10 Natural Sunburn Remedies

Everyone knows that applying lots of sunscreen and staying in the shade (and out of the sun's UV rays) are the best way to avoid a sunburn. And scientists have recently discovered a protein in the body that triggers pain from sunburn, as well as an antibody that seems to reduce the sensitivity to that pain in mice.

But while we're waiting on that cure for sunburn pain, what is there to do once the burn has already set in?

Taking a pain-reliever, like ibuprofen and aspirin, is a sure-fire way to relieve sunburn pain, dermatologists say. But there are also a bounty of natural options that can help.

We asked dermatologists and wellness experts to review 10 home remedies that supposedly work to prevent or relieve sunburn pain. Here's what they said:

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Aloe Vera

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If you look in any pharmacy or drug store aisle, you're sure to find shelves of aloe vera gel to soothe sunburn pain. That's because the plant has a long history of providing sunburn relief because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Gel fresh from the plant is better than over-the-counter products -- which could list aloe on the label but may not actually provide any relief, said Huffington Post wellness editor Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald. Though it feels soothing, most scientific evidence doesn't show that aloe vera actually speeds up healing of sunburns, said Dr. Jonette Keri, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "But it feels good, and it makes [the skin] feel cold," Keri told The Huffington Post. So if relief is your goal, it's still worth it to slather up.

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If you look in any pharmacy or drug store aisle, you're sure to find shelves of aloe vera gel to soothe sunburn pain. That's because the plant has a long history of providing sunburn relief because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Gel fresh from the plant is better than over-the-counter products -- which could list aloe on the label but may not actually provide any relief, said Huffington Post wellness editor Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald.

Though it feels soothing, most scientific evidence doesn't show that aloe vera actually speeds up healing of sunburns, said Dr. Jonette Keri, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

"But it feels good, and it makes [the skin] feel cold," Keri told The Huffington Post. So if relief is your goal, it's still worth it to slather up.

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Comments

[Trudy Meertens]

09:12 PM on 08/11/2011

Bulgarian or Greek yoghurt also takes away the pain of sunburn, leave it on for about 20 minutes, then spoon it off. Trudy

[Big0725]

06:45 PM on 07/20/2011

Always found aloe was the best, and living in South Florida, it grew like weeds.

[Slagfish]

12:14 AM on 07/20/2011

WD 40 is excellent for burn relief. It works almost immediately and prevents pealing. Great stuff.

[Brian Novotny]

04:22 AM on 07/19/2011

Those work good, but there are some more options too that you may want to consider!

http://greenplanetethics.com/wordpress/natural-ways-to-stop-a-sunburn-from-peeling-and-itching/

[Gronkie]

02:33 PM on 07/18/2011

Take 2 or 3 aspirin right away with a big glass of water, then take a cool shower. After that, all you can do it wait it out, taking another couple of aspirin every four hours. And wear something soft, like a well worn cotton T-shirt.

[EmilyU]

02:12 PM on 07/18/2011

DOs

1) This is the most important: Sunburns, any other 1st degree burns, and 2nd degree burns with unburst blisters should immediately be cooled off in cool to cold water. If you can stand ice, that can be OK for small areas, but be careful with it. Cool the area for 15 minutes, then let it stand for 5. If the redness, heat, or pain comes back quickly, cool the area again. Continue this as needed.

2) Begin taking aspirin.

3) As you are cooling the area or right after it is cooled, you can use a slightly acidic liquid like cold tea, vinegar, or milk. Even sodas are slightly acidic and can be used.

DO NOTs

1) DO NOT cover the burn in any oils, salves, grease, butter, or ointments for 24 hours. That means no honey, no aloe. These can actually make the burn worse.

2) DO NOT apply hot or warm water. Hot water will make the burn worse. I do not know who started the myth that hot water helps, but it is very wrong and can be dangerous.

3) DO NOT use products which produce a "cooling effect" via ingredients like menthol.

4) DO NOT drink alcohol for the first 24 hours.

[Nosybear]

02:01 PM on 07/18/2011

So.... How exactly is shaving cream classified as "natural" except in the vague sense that anything made of petroleum is 100% natural?

[EmilyU]

02:15 PM on 07/18/2011

Read the caption.

[Conor Dupre Neary]

01:34 PM on 07/18/2011

Yup, Vinegar seems to work for me. Smelling like a salad is a small price to pay for relief.

[Kevin Robles]

01:01 PM on 07/18/2011

Any remedies for Seborhheic Dermatitis ? Would be wonderful instead of having to take cortecosteroids..

[bastalready]

12:58 PM on 07/18/2011

As I recall,although not a natural remedy,Noxema had a cooling effect as well.

[Pattyblue]

12:36 PM on 07/18/2011

Mustard is also very good for healing sunburns!

[liberalviper]

12:20 PM on 07/18/2011

My natural sunburn remedy: Stay out of the sun! And when I do go out, I lather myself up with lotion and keep as much skin covered as possible.

[dbishop76]

11:45 AM on 07/18/2011

Um, I hate to point out the obvious here, but shaving creme is not a "natural" substance.

[Jason Sicchio]

11:42 AM on 07/18/2011

they missed the best one. Green tea. Make a strong cup, throw it in the freezer for a while and get a nice soft washcloth and start dabbing. The antioxidants help with the damage and the cold compress feels great and makes the skin soft

[Erewhon7]

11:21 AM on 07/18/2011

Egg whites used in my part of the world.