Sunburn Remedies That Actually Work

Burning your skin in the sun happens too easily, especially on bright days when you lose track of time outdoors. The pain, redness, and peeling can be uncomfortable, but you don’t have to suffer long. There are straightforward ways to ease that sting and help your skin heal faster.

First things first—cool your skin down right away. Cool (not cold) water baths or compresses reduce heat and inflammation. Avoid ice directly on your skin as it may cause more damage. Applying a damp towel soaked in cool water for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day works wonders to calm the burn.

Simple Remedies to Soothe Sunburn

Aloe vera is practically a classic here—its natural gel cools and moisturizes burnt skin effectively. Look for pure aloe vera gel without added alcohol or fragrances, which can irritate. If you don’t have aloe, unscented moisturizing lotions can at least lock in moisture and reduce tightness. Avoid petroleum jelly or heavy creams until the burn starts healing because they trap heat and can worsen inflammation.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen help reduce swelling and ease the discomfort. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions. Drinking plenty of water is crucial too—sunburn dehydrates your skin and body, so staying hydrated supports healing from the inside out.

What Not to Do With Sunburned Skin

It’s tempting to peel off any loose skin, but don’t do it. Peeling slows healing and ups your chance of infection. Also, skip harsh soaps, hot showers, and scrubbing the skin, as these strip away natural oils and cause irritation. Wearing loose, breathable clothing helps your skin breathe and prevents further irritation.

Lastly, keep out of the sun while your skin recovers. If you absolutely must go outside, cover up with protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 once your skin starts feeling better. Taking these steps stops more damage and helps your skin bounce back faster.

Sunburns aren’t fun, but with these remedies and good care, you can cut down the pain and get your skin back on track. Keep aloe vera handy, cool your skin quickly, and protect it wisely next time you’re in the sun!