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Holistic Remedies to Treat Sunburns at Home

For some people, summer means spending half their savings on sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s damaging effects. Sunburns can be minor (only burning the surface of the skin) or more severe (penetrating deeper skin layers). Regardless of the damage, it’s always good to have some natural sunburn remedies at home when you’re in a pinch.  

How the Sun Damages Your Skin 

You’ve been slathering on sunscreen for decades, probably wondering if all the effort to reach your back is worth it. Trust us; it’s all worth it. In fact, researchers have found that 85 to 90% of skin aging is extrinsic or not natural; i.e., UVA (ultraviolet A) rays are a significant part of why people are aging faster. However, that’s not even their most destructive result.  

Long-term exposure to UVA rays can also cause: 

  • Sagging skin – If you’ve never had to deal with loose skin and don’t want to start, stay out of the sun for long periods. UVA rays can damage elastic fibers that help your skin bounce back after it has been stretched.   

  • Skin cancer – Skin frequently exposed to UVA rays can develop abnormal skin cells that may turn cancerous.  

  • Skin cell death – UVA rays can penetrate deeper skin layers causing irreversible damage and skin cell death.  

  • Freckles and dark spots – Many people naturally have freckles or dark spots on their skin. Still, prolonged sun exposure can damage skin layers and cause permanent changes.  

While these conditions of prolonged sun exposure can range in severity, they are typically reversible and treatable. The Dallas Derm Center recommends:  

  • Exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and keep them from building up on the skin  

  • Performing microdermabrasion to smooth and cleanse the skin for a brighter and healthier appearance 

  • Using topical cream with hydraulic acid to reduce wrinkles around the lips and eyes 

  • Wearing at least 30 SPF sunscreen to prevent skin issues and sun damage 

4 Natural Sunburn Relief Remedies You Can Do at Home 

1. Use Cucumbers on Your Face 

You probably thought cucumbers were best left for a refreshing summer salad. Little did you know that you can use them as a natural home remedy for sunburn on your face. This summer vegetable has antioxidants and is a natural pain reliever.  

Follow These Steps to Make a Sunburn Remedy at Home 

  1. Chill a cucumber in the fridge for a few hours  

  2. Cut the chilled cucumber into slices or cubes 

  3. Add the pies to a blender on a high setting  

  4. Blend to a chunky paste

  5. Apply the paste to your face gently 

  6. Wash your face once the paste is no longer cold 

2. Apply White Vinegar to Your Legs 

White vinegar is a natural cleaner we love using on countertops and other hard surfaces. However, did you know it’s useful as sunburn relief at home? White vinegar can help replace your pH levels and promote healing and skin regeneration. 

Follow These Steps to Make a Sunburn Remedy at Home 

  1. Measure out a half cup of white vinegar  

  2. Use a cotton ball to dip into the solution 

  3. Gently dab the affected areas  

  4. Let it sit on your skin for 20 minutes 

Pro tip: Cider vinegar is also a great natural sunburn remedy. Instead of applying it directly to your skin, add a cup to a cool bath and soak in it until the sunburn pain is gone.  

3. Get Out the Aloe Vera & Go to Town on Your Back & Neck 

If you’re a plant lover, you likely already have an aloe plant in your home right now. Most people know that aloe vera helps with sunburn relief, but are you aware that it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties? We recommend using an aloe plant for sunburn relief because it’s pure aloe. Be aware of products that aren’t 100% made of aloe. 

Follow These Steps to Make a Sunburn Remedy at Home 

  1. Gently slice open your aloe leaf  

  2. Scoop the glossy gel into a bowl  

  3. Whisk the gel with a fork for an even consistency 

  4. Save the excess gel in a glass container in a temperature-controlled area for future use 

4. Rub Oatmeal on Your Stomach 

Oatmeal might look a bit unappetizing to some, but when you have a sunburn, that sticky concoction comes in handy to reduce skin swelling and irritation. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory that can be made into a paste or a bath for soaking. 

Follow These Steps to Make a Sunburn Remedy at Home 

For the paste: 

  1. Mix cold milk and oatmeal (unflavored) in a bowl  

  2. Stir until you have a very thick consistency  

  3. Apply to the affected skin and let it sit for 20-30 minutes 

For the bath: 

  1. Run a cool-water bath, filling the tub high enough to submerge the burns  

  2. Add the entire container of oatmeal to the bath 

  3. Soak for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the oatmeal touches the skin 

While You’re Healing from Sunburns, Your Home is Covered 

Getting sunburned can make even the simplest tasks feel like the most challenging (and painful) thing you’ve ever done in your life. Let our cleaning team keep your home organized while you focus on healing. We have various home cleaning services to keep you from having to lift a finger while you concentrate on yourself.  

Call (888) 490-4227 to get more information or find your local Merry Maids and request a quote today! 

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