13 home remedies for sunburn relief

If you’ve spent any time in the sun without a layer of sunscreen protecting your skin or stayed outdoors a little too long, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced a painful sunburn. 

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—a deadly form of skin cancer. 

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’s easy to forget to reapply or miss a hard-to-reach spot. Then, before you know it, the damage is done. 

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. 

13 sunburn remedies

Excess exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays or other UV light sources can cause an inflammatory reaction to the skin’s outermost layers, resulting in red, irritated skin. Therefore, the most important thing to do when treating a sunburn is to act quickly. If you’re 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. 

1. Aloe vera
2. Cold compress
3. Soothing moisturizers
4. Topical antioxidant cream
5. Cold shower
6. Oatmeal
7. Green tea
8. Baking soda
9. Essential oils
10. Plain yogurt
11. Water
12. Loose clothing
13. Honey

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera can help to heal sunburns and mild burns—while hydrating skin to prevent peeling. “Its high water content and presence of sugar molecules allow for skin protection and hydration,” says Melanie Palm, 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’re using aloe vera to treat a sunburn, apply it to affected areas three to four times daily.

2. Cold compress

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—but do not apply ice directly to sunburned skin. Wrap in a washcloth first.

3. Soothing moisturizers 

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. 

4. Topical antioxidant cream

When it comes to easing skin irritation and redness, Kenneth Mark, 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 animal studies 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.

5. Cold shower

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 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). A cool bath will also work well. Apply your moisturizer after the bath or shower to help lock in moisture.

6. Oatmeal

You can find oatmeal as the main ingredient in several skin care products, from lotions and soaps to masks and scrubs. According to research, 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. 

7. Green tea

Sure, green tea tastes wonderful when you drink it. But, the polyphenols it contains can also help to soothe sunburned skin when it’s 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.

8. Baking soda

A baking soda bath might not sound like the most relaxing experience, but this home remedy can help cool the skin and reduce redness. 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. 

9. Essential oils

Essential oils, such as lavender, 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.

10. Plain yogurt 

Plain yogurt contains probiotics and healthy enzymes that may protect you from a sunburn when eaten regularly. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that Lactobacillus johnsonii (La1) along with nutritional doses of carotenoids helped to reduce early skin damage caused by UV light.. If the damage is already done, some dermatologists say it can also provide relief for mild sunburns when applied to skin. Dr. Palm recommends mixing yogurt with chopped cucumbers. The yogurt has a cooling effect, and the cucumbers help with hydration. Then, rinse the treatment off with lukewarm water.

11. Water

Several sunburn treatment protocols call for external remedies, but it’s also important to focus on drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Sunburns can cause your body to draw fluid to the surface of the skin and away from the rest of your body, increasing your risk of dehydration, according to the AAD.

12. Loose clothing 

To help reduce skin irritation and discomfort while your sunburn is healing, Dr. Palm recommends wearing light, loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against skin. When choosing an outfit to prevent a future sunburn, the AAD says tightly-woven fabrics work best. 

13. Honey

Honey is known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. For mild sunburns, apply a small amount of medicine-grade honey to the affected area to help manage the wound. It may also aid with the growth of new skin cells. 

Sunburn relief medications

If you need more relief than a home remedy can provide, it might be time to try an over-the-counter drug or prescription medication for sunburn treatment. These are three common treatments for sunburn. 

1. Ibuprofen

“The most important thing you can do for a sunburn is to take ibuprofen within the first 24 hours,” says Dr. Mark. Ibuprofen pain relievers, including Motrin or Advil, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which help support the healing process. They also help take the sting out of a sunburn, which is critical in the first 24 to 48 hours. Follow the directions on the label for dosage and timing. 

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2. Hydrocortisone cream 

Some sunburns cause minimal discomfort, while others can make life pretty miserable. If you have an area that is especially uncomfortable, consider using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. According to the AAD, this is a much better solution than using pain relief creams like benzocaine and lidocaine since they can irritate the skin, or in some cases, lead to an allergic reaction.

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3. Prescription topical steroid

If your skin is blistering and so painful that you cannot get relief or it is so red that the home remedies are not helping, Dr. Mark says you could benefit from a topical prescription steroid, such as betamethasone. 

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Have a plan for sun protection

The best way to treat a sunburn is to prevent it by applying sunscreen to all exposed skin before any sun exposure and reapplying at least every two hours while outdoors. When choosing a sunscreen lotion, make sure to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

RELATED: Heat rash treatments and medications

When to see a doctor for a bad sunburn 

Most mild to moderate sunburns are treatable with home remedies. However, there are instances when seeing a healthcare provider is warranted. Seek medical attention if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Burn with blisters covering more than 20% of your body
• Dehydration
• Very painful or severe sunburn that covers more than 15% of your body 
• High fever, typically over 101 degrees Fahrenheit 
• Chills or nausea 
• Skin that is swollen or oozing pus
• Blisters that turn yellow or red over time

It’s also a good idea to see a physician if you’re taking certain prescription medications that can increase your sensitivity to the sun. These include antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diuretics, oral contraceptives, retinoids, phenothiazines, and more. 

For very severe sunburns, Dr. Palm says treatment in a burn unit in a hospital may be necessary in order to administer topical steroids and wound care, red light treatment, or potentially fluid resuscitation.