7 Home Remedies For Sunburn

If you've spent any time outdoors in the summer, then you have probably encountered a need for one of these home remedies for sunburn.  Outdoors in the warm sun is a place where many people want to be in the summer.

Even the most protected bodies may suffer from sunburn when outside too long. Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve sunburns' discomfort, itch, and pain with ingredients already in your home. 

Relief the pain with our Top 7 Home Remedies For Sunburn! Easy methods you already have in your home today!


We love being outside during warmer weather. Hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, walking, playing at the park, and just laying around!  Unfortunately, I have very pale skin (think lightest makeup shade possible) and burn really easily.

I wear homemade sunscreen, lightweight clothing that covers most of my body, and I stay indoors or in the shade during the sun's peak in the afternoon. I still get burnt at least once every year, so I put together a list of my seven favorite home remedies for sunburn so you can enjoy the weather without being miserable!

7 Home Remedies for Sunburn

Cold Milk

Soaking a clean washcloth in a bowl of milk from the fridge is a great choice of home remedies for sunburn. The milk reduces the irritation and leaves behind a layer of proteins that will reduce healing time. Plus it is already on hand and affordable!  Apply the compress every few hours as needed.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant that has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can help soothe the pain and irritation of a sunburn. You can use aloe vera as a topical remedy for your sunburn by cutting open the plant's leaf or you can purchase aloe gel or a specialty after-sun gel.

White Potatoes

Potatoes have been known to treat skin irritations for years. Simply make a paste with a couple of white potatoes by cutting them up and tossing them in a blender. Dip cotton balls or gauze into the paste and lay over the burn.

Oatmeal

For large sunburns, a bath in oatmeal water can help to soothe the pain. It will help coat the skin so that it can heal. Fill a clean sock or cheesecloth with two cups of rolled oats and tie off the ends to form a ball for this home remedy.  Run a lukewarm bath, letting the oatmeal ball soak in the water. Keep it in the tub with you as you soak, squeezing it every few minutes to get more oatmeal goodness into your water.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar calms a lot of skin irritations and is one of the top choices for home remedies for sunburn.  Douse a cotton ball in the vinegar and dab the red areas of your skin with it. For larger burns, you can mix one cup of apple cider vinegar into your bath.

Cool Shower

A shower with tepid water will reduce the heat and discomfort of sunburn. Be careful not to use water that’s too cold, as it will cause your pores to close and hold in the heat. Too hot, however, and your shower will be painful!  Also, as you shower, avoid soap in the first 1-2 days. Most soaps will further irritate sunburned skin, prolonging healing time.

Cucumbers

A cucumber chilled in the fridge will soothe the hot, irritated skin. There are also antioxidants in the vegetable to help with inflammation.  Slice the cucumber and apply the pieces directly to your skin. When they start to lose their cool, flip the slices like you would a warm pillow. Alternatively, you can blend the slices to make a paste and apply it to sunburns. This is one of my favorite sunburn remedies because we normally have cucumbers on hand.

Looking to avoid sunburn, try a homemade sunscreen, wear thin clothing that covers more skin, and avoid the sun during peak hours!  If you, unfortunately, find yourself out in the sun too long, look to our home remedies for sunburn to relieve the discomfort!

More helpful tips:

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3 Comments

  1. Thank you for this post … it is timely now that it is summer time! Some of your tips I have heard of/used before, but not all of them. Blessings, ~Sarah