Anytime you wander outside without sunscreen you risk facing the wrath of the scorching sun and sunburn. I have avoided prolonged sun exposure for years because of a family history of melanoma and earlier sunburn that left me in tears. When I do go outside I normally slather myself in so much sunscreen my skin never changes color. This year, however, I'm trying my hand at safely spending time in the sun with the intent of tanning.
So far it's going well but I realize the more I go outside with little to no sun protection the higher my risk for sunburn. Since I know what it feels like to have the sunburned and blistered skin, I do my best to avoid that. I'm not saying it's not going to happen because chances are high that it will, but I have done my research on how to treat sunburn if it does happen.
How to Treat Sunburn at Home
The first thing I go for when it comes to treating anything is home remedies. I hate having to make a special trip to the store to buy a product that may or may not work. It's cheaper and easier to use the stuff I already have and if it doesn't work I'm not really out anything. Here are 4 of the best DIY sunburn treatments either my friends or I have tried that work.
- Add 2 - 3 cups of baking soda to lukewarm bath water and soak for 15 minutes or longer. Get added relief by adding a few drops of chamomile oil in the water.
- Mix 1 cup of plain yogurt with ½ cup of baking soda and apply to affected areas.
- For small sunburned areas, like the nose and eyelids, soak tea bags in cool water and place on affected areas.
- Process 1 ½ cups of uncooked oatmeal in a food processor until it's fine. Mix with ½ cup of cold milk and 2 tablespoons of honey then spread on affected areas. Let it sit for 20 minutes or more, then rinse off with a soft cloth and water.
If you'd prefer to buy a product that treats sunburn here are some of the best I've found. These affiliate links go to Amazon.com.
- Aloe vera lotion or gel
- Yes To Cucumber cooling hydrating mist
- Burt's Bees Aloe and Linden Flower After Sun Soother
When you have sunburn make sure to drink plenty of fluids and wear loose, breathable clothes. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and keep your skin hydrated to prevent excessive drying. Visiting or speaking to a qualified doctor is always best if you need further advice.
Marielle Altenor
Will need to keep these tips in mind. I don't personally get any sunburn, but my SO does. A lot! I'm going to try the plain yogurt treatment next time he gets a sunburn!
Taty Pradilla
I have never heard of using Oatmeal to soothe a sunburn. I will have to try it out the next time I get burnt (which is a lot).
Shaney Vijendranath (youbabyandi)
Baking soda? Plain yoghurt? I really didn't know about this! My daughter normally gets hectic sunburn because she is like always outside, will have to try this!
Chubskulit Rose
Wow , I never knew that you could use this practical products that you have at home. I will defini[tely try this for my husband as he gets easily sun burnt.
rika
Great tips... I can't wait to share these tips with my husband! I always bring my sunscreen to prevent sunburn
Lynndee
I didn't know these things about treating sunburn. Thank you for the tips. So good to know all of these.
April mims
These are all great ideas to treat sunburn. I try to minimize my time outdoors without sunscreen but do try to get some sun for the vitamin d.
Christy Garrett
I am thankful that I haven't had a sunburn in a while. My boys got burned towards the beginning of the summer.
HilLesha O'Nan
I'm lucky that I haven't been sunburned yet, but I'm probably speaking too soon! I burn so easily in the summer, so I'll have to keep this remedy in mind.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
I have used all three as well! I grow my own aloe vera plant so I use my own! 🙂
ricci
I keep an aloe plant around the house just for sunburns!! I also rub a little lavender essential oil on, that helps as well!!
Ann Bacciaglia
I have never tried these sunburn remedy's. I have tried soaking in a bath with vinegar and it helped. I will have to bookmark this page for future reference.
Kathy
I'm going to give this a try next time. I usually just use aloe for when I get sunburns. I wonder if your idea will work better.
The Cubicle Chick
I pray I have to never deal with this. I've heard many horror stories and try to wear sunscreen and keep coconut oil on hand when in the sun. Thanks for sharing these. - Yolonda
Dogvills
These are great tips to treat sunburn at home. I haven't tried yogurt, but baking soda and green tea really work.
MAGGIE BRANCH
I can say from experience that the baking soda tip works really really well! These are all great tips. I am sending this to my mom who is the sun burn queen!
Jeanette
I had done aloe vera, I never actually even knew about some of the home remedies. Very much interested in trying that baking soda bath one.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
Thanks so much for sharing these tips. My family lives in Georgia, and none of us tan. We just go from white to beet red.