Home Remedy for Sunburns

Sunburn is a fact of life for many people who enjoy the outdoors. The lighter the skin color, the more likelihood a sunburn will occur, especially when sun exposure lasts more than an hour. Sunburn can be painful, but that fact alone does not deter sun worshipers. Instead, they often end up dealing with the consequences. Luckily there are many home remedies to help take the sting out of sunburn.

Preventative Remedies for Sunburn

Wear lightweight protective clothing, a wide brim hat and sunglasses when in the sun for a prolonged amount of time. Use sunscreen protection with SPF between 15 and 30, applying it everywhere that skin will be exposed. Stay away from tanning products with petroleum jelly that will draw the heat into the skin and hold it in. Avoid the strongest sunrays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Drink lots of water beforehand, during and after sun exposure to keep the skin hydrated.

Kitchen Sunburn Remedies

Slice a cucumber lengthwise and apply it to the burn for at least 10 minutes. It will soothe the skin and help fade redness. Apply cool dampened teabags to the burn for 15 minutes to remove its sting. Slice either a yellow onion or raw potato and rub on the sunburn to soothe and reduce inflammation. Mix water and cornstarch into a paste and apply to the burn. Let it dry before rinsing with cool water. Apply yogurt to the burn for 15 minutes and then rinse away in a cool shower. Mix 1 cup of cool water with 3 lemons and sponge over the burn to kill surface bacteria and promote healing.

Sunburn Home Remedies

Split a left of the Aloe Vera plant down the center lengthwise. Scoop out the gel and spread it over the sunburn to soothe skin and take away pain. Moisten gauze with witch hazel and apply to the burn for 10 minutes. Rub Pepto Bismo or cod liver oil into the burn and let it dry before rinsing it away in the shower. Gently rub vitamin E oil to the burn to nourish the skin and make recovery time shorter.

Sunburn Bath Remedies

Add ½ gallon of buttermilk to soothe and help skin retain its elasticity. Add 3 tbsp. of rosewater to soothe and soften the skin, making it less likely to blister and peel. Add 1 tbsp. of sandalwood or lavender oil. Sandalwood soothes, softens and balances the skin while lavender refreshes and takes away the burn’s sting. Add ¼ cup white vinegar to relieve the pain and balance the skin’s chemistry. Add 2 cups of oatmeal to soothe the skin and relieve itching. Add 1 lb. baking soda to soothe the skin and help it retain its natural moisture. Add between 30 drops of calendula tincture to help heal burned skin with its antimicrobial properties.