Though getting a sunburn is far from ideal, most people end up with one at some point by the time the summer is over. Thankfully, you can ease your pain with these home sunburn remedies! And remember, apply plenty of sunscreen when you’re outside next.
Cool Off
First thing’s first, get out of the sun as soon as you see that you’re burnt, and stay out of the sun until the burn has completely healed. Next, find a way to get some cool relief by taking a cold shower or wrapping a cold compress in a towel and applying it in 15-20 minute bursts every two hours.
Take an Oatmeal or Milk Bath
Though nothing can “draw the sunburn out” as DIY tips often claim, many things can help soothe the inflammation and irritation of sunburns, including oatmeal or milk baths. For an oatmeal bath, grab colloidal oatmeal from the drugstore and add a few scoops to a cool bath. If you can’t get your hands on colloidal oatmeal, draw a bath made from equal parts milk and cool water.
Take Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen works to reduce inflammation in your body, which means it’s perfect for reducing the pain of a sunburn. Follow proper dosing instructions, taking a few ibuprofen every few hours with a meal.
Hydrate Inside and Out
Your skin loses a lot of moisture when you get burnt, so it’s important to drink extra water while you’re recovering from a sunburn. You can speed up your hydration by sipping on things like Gatorade, Pedialyte, Liquid IV, or other hydrating beverages.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re applying plenty of moisture to your sunburn. In addition to aloe vera, use a gentle moisturizer like CeraVe. You can also mix hydrocortisone cream into Aquaphor, which will help relieve itching and lock in moisture. Always be sure that you’re using pure aloe vera without any additives.
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Don’t Pick or Peel
Though it can be tempting to peel off sunburned skin, it’s best to let it slough off naturally. If your burn is blistered, resist the urge to pop the blisters as it can actually slow the healing process down by adding the risk for infection. If a blister pops on its own, wash it with gentle antibacterial soap with cool water, layer on Neosporin, and cover it with a bandaid.
Getting a sunburn is never fun, but you can heal quickly with as little pain as possible with patience and the right tips.