11 Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief (Natural Treatments)

These home remedies for sunburn can help cool sunburned skin, reduce pain, and support recovery after too much sun exposure. We have safe options for sunburn on your face, tips for a soothing cool bath, and some of the best natural remedies to help your skin heal.

While sunlight provides many health benefits, too much sun can leave skin red, tender, and uncomfortable. Fortunately, most mild sunburns respond well to home remedies and a little extra care.

How Long Does It Take for Sunburn to Heal?

That depends on the severity of the burn.

• Mild sunburn: 3-5 days
• Moderate sunburn: 1 week or more
• Severe sunburn with blisters: 2 weeks or longer

Remember, sunburns are burns, so always be gentle with sunburned skin.

Common Symptoms of Sunburn

Symptoms of sunburn include:

• Red or pink skin
• Warm or hot skin
• Pain or tenderness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Dry or tight skin
• Blisters in more severe cases
• Peeling as the skin heals

Most mild sunburns improve within several days, while more severe burns may take longer for the skin to heal completely.

#1 – Quick Sunburn Relief by Cooling the Burn

Sunburned skin gets hot, so one of the quickest ways to reduce pain is to cool the affected area. Use a cool, damp cloth compress or cold pack on smaller areas, such as sunburn on your face. For larger areas, try:

• A cool shower
• A dip in a pool or lake
• A cool bath

Avoid ice or extremely cold water, which can further irritate damaged skin.

Watch that shower spray. Sunburned skin can be very tender, so if you have a bad burn, a gentle soak may be more comfortable than standing under running water. Pat dry rather than rubbing.

Adding skin soothers such as oatmeal, chamomile, tea bags (5-8 per bath), or brewed tea can make the bath even more soothing.

Skip harsh soaps, which may dry the skin. If needed, use a gentle moisturizing soap, such as goat milk soap.

#2 – Vinegar for Sunburn

Apple cider vinegar is one home remedy that comes up time and again, and sunburn treatment is no exception. (You can use homemade apple scrap vinegar if you have it on hand.)

To use apple cider vinegar for sunburn, apply it straight or dilute it in lukewarm water. Straight vinegar may sting slightly because of its acetic acid content.

Apply vinegar gently with a cotton ball or lay a soft washcloth soaked in vinegar over the affected area. Repeat several times a day as needed. For larger areas, add one cup of vinegar to cool bath water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

A vinegar compress is also a good option for a sunburned scalp because it rinses out easily without requiring vigorous washing.

#3 – Sunburn Relief with Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a trusted skin soother and moisturizer. Long valued as a traditional remedy for burns and skin irritation, aloe contains natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help support healing.

If you have an aloe vera plant, simply cut a leaf open and apply the fresh gel directly to the burn.

If you purchase aloe vera gel, check the ingredient list carefully. Some commercial products contain artificial colors, fragrances, or unnecessary additives.

The only down side of using aloe is that it forms a stiff, somewhat tacky coating on your skin. I prefer to use it for small areas that don’t need to flex, like your face or the tip of your nose.

#4 – Oat Based Sunburn Remedies

Oatmeal is one of the classic home remedies for irritated skin. Oats contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help calm itching and irritation while providing temporary relief from discomfort.

To make an oatmeal bath:

• Place two handfuls of plain oats in an old sock or cloth bag
• Wet thoroughly
• Squeeze the milky liquid into bath water
• Soak for 15 to 20 minutes

You can continue squeezing the oat bag while soaking to release more soothing compounds into the water. Colloidal oatmeal products are also available if you prefer a ready-made option.

#5 – Honey

Honey has been used for centuries to support wound care and promote healing.

Honey:

• Helps maintain moisture in damaged tissue
• Contains natural antimicrobial compounds
• May help reduce inflammation and swelling
• Supports the skin’s natural repair process

We saw these benefits firsthand when my husband burned his hand on a tiller. When we applied honey, the pain and swelling decreased. He applied honey the first two days, after which the skin was mostly back to normal.

Interestingly, when he changed the bandages to redress the wound, he found the honey dry, not tacky, under the bandage. (He was afraid it was going to stick, but it didn’t.)  Apparently, the moisture in the honey had been absorbed into the skin. (The bandage was also dry.)

To treat sunburn, apply a thin layer of honey directly to smaller areas. Or spread honey on a bandage before applying it to the skin.

Honey can be especially helpful if sunburn blisters develop. It will draw the fluid out without opening the blisters.

#6 – Coconut Oil for Sunburn

Once the initial heat and inflammation have subsided, coconut oil can help moisturize dry, peeling skin. Coconut oil absorbs readily into the skin. It may help reduce the feeling of tightness that often accompanies healing sunburn. I typically wait until the skin has cooled before applying oils or heavier moisturizers.

The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil can be absorbed topically and used by our body for healing. Coconut oil contains high amounts of both lauric acid and capric acid, which are are antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial.

If you’re prone to acne, virgin coconut oil is generally less likely to clog pores than some refined products. For facial use, some people prefer lighter oils such as argan oil.

#7 – Milk Based Sunburn Remedies

Moo juice is the sunburn treatment of choice for some sun sufferers. Maybe it’s a Midwestern thing?

I remember my mom bathing my shoulders with milk after a little too much sun at a nearby lake. We lived on a dairy farm, so that may have something to do with the choice of treatment. It did help to soothe the burn, although I did smell a little like sour milk.

To use milk for sunburn relief:

• Apply gently with a cotton ball or soft cloth
• Allow it to remain on the skin for several minutes
• Rinse with cool water if desired

Yogurt, kefir, and sour cream may also provide a cooling effect and stay in place better than plain milk.

#8 – Baking Soda

Some people find relief by applying a baking soda paste made with water. You can also add several tablespoons of baking soda to a tepid bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

This wouldn’t be my first choice because it may be somewhat drying, but if it’s what you have available, it’s worth trying.

#9 – Essential Oils for Sunburn

If you choose to use essential oils, always dilute them before applying to sunburned skin.

A safe dilution is:

• 4 ounces carrier oil
• 10 drops essential oil

Some people experience irritation when using essential oils on a fresh burn. It may be best to start with another sunburn treatment first.

Recommended essential oils for sunburn include:

• Lavender
• Roman chamomile
• Melaleuca

Good carrier oils include:

• Jojoba
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Sweet almond oil

Apply several times a day as needed if the skin tolerates the mixture well.

#10 – Plantain Infused Oil

Common plantain (Plantago major) and narrowleaf plantain have a long history of use for irritated skin. I keep plantain-infused oil on hand for bug bites, bee stings, minor skin irritations, and sunburn.

You can also use fresh leaves directly, or turn the infused oil into a soothing salve.

#11 – Hydrate

Sunburn doesn’t just affect the skin. It can also contribute to dehydration. Drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages while recovering. Fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content can also help.

Good choices include:

• Watermelon
• Cucumbers
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Celery
• Lettuce
• Citrus fruits
• Zucchini

Try to limit alcohol if possible, since it can contribute to dehydration. See “Best Ways to Stay Hydrated Naturally” for more hydration tips.

+1 – Sun Soothe After-Sun Lotion from Earthley

Sun Soothe After-Sun Lotion contains grapeseed oil, cucumber seed oil, mango butter, comfrey, calendula. lavender, and plantain. It’s made to calm and moisturize sunburned skin.

Sabrina says, “I mowed my grass in UV Index 8 Sun today without any protection and burned. I used Sun Soothe after a cool shower and 3 hours later, my burn is gone! I am a believer.”

Treatment of Sunburn Blisters

With more severe burns, blisters may develop. Try to leave blistered skin intact whenever possible. The blister protects the damaged skin underneath and reduces the risk of infection.

If a blister breaks:

• Keep the area clean
• Avoid picking at loose skin
• Watch for signs of infection

Honey dressings may help reduce swelling while protecting the damaged tissue.

Over-the-Counter Sunburn Relief Options

I prefer natural home remedies for sunburn, but over-the-counter products can also help treat sunburn.

Options may include:

• A pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Pain medication recommended by your healthcare provider
• Hydrocortisone cream for itching
• Fragrance-free moisturizers

Avoid using antibiotic ointments unless directed by a healthcare professional. They are generally unnecessary for uncomplicated sunburn and may irritate sensitive skin.

When to See a Doctor for Sunburn

Seek medical attention if:

• The sunburn is severe and covers a large area
• Extensive blistering develops
• You have a high fever
• Severe pain develops
• You experience dehydration, confusion, nausea, or chills
• Signs of infection appear
• Symptoms do not improve with home care

Preventing Future Sunburns

The best way to avoid sunburn is to balance healthy sun exposure with common-sense precautions.

To protect your skin:

• Build sun tolerance gradually in spring and early summer
• Seek shade when needed
• Use sun protection as needed, including protective clothing and hats
• Stay hydrated during hot weather
• Be mindful of reflective surfaces such as water, sand, and snow

Sunlight provides benefits that go far beyond vitamin D, including support for circadian rhythm, mood, and metabolic health. The goal isn’t to avoid the sun entirely, but to build sun tolerance gradually and avoid burning. Too many sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, so be careful out there.

You may also find useful:

• Natural Allergy Relief
• 20 Home Remedies for Bug Bites and Stings
• 12 Home Remedies for Sore Muscles
• Heat Stroke – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
• 12 Best Tips for Keeping Your House Cool without AC

This article is written by Laurie Neverman. Laurie is a lifelong learner with a passion for natural remedies and holistic healing. She’s successfully improved her eyesight and cleared her psoriasis.

Originally posted in 2013, updated in 2026.