Sunburns can ruin a vacation and lay a person out of work for days. Not only can a bad sunburn damage the skin, it’s just plain miserable!
I don’t burn too often these days because my skin is pretty used to the sun, but sometimes we find ourselves out in the sun for an extended period of time and realize we have a bad burn on our hands!
Here are a few easy home remedies for sunburns that will bring relief and keep the skin from blistering. The key is to apply them often (hourly – depending on how bad the burn is) for the first few days and throughout the day every day after that until the skin is no longer red. If I’m going to be away from the house while dealing with a sunburn, I make sure to carry one of these remedies with me.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar contains vital trace elements and minerals, plus beneficial enzymes. It is believed to help balance the skin’s ph levels, making it an effective remedy for sunburns. Only the raw vinegar with the “mother” contains these healing properties, so I personally don’t use the processed kind at the stores. I buy this kind of ACV!
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
There are a couple of different ways you can use apple cider vinegar for sunburns. 1. Add 2 cups of ACV into a bath and soak at least 20 minutes. Repeat if pain returns. 2.Place vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the sunburned areas as often as needed. Use a washcloth or cotton balls to apply to face.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is a cooling essential oil. It also contains menthol, which provides a natural numbness for painful, burned skin. Buy peppermint oil here or here.
- Mix 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil into 1/4 a cup of olive or coconut oil.
- Apply as often to the sunburn as needed. This is very cooling and soothing.
3. Aloe Vera
We’re all familiar with the wonderful aloe vera plant. If you have a plant, scrape the insides of the leaves and apply, or keep a bottle of aloe vera gel on hand to use as often as needed.
It’s best, of course, to not be exposed to the sun long enough to burn, but if you know you’ll be in the direct sun for a long time, considering purchasing a natural sunscreen. Find my favorite sunscreen here.
What are your favorite remedies for sunburns?
This is linked to: Feminine Adventures The Better Mom A Mama’s Story Raising Arrows
*This post has been updated from its original publishing on July 12, 2012.
I didn’t know you could use peppermint oil for sunburns! That’s great. It will smell so nice, too. I really enjoy your blog!
Awesome ideas. We’re getting ready to spend a day on the lake. Hopefully we won’t need these ideas…
I have to agree… ACV and aloe both work wonders on itchy burning skin!
Thanks for linking up at Living Green Tuesdays!
Jill…I always learn something new when I visit here and today is no exception. I’m finding that raw, organic apple cider vinegar is so versatile and now I see that it can be used on sunburns. Thank you so much for sharing at WJIM.
homeopathic Cantharis 30 C works wonders for all burns too!
Thanks, Carrie!
Hey Jill, thanks again for useful remedies. I ‘ll go with Aloe Vera cause I have have a lot of them.
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