Effective Natural Sunburn Relief: 8 Proven Remedies

It’s been shown that women who get sunburned badly between the ages of 15 and 20 have an 80% higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma.) Always remember that it’s really important to use sunscreen when you’re out in the sun. However, if you get sunburned, it’s important to take active steps in order to heal the burn and minimize the damage.

Bright Side has gathered the most effective natural remedies that will help you recover if you get sunburned. Read through them carefully before your next visit to the pool or to the beach. You can find even more tips in this article, as well.

1. Try menthol.

Menthol is widely known for its soothing properties when used on burns and sunburns. Additionally, shaving creams containing menthol can also work. One woman has shared her experience of getting rid of her sunburn with this method. She claims that it works better than anything she’s tried before.

How to apply:

• take menthol shaving foam (for example, Gillette);
• apply it to sunburned skin and let it stay for about 30 minutes;
• rinse it off;
• reapply it again the next day.

2. Apply green tea.

Green tea contains antioxidant molecules (polyphenols) that are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it's really good in reducing the damage from the sunburn. Drinking green tea also provides additional protection from the sun.

How to apply:

• Soak a tea bag in cold water to let it cool down;
• Gently rub it on the sunburn (you can use either the tea bag itself or a compress);
• For maximum results, apply green tea as soon as you get sunburned;
• Repeat the procedure once again in 2-3 hours.

3. Use lavender oil.

Usually when you think about lavender oil, what comes to mind is its ability to help you relax or sleep better. But when it comes to sunburn, it can also help you, as it's known for its pain-relieving qualities.

How to apply:

• Get a bowl of cool water and add 8-10 drops of lavender oil into it;
• Soak a clean washcloth in the water and apply to the sunburn;
• Hold it in place for about 20 minutes.

4. Choose water instead of alcohol.

If you have a sunburn, it's really important to stay hydrated in order to heal. As you can lose water through damaged skin, sunburn can dry you out quicker than usual. Refill your glass more often than you're used to.

Useful tips:

• Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
• Stay away from alcohol, as it will dehydrate you even more.

5. Use coriander oil.

Coriander oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, therefore it's perfect for treating sunburns. It also has a soothing effect on your skin.

How to apply coriander oil:

• Get a bit of coriander oil on a sponge;
• Gently rub it on the sunburn;
• For maximum results, apply the oil immediately.

6. Chop some potatoes.

If you get sunburned, try potatoes as they're known to have medicinal healing properties.

Do the following:

• Peel and chop a raw potato into slices;
• Rub them on the damaged skin;
• You can fix a small slice with a bandage for an hour or so if the sunburn is really severe;
• Repeat the procedure twice daily until you recover completely.

7. Apply witch hazel.

Another effective remedy against sunburns is witch hazel. It's known for many therapeutic properties, including its anti-inflammatory qualities. Choose witch hazel that contains less alcohol, otherwise, it might irritate your skin even more.

How to apply:

• Get a cotton ball and soak it in witch hazel;
• Gently apply it to your skin.

8. Use honey.

Research confirms that honey speeds up the healing process when treating wounds and sunburns. It effectively decreases inflammation and swelling. It might not be the first option you choose, simply because it's sticky. However, if your sunburn doesn't cover a large part of your body, honey will help very quickly.

How to apply:

• Dab the honey on the area of the sunburn;
• Cover it with a bandage;
• Leave it on overnight.

Which of these remedies did you find to be the most helpful? Are you going to use any of these remedies if you get sunburned this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!