cucumber is an effective sunburn remedy as it soothes even the most inflamed skin as it has cooling effects. It also helps in rapid formation of new layer of skin. You can use cucumber in the following two ways to cure bad sunburn.

• Make a paste from cucumber by blending it. Do not sieve it. Apply this thick paste all over your skin. Leave it for at least half an hour and then rinse off.
• Another way to use cucumber is, take out juice of cucumber, and sieve it. Place this juice in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Then dip a wash cloth in this juice and put it over your skin as a cool compress. You can repeat this process several times.

“Sunburn skin is extremely dehydrated. So no matter what you do you should first reach for water. Not only drink plenty of water but also relief your puffy skin with cool water.”

12. Potatoes

Potatoes are the perfect solution if you want to learn how to get rid of sunburn. Potatoes have very mild natural bleaching properties and are a great way to cut tan. They are also rich in vitamins A, C and K, which are all great for the skin. Potato is a root which sucks in all the ingredients from the soil and is laden with minerals, especially their skins. Therefore, no matter how you us a potato never remove its skin. Due to all these ingredients potatoes are make great natural sunburn remedy and are equally beneficial for all sorts of burns, bites and any other minor skin irritations.

• Before you want to use potatoes for sunburn, wash them nicely and refrigerate them.
• You can grate the potatoes using a hand grater or even blend them. You will get a smooth paste. Apply this paste on skin, making sure you don’t waste any of the juice. Leave it on your skin for at least 30 minutes or for as long as you can and rinse off.
• Another way to use potatoes is simply slice potatoes, and apply slices all over sunburn. You can gently massage the cold your skin with these cold slices as well, for a soothing relief.
• Always use potatoes which are freshly grated or sliced. Do not leave them as they tend to oxidize really fast.

11. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has many skin benefits and that is why it has become an active ingredient in a number of beauty and skin products recently. Aloe gel in various forms has been used in natural beauty treatments and as a skin remedy for ages and also happens to be the best thing for sunburn. It comprises of 99% water and rest of it is minerals such as zinc, chrome, calcium, selenium, copper and amino acids. Selenium and zinc are widespread active ingredients of commercial sunburn treatment products. With so many natural skin ingredients how can aloe vera not be a sunburn remedy? To use aloe vera you can try two of these following home remedies for sunburn.

• Slit open an aloe leaf, take out the white clear gel inside the leaf and apply directly on skin. There is no need to wash this off. It will heal your skin as it moisturizes.
• Another brilliant way to use aloe vera is by taking out this liquid gel, blend it and mix 2-3 tablespoons of rose water and a few drops of tea tree oil to this. Freeze it using ice cube tray. You can leave it in your freezer and take it out anytime there is an emergency. It is an instant relief against sunburn.

10. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a pivotal part of skin and hair beauty rituals in tropical regions where coconuts are found commonly. In these areas coconut oil has been used as a sunscreen for ages and is also used as a natural remedy to fight off sunburn. Usually sun burnt skin is deprived of moisture, coconut helps to restore it. It is a great moisturizer for all skin types, presence of ‘lauric acid’ and essential fatty acids in the oil make the coconut oil work as an emollient to curb away the itchiness and burning of the skin. Coconut oil is one of the best ways to heal sunburn.

• Just apply it directly all over skin and leave it as a natural moisturizer
• You could try adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or rose hip for more relief.
• Within minutes you will feel coconut oil gives you relief against redness, itching, and swelling.
• It is a good idea to wait for at least an hour or so after your burn before you apply coconut oil. This is because coconut oil may sometime lock the heat along with moisture. Cool off a bit before you apply coconut oil. It is better to either soak in cold water or take a cold shower before you use coconut oil for sunburn.

9. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is extracted from the witch hazel plant and is now easily available in bottled form in health and food stores. It is rich in tannins and catichins, making it an excellent astringent, anti-tan and anti-inflammatory. Witch hazel is also great for treating any sort of blisters, burns, acne or minor irritations of the skin. You can pour some witch hazel in a bowl, dip cotton balls in it and apply it on sunburn skin or you could make the following after sun spray with witch hazel. Here is how to get rid of sunburn using witch hazel.

• In 1 tablespoon of witch hazel mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 3 tablespoons of rose water. Add 1/4^th cup distilled water to this. Put this in a spray bottle and refrigerate.
• This spray is very mild, soothing and has a cooling effect. You can use it on yourself and even young kids without any problem.

“Applying cucumber to your skin will make you feel “as cool as a cucumber”, as the summer vegetable is not just an antioxidant but also an analgesic. Cucumber is an effective sunburn remedy as it soothes even the most inflamed skin as it has cooling effects.”

8. Yogurt

Yogurt is amazing for skin and is used in a number of face packs. It is a rich source of ‘probiotics’ and is therefore, considered one of the best home remedies for sunburn. Yogurt helps the skin to heal very fast while cooling it down. Just remember, when using yogurt to heal sunburn never use flavored or sweetened yogurt. Always go for the plain variety and preferably if you can find go for live cultured one.

• Simply slather the sunburn skin with yogurt, leaving it on for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse off with water; do not use soap or cleansers of any kind afterwards.
• Repeat this at least twice a day and you will feel your skin healing within 2-3 days after regular application of yogurt.

7. Milk

Milk is one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest ways to treat sunburn. All you need is to go to the refrigerator and there you have your all natural sunburn treatment. The protein in milk creates a protective layer over your skin and the lactic acid helps in clearing the dead skin as it soothes. It relieves you of discomfort very fast. You can dip cotton balls in milk and gently apply milk all over sunburn sin or you can create a milk compress.

• Simply pour some milk in a bowl. Fill at least that much that when you dip a towel or a washcloth in it and it gets soaked.
• Then squeeze the towel out slightly and put it over the effected skin
• Leave the towel on your skin till it no longer feels damp.
• You can repeat this as many times as you want to. If the milk gets to room temperature, just refrigerate it again. Only chilled milk will give you the soothing relief you require.
• After you are done don’t rinse the milk off right away, leave it on your skin for at least 20 minutes.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Now this is another product which has taken the internet by storm. You must’ve come across many benefits of pure organic apple cider vinegar by now but did you know that ACV is also a sunburn remedy. ACV is a powerful astringent, an astringent shrinks open pores or tissues; this provides instant relief against the inflammation. The pH levels of burnt or inflamed skin is imbalanced which gives you great discomfort, ACV balances your skin’s natural pH and promotes rapid healing. Now remember that ACV might cause slight burning, if you have any sort of cuts or wounds apple cider vinegar is not for you. Otherwise you can use apple cider vinegar in the following ways as effective sunburn remedies:

• Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, fill it in a spray bottle. Refrigerate it spray this mixture whenever you want to.
• Another way to use apple cider vinegar is to pour at least a cup of apple cider vinegar in your bath tub, fill it with water and soak in this bath for at least 15-20 minutes. Follow up with moisturizing with coconut oil.
• You can also pour some apple cider vinegar in a bowl, and soak a washcloth in it. Then put this compress on effected skin. Repeat 2-3 times.

5. Baking Soda

In some effective home remedies for sunburn, baking soda is at the top of the list. Use baking soda for immediate sunburn relief. Just like apple cider vinegar, baking soda helps to balance the pH levels of your skin and soothes the itching and burning left by too much exposure to the sun. It balances the imbalance of acid-alkaline which sunburn skin has. You can use baking soda in the following two ways as a sunburn remedy.

• Put a few tablespoons of baking soda in your bath. Soak in this baking soda infused water for 15-20 minutes and follow up with coconut oil
• Alternatively you could dilute a few tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of chill water. Soak a washcloth in it, and press it gently against sunburn skin. This has instant cooling effect on skin.

4. Tea And Mint Leaves

Tea and mint is a really fast and easy sunburn remedy. Mint has menthol and has a natural cooling effect. Tea is rich in antioxidant and tannic acid or what is commercially known as tannins. This acid relieves against sunburn by balancing your skin’s pH levels. It relieves pain and heals damaged skin and helps in formation of new skin layer. You can use either black or green tea whichever is available but green tea is much richer in antioxidant properties as compared to the black tea as it also has catichins along with tannic acid, which plays a pivotal role in warding off damage done by the UV rays.

• Put 5 teabags (green or black) in about a liter of water; let them simmer for 3-5 minutes. Then remove from flame and add a cup of mint leaves in this.
• Let it cool down, or put it in refrigerator for added relief.
• Once the tea is chilled, soak a washcloth in it and compress it against skin. Leave it on skin for a good ten minutes. You may repeat this if you want to.
• You can also fill some of this tea in a spray bottle and refrigerate it, spray all over skin whenever you want to.
• There is no need to rinse off afterwards.

“Tea and mint is a really fast and easy sunburn remedy. Mint has menthol and has a natural cooling effect. Tea is rich in antioxidant ad tannic acid or what is commercially known as tannins.”

3. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is like skin tonic and a perfect solution If you’re wondering how to get rid of sunburn naturally. It takes care of a lot of skin problems including acne, scars, burn mild irritation and even sunburn. It has calming and soothing effect on sunburn skin. It is mild enough to use it on its own, but since it is very greasy it is a good idea to dilute it in some water. For the face you can just dip cotton balls in lavender oil and pat it gently on your face. For other areas such as your back, arms or legs you could try one of the following ways to use lavender oil as a sunburn remedy.

• Mix a few drops of lavender oil with aloe vera gel and apply it over affected areas like a cooling moisturizer. No need to wash off
• Another way is to put a few drops of this oil in a bowl filled with cold water. Soak a washcloth in the water and press it over your skin. Remove cloth as it starts to dry. Repeat two to three times.

2. DIY Sunburn Relief Spray

You can easily make a DIY sunburn relief spray using some of the things we have mentioned above. These sprays are quite easy to make. We are giving you a recipe for an after sun spray which will provide you with instant relief against burning, itchy skin. You can easily make this spray, and fill it in a spray bottle. We are giving you a recipe which combines tea with essential oil. It will give you combined benefits of all the ingredients.

• Take 3 ounces of black, green or chamomile tea, you can use any tea of your choice or even make tea by combining any two of them.
• Once the tea is cool, remove tea bags and add 10-15 drops of lavender oil, and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to it.
• Store in a dark spray bottle and spray this all over skin, whenever needed. Shake the bottle a little before spraying.

1. DIY Sunburn Relief Cream

We are also giving you a recipe for a DIY cream for sunburn relief. This cream will help in restoring the lost moisture from your skin. It is combinations of some of the ingredients we have already mentioned are great to heal sunburn. This recipe involves combining baking soda, water aloe and some of the essential oil. You can apply it after being in the sun. You can use it along with any of the sunburn remedies mentioned above.

• Mix together 2 tablespoons of water, a tablespoon of aloe gel and a tablespoon of witch hazel. Stir these together. Once these ingredients infuse add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, stirring constantly.
• It might take some effort getting the right consistency so stir, as you slowly add baking soda. If the mixture becomes too lumpy you could add a few drops of water, or if it’s runny add some more baking soda. Then add about a cup of blended mint leaves to this and check the consistency again.
• Once you get the right consistency, add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and 10 drops of mint oil and whip it a little more. You can even use an electric whisk to do this.
• Once it has a cream like consistency, put it in an airtight jar and store it in a cool place. It is better to leave it for at least 24 hours before application.
• Whisk together this cream ahead of summertime and store it in the fridge, for instant cooling relief whenever you need it.

Memorize These Sun Rules

We have given you 15 sunburn remedies. All of these are very easy to follow and you will be amazed with the results. We are giving you a few more pointers which you must follow

• Always use protective clothing like big hat, full sleeves clothes and nicely woven breathable material when not swimming or participating in any activities during sun exposure
• Try to avoid being in the sun between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. This is when the UV rays are the strongest and cause the most damage.
• Wear sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF30 or more.
• Re-apply your sunscreen whenever needed if you are out for too long
• Keep yourself well hydrated even if you are not feeling thirsty
• When you get sunburn, avoid using soap or any other harsh washes as it will add to the irritation and inflammation of your skin.
• It is important to start with any therapeutic treatments immediately after the burn. Do not let your skin be and wait for it to heal sunburn on its own.
• Keeping your skin well moistened and hydrated is your best arsenal against sunburn.