Natural Remedies for Sunburn: Gentle Ways to Soothe and Heal

Astrid van Essen
Jun 5
4 min read

Summer is almost here, and I’ll be honest—I'm usually good with sun protection, but now and then, one walk turns into a wander, and before you know it, your shoulders are glowing like a lobster. If you've ever been caught out like that, you'll know how uncomfortable sunburn can be—tight skin, redness, stinging, and that weird feeling of heat radiating from your body.

A calming flat lay of natural sunburn remedies on a linen cloth background. Include a small bowl of aloe vera gel, sliced cucumber, chamomile tea in a glass jar, dried oats in a wooden spoon, and a sprig of lavender. — Natural Remedies for Sunburn: Gentle Ways to Soothe and Heal

Thankfully, nature has a few gentle tricks up its sleeve. Here are my go-to natural remedies for sunburn—ones I’ve used myself, and that work exceptionally well when you want to avoid harsh chemicals.

1. Aloe Vera

Best for: Cooling and hydration. This is the classic for a reason. Aloe vera is naturally anti-inflammatory, packed with moisture, and instantly calming.

How to use: Cut a fresh aloe leaf if you have one (remove the green skin and use the inner gel), or use pure aloe vera gel from a bottle. Store it in the fridge and apply as often as needed. Bliss.

2. Chamomile Tea Compress

Best for: Sensitive or irritated skin. Chamomile is one of those herbs that’s as calming on the outside as in your teacup.

How to use: Brew a strong chamomile tea, let it cool completely, and soak a soft cloth. Gently press it onto sunburned areas. You can even use chilled tea bags directly on puffy or red eyelids.

3. Cucumber

Best for: Quick relief and reducing swelling. Cucumber is calm, calming, and naturally soothing, so it can help take the sting out.

How to use: Either slice it and lay the pieces on your skin, or blend it into a smooth paste and apply like a mask. Rinse off after 10–15 minutes.

4. Oatmeal Bath

Best for: Itchy, inflamed skin. Oats are brilliant for calming irritation and restoring your skin’s barrier.

How to use: Grind a handful of plain oats into a fine powder and stir into a lukewarm bath. Soak for 15–20 minutes. Pat your skin dry—no rubbing!

5. Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted)

Best for: Restoring pH balance. Vinegar, which might sound odd, can be helpful for sunburn when appropriately used.

How to use: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water. Dab onto skin with a cotton pad or use a spray bottle. Avoid open or blistered skin—it’ll sting!

6. Plain Yoghurt

Best for: Cooling and replenishing skin. A bit messy, yes—but yoghurt is great for sunburn thanks to its probiotics and soothing texture.

How to use: Apply a layer of unsweetened yoghurt to the affected area, leave on for 10–15 minutes, and rinse with cool water.

7. Coconut Oil (Only after the initial heat has settled)

Best for: Moisturising and reducing peeling. Once your skin has cooled down (think 24–48 hours after exposure), coconut oil helps soften and moisturise.

How to use: Gently massage a small amount into dry or peeling skin. Avoid using it too soon, as it can trap heat.

8. Green Tea Compress

Best for: Reducing inflammation. Like chamomile, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease discomfort.

How to use: Brew, chill, and apply with a clean cloth or spray. It’s particularly lovely for the face and chest.

9. Lavender or Peppermint Essential Oil

Best for: Calming and cooling (but always diluted)Lavender soothes and supports healing, while peppermint gives a cooling sensation.

How to use: Add a few drops to a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba and apply gently to sunburned skin. Never apply essential oils neat.

Natural Remedies for Sunburn: A Few Extra Tips

Hydrate: Your skin needs all the water it can get—drink up.
Dress gently: Loose, soft fabrics are your friend while you heal.
Stay shaded: Protect the area from further sun exposure while it recovers.
Don’t pick or peel: Let your skin flake naturally—it’s trying to heal.

Sunburn happens to the best of us. But with a bit of kitchen cupboard magic and some gentle care, your skin will be on the mend in no time.

Certainly! Here are 5 FAQs to include at the end of your “Natural Remedies for Sunburn” blog post:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use coconut oil straight after getting sunburned? It’s best to wait. Coconut oil can trap heat in the skin and worsen inflammation if applied too soon. Only use it once the redness and heat have settled—usually after 24–48 hours.

2. Is it safe to use lemon juice on sunburn? No—lemon juice can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and may cause irritation or even chemical burns on damaged skin. Avoid anything acidic until your skin has fully healed.

3. How often should I apply aloe vera to sunburned skin? You can use aloe vera gel several times a day. Please keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect and reapply whenever your skin feels dry or tight.

4. Can I use yoghurt on broken or blistered skin? No—if your sunburn has blisters or open skin, skip the yoghurt (and all topical treatments that aren’t sterile). Stick to cool compresses and consult a doctor if needed.

5. What’s the best way to avoid peeling after sunburn? Keep your skin hydrated with gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers or natural oils like rosehip (after healing begins). Avoid hot water and resist the urge to pick or scrub peeling skin.