No matter how high an SPF or how well you layer sunscreen on yourself and your family, someone almost always comes home with sunburn after a trip to the beach {or simply driving with your arm out the window}.
Usually burns happen in that spot you missed by accident or didn’t think about because it was covered by a hat, t-shirt or shoe. Usually it’s on myself as I’m too diligent with sunscreen application on my kids, that I forget my own protection!
Here are some 8 Great Sunburn Relief Methods that are proven to relieve the sting and redness left behind from a fun filled afternoon in the sun.
8 GREAT SUNBURN RELIEF METHODS
ALOE VERA GEL: This classic sunburn relief method is found in the back of almost every medicine cabinet nationwide. It has stood the test of time as a great method of healing sunburn as well as scrapes, cuts and other abrasions. Store in the door of your refrigerator for an added cooling bonus on the heat of a burn.
BAKING SODA IN COOL BATHWATER: For that all over burn, adding a few tablespoons to ½ cup of baking soda to your cool or lukewarm bath water will help soothe the burn in those places that aloe vera gel just won’t stay easily.
DRINK EXTRA WATER: Sunburn not only damages your skin, but can cause dehydration of your entire body. As your body fights to heal the area make sure to keep yourself very hydrated. Boost your water intake for at least 24-48 hours post burn for optimum relief and easier healing.
POTATO PUREE: It may seem odd, but this old wives tale seems to work great. Take a few regular old potatoes, washed and chopped into pieces and blend or puree in your food processor or blender. Scoop that potato “paste” and pat onto burned areas for pain relief.
MOISTURIZE: Not only do you need to keep your body hydrated with water, you need to keep your skin hydrated as well. A good moisturizer or lotion added topically 2-3 times a day will aid in the healing of your burn. Lotions without scents and perfumes are your best choice to help prevent further potential irritation.
NOXEMA SKIN CREAM: Although this product is typically known as a facial cleanser, it was originally created as a sunburn relief treatment. Grab a bottle or jar at the drug store and apply liberally at shower time to help relieve pain and promote healing.
VINEGAR: Mix equal parts basic white vinegar and water and spray on affected areas for a cooling relief and to promote quicker healing.
USE ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES: Pick up some over the counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen and take as directed on the package to help reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by the burn.
You’ve already suffered the pain of a sunburn once and although these 8 great sunburn relief methods will help you move past it and heal, you always want to be proactive and protect yourself better in the future.
Apply liberal amounts of sunscreen and make sure to reapply as needed throughout your time outdoors. Invest in a wide brimmed hat and a light weight long sleeved shirt to wear as well to provide a little extra coverage from the sun.
Enjoy the Summer, safely!
Courtney says
I love these tips. In my opinion, sunburns are one of the worst injuries you can have. It just hurts and hurts, and it seems like it will never end.
Daisy says
I had a little too much sun this weekend, so these are great tips. I need to pick up some aloe vera to help soothe my skin.
Jennifer says
I’ve heard of a few of these, but not all of them. Sunburns are the worst. They’re super painful, and I always seem to get burned the worst on parts of my body that require the most clothes.
Ellen Christian says
I’m very light skinned and really have to try hard not to burn. I use aloe vera when I do.
candice says
ugh, just the thought of sunburn makes me cringe and my skin twitch.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
I try to avoid getting a sunburn at all costs but it’s great to know that there are ways to soothe the pain! thank you for sharing your helpful tips!
Stephanie says
I wish I would have known about some of these a few weeks ago when I was badly sunburnt. Ill have to remember these for next time.
Angela S says
I just finished peeling. I had a bad burn a few weeks ago and got a little relief by using some aloe gel. Hopefully, there won’t be a next time but if there is I think I will try the vinegar method.
AImee Smith says
My husband is the worst at reapplying. He loves to rub ice cubes on his burn, it helps “pull the burn out”.
Kelsey Apley says
We have done the vinegar and it really works wonders!
kristin says
Great tips!! We don’t get burned often but when we do I will remember this. We are so used to the sun now that we are all just brown…takes a lot of sun to burn these days. But we also try to stay protected with sunscreen throughout the day. The California sun is something else!
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) says
Sunburns are the worst. I avoid the sun at all costs. I love the potato tip and grow aloe vera so when people around me get burned I can provide relief. Thank you for sharing.
CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie says
Great tips… I cant be out in the sun because I get 2nd degree burns due to medications, but the vinegar is my friend it works wonders..thanks for sharing
Amy says
I have heard black tea also helps to relieve sunburns! Thankfully, I do not burn so easy!
Pam says
I swear by aloe and drinking water, but some of the other methods intrigue me! Hopefully I won’t get a sunburn, but if I do I will try them out.
Dawn Lopez says
I sooo hate sunburn! LOVE this list of treatment ideas, I’ve used Aloe Vera in the past and that works wonders!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love Noxema. I used to wash my face with it when I was growing up. I have some in the bathroom in case anyone gets a sunburn. I must say—I had no idea about potato puree!
krystal says
Thanks for the tips, i am already making use of them on my shoulders, thats what i get for wearing a tank top for the first time this summer on a hot day!
Amber Edwards says
I use all of those and they seriously help a lot! Who knew that baking soda bath could help? Also use Lavender oil with the aloe vera! It works WONDERS!
Liz Mays says
The only thing I’ve ever tried is aloe vera gel and it cools so magically. Ibuprofen does help a lot too. I’m going to keep the rest of your ideas in the pocket now.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
When we get suburbs I use natural aloe from the aloe plant in my front yard. Or I use a tea tree aloe product that I keep in the fridge and when I apply it it feels so soothing.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
Great tips! I never knew that vinegar helped.
tammileetips says
Great tips! I have gotten several burns this year with traveling sadly even with sunscreen.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am going to bookmark this. I had a wicked sunburn earlier this season.
Shauna says
This is so funny to read because just last week my Little Man came home from camp with a horrible sunburn. We were putting aloe on him every hour… poor guy! Even had to give him a motrin!
Stephanie LaPlante says
Thanks for all the tips. I live by my Aloe Vera.
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
Love it! Awesome tips. Sunburn is the worse.
Teresa Claire says
These are great tips. I use baking soda for so many things but I hadn’t thought of adding it to a bath. Thank you!
DARLENE W says
My mom would pour milk on to a cloth an then lay it on the burnt skin.. It would take the sting out
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of the potato puree method before. That’s interesting!
Christy Martin says
I have never heard of the potatoe puree or the vinegar and both are brilliant! As a last resort when you have forgotten them for a cottage weekend away, or you are just plain out of your traditional “after sun” lotion – who doesn’t have these 2 ingredients in the house? I know that for me, I tend not to burn but was suprised to find out I burn quite well on water! I was not prepared – both of these probably would have stopped my whining, as we were on an island.
Becky says
We use Aloe Vera Gel stored in the fridge. And I saw a thing on Facebook about cold tea bags taking redness out of sunburns. I have yet to try it though.
angela m says
These are some great tips , which most I have never heard of. Thanks
Marina M. says
Great tips. A lot of my friends use cold sour cream for sunburn relieve.
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
first I have heard of a potato paste one.
Racquel says
I recently tried apple cider vinegar and it worked amazing! I just dampened a wash cloth and wiped down the burn.
jane kramer says
these are all great tips thanks so much I will have to bookmark this page so I don’t forget them
kathy downey says
Great tips,thanks for sharing
Jason says
Awesome post Tammi ☺ I know about aloe but these other tips are new!
Jacqueline Sampson says
Learned something new today; never knew about the potato trick. Thanks for the tips!!
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
These are great tips, I haven’t got burned this summer yet but, when I head further south later on, I most likely will. Thanks for these, I’m bookmarking!
Onica {MommyFactor} says
I’ve been sun burned before and it’s really painful. Next time it happens I’m going to try the Potato Puree suggestion.
Julie F says
Great tips, I had never heard of the potato puree one!
Mishelle says
I always forget that my meds make me more susceptible to burns and usually get one every summer, it’s always great to have a quick list to choose from just in case!
M
Stefani Tolson says
I love your ideas. I grew up using aloe vera. I also use lavendar oil too!
Soozle says
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Some of them I knew – like aloe, but I had no idea you could use potatoes to help sooth a burn! Ill have to keep it in mind for the summer months 🙂
Wanda Tracey says
Thank you for the great tips like the equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to cool it down.It was awesome of you to post this.
Leanne T says
My husband burnt the tops of his feet last week at the beach. We didn’t know what to do to help him. So thanks for these 🙂