{"id":39610,"date":"2021-08-20T09:30:46","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T13:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=39610"},"modified":"2025-06-19T12:05:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T16:05:04","slug":"sunburn-remedies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sunburn-remedies\/","title":{"rendered":"13 home remedies for sunburn relief"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve spent any time in the sun without a layer of sunscreen protecting your skin or stayed outdoors a little too long, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve experienced a painful sunburn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sun exposure can wreak havoc on your skin, both temporarily and long-term. And depending on the amount of exposure, reversing sun damage caused by ultraviolet light can require several trips to the dermatologist and daily use of special skin care products, which can add up to a hefty price tag. Plus, too much fun in the sun sans sunscreen increases your risk of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma\u2014a deadly form of<\/span> skin cancer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In most situations, applying a thick layer of sunscreen before heading outdoors, and then again every couple of hours after, will prevent the dreaded lobster look and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. However, it\u2019s easy to forget to reapply or miss a hard-to-reach spot. Then, before you know it, the damage is done.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news? There are plenty of home remedies for sunburns like aloe vera, cold compresses, and over-the-counter or prescription medications. They can provide immediate relief, soothe irritated skin, and kickstart the healing process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

13 sunburn remedies<\/span><\/h2>\n

Excess exposure to the sun\u2019s ultraviolet rays or other UV light sources can cause an<\/span> inflammatory reaction<\/span><\/a> to the skin\u2019s outermost layers, resulting in red, irritated skin. Therefore, the most important thing to do when treating a sunburn is to act quickly. If you\u2019re outside, move indoors as soon as possible. Or, find shelter in a shaded area, cover your skin with lightweight clothing, and put on a hat. Once inside, consider trying one or more of the following home remedies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Aloe vera<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aloe vera can help to heal <\/span>sunburns<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>mild burns<\/span><\/a>\u2014while hydrating skin to prevent peeling. \u201cIts high water content and presence of sugar molecules allow for skin protection and hydration,\u201d says <\/span>Melanie Palm<\/span><\/a>, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin. Aloe vera also contains aloin which is helpful as an anti-inflammatory, according to Dr. Palm. Try it straight from the plant, or in the form of aloe vera gel or lotion from your local pharmacy. If you\u2019re using aloe vera to treat a sunburn, apply it to affected areas three to four times daily.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Cold compress<\/span><\/h3>\n

Applying a cold compress to sunburned skin for 10 minutes several times a day, can help soothe irritation. To make a cold compress, soak a clean washcloth in cool water, then hold it on the affected area. Additionally, you can buy a reusable cold compress and store it in the freezer for quick cooling\u2014but do not apply ice directly to sunburned skin. Wrap in a washcloth first.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Soothing moisturizers\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Moderate to severe sunburns often result in red, irritated, dry skin. Meaning, after a sunburn you need to moisturize with emollients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly to reduce irritation and prevent peeling skin. To help prevent further skin irritation, Dr. Palm recommends slathering on a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor, which can help speed up the healing process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Topical antioxidant cream<\/span><\/h3>\n

When it comes to easing skin irritation and redness,<\/span> Kenneth Mark<\/span><\/a>, MD, a cosmetic dermatology expert, recommends a topical treatment that contains skin-calming antioxidants like vitamin E, and vitamin C. More research is needed, but some <\/span>animal studies<\/span><\/a> show that topical antioxidants can help repair skin cells after a burn. Apply the cream or serum following the guidelines provided on the product packaging.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Cold shower<\/span><\/h3>\n

After a day in the sun, standing under cool or cold water is a simple yet effective way to treat a sunburn. Frequent, cool showers can reduce the sting and help relieve pain associated with a sunburn, according to the<\/span> American Academy of Dermatology<\/span><\/a> (AAD). A cool bath will also work well. Apply your moisturizer after the bath or shower to help lock in moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Oatmeal<\/span><\/h3>\n

You can find oatmeal as the main ingredient in several skin care products, from lotions and soaps to masks and scrubs. According to<\/span> research<\/span><\/a>, colloidal oatmeal has anti-oxidant properties that may improve dryness and reduce itch intensity for a variety of skin conditions, including burns. Take an oatmeal bath by adding 1 cup of finely ground oats to cool or lukewarm bath water. Mix the oats in the water using your hand and soak the affected area for at least 15 minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Green tea<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sure, green tea tastes wonderful when you drink it. But, the <\/span>polyphenols<\/span><\/a> it contains can also help to soothe sunburned skin when it\u2019s applied to skin. Steep a few green tea bags in warm water, then add the tea to a bath. Dr. Palm says you can also make a compress with a washcloth and cold tea to help repair skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Baking soda<\/span><\/h3>\n

A baking soda bath might not sound like the most relaxing experience, but this home remedy can help<\/span> cool the skin and reduce redness<\/span>. Add 2 ounces of baking soda to cool or lukewarm bath water. Soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. Pat dry and apply a layer of lotion or moisturizer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Essential oils<\/span><\/h3>\n

Essential oils, such as<\/span> lavender<\/span><\/a>, may help take the sting out of a sunburn. The research on their effectiveness is limited, but moisturizing carrier oils, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil, can help to hydrate skin. Just make sure that the oil is intended for topical application before slathering it on.<\/span><\/p>\n

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