22 Ways to Naturally Relieve Sunburned Skin

There’s nothing that says summer more than that accidental sun burn when you’re at the beach too long or spend the day out on the boat. It happens to all of us – even the most sunscreen conscious of the bunch. Although your first priority should always be to lather up and protect your precious skin, if you ever find yourself dealing with a sunburn, taking care of it is a must.

Turns out natural remedies are often the best solution – leaving scorched skin relieved and ready to take on another day of outdoor adventures. If you find yourself dealing with too much sun exposure this summer, here’s a look at 22 ways to naturally relieve sunburned skin.

22 Ways to Naturally Relieve Sunburned Skin

1. Use a cool compress on burned skin – this will provide immediate relief.
2. Take a cool shower or bath.
3. Apply slices of potato or make a paste out of the juice of a potato and apply directly to the skin.
4. Re-hydrate asap with loads of water and coconut water.
5. Find an aloe plant and use the leaves to relieve sunburn irritation. Apply directly to the skin.
6. Use gauze or towels to apply cold milk directly to the irritated area.
7. Make a paste of baking soda and water – apply directly to the skin.
8. Steep some green and mint tea, let it cool and apply directly to the irritated areas with a towel or cotton balls.
9. Fill a spray bottle with unfiltered apple cider vinegar and spritz the skin.
10. Take an oatmeal bath.
11. Apply witch hazel directly to the burnt area.
12. Cover the area in plain yogurt or Greek yogurt and let it sit for five minutes or so. Rinse with cool water.
13. Sprinkle a bit of talcum powder on your bed sheets (to minimize friction) and take a nice afternoon nap.
14. Slice up a cucumber and place the slices directly on the burn areas.
15. Add apple cider vinegar to a cool bath and relax in there for some serious relief.
16. Wrap a bag of frozen peas in a damp towel and let it sit on the irritated area.
17. Load up on watermelon to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
18. Make a paste of cornstarch and water, apply directly to the burned area. Let it sit for five minutes or so and rinse with cool water.
19. Boil lettuce leaves and let the water sit and cool. Pop it in the refrigerator and apply the chilled lettuce water directly to irritated skin.
20. Apply essential oils, like lavender, directly to the burned or irritated area.
21. Once your skin as recovered, use a bit of coconut oil to moisturize.
22. Take a day off from the sun and hang in the shade!

Have you ever experienced a bad sunburn? It’s the worst, especially if it’s followed by painful blisters or itchy peeling. No matter what, prevention is the name of the game – and that means loading up on sunscreen and knowing when it’s time to give your skin a bit of a break from sun exposure. Bottom line: be smart, stay hydrated and make sun prevention your number one priority.