Top 12 All-Natural Remedies for Sunburn

There it is - that sharp, biting pain on your skin from spending too much time in the sun without the proper protection. You want to get some relief, but maybe you're out of aloe vera gel or other sunburn medication. If you don't want to run to the drugstore in your condition, take heart; there are some remedies that can probably be found in your home right now. Here are the top twelve all-natural remedies to help reduce your sunburn soreness and restore your skin back to its healthy state:

1. Oatmeal. Cook the oatmeal and then let it cool before applying. Or run cool water through a piece of cheesecloth filled with dry oatmeal, then save the liquid and use it for cold compresses. 


2. Cornstarch. Like oatmeal, the carbohydrates in cornstarch decrease the discomfort and pain associated with sunburn. Just mix the cornstarch into a paste and apply it directly to the skin.


3. Baking soda. It's not just for eliminating odors in your refrigerator. You can either mix it into a paste like you would cornstarch or oatmeal and apply it topically as a compress, or just pour two cups into a bathtub full of warm water it soothe the pain of the bather's sunburned skin.


4. Yogurt. It not only cools the burn, but also helps restore the skin's natural pH balance and speeds healing. It's best to use full-fat unsweetened yogurt, and be sure to rinse it off (and pat the area dry) after letting it heat up on the skin.


5. Honey. Believe it or not, the sweet gooey substance contains antioxidant properties that help rejuvenate skin that has been damaged. Just apply a thin layer on the affected area, then dab off gently with a wet wash cloth after 20 or 30 minutes.


6. Tea bags. Tea has tannins that draw out the burn from the skin to aid in healing. You can either apply cool tea as a compress, soak in a bathtub full of tea, or press used cool tea bags to sunburned eyelids.


7. Potato peels. They've been used to heal sunburn for thousands of years because they're moist, carb-laden, and full of antibacterial properties. In fact, potato peels are considered better for minor burns than traditional dressings.


8. Vinegar. Yes, it does sound counterintuitive. But vinegar is adept at restoring the acid in the skin itself as well as taking the edge off the sting of sunburn.


9. Fat-free milk. A mixture of cool skim milk with four parts water and some ice cubes makes a soothing compress for sunburned skin. That's because it helps create a protein film that reduces discomfort.


10. Vegetables. Sliced cucumbers, cut tomatoes, pieces of onion, or leaves of lettuce can do the trick. These vegetables promote healing of sun-damaged skin.


11. Lavender oil. It's an essential oil that's naturally good for your skin. As a bonus, it can often prevent peeling, which will help you salvage a tan after the pain goes away.


12. Witch hazel. This plant is an astringent that has significant anti-inflammatory properties. Like aloe, witch hazel is found in lotions and washes - but you can also simply soak the leaves to obtain liquid for a compress.

Chris Martin is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about the hottest topics on the Web. Speaking of summertime problems, you don't want the Kentucky heat and humidity to invade your home. So you'd better get your Louisville air conditioning unit checked today!

Image credit: skinenergizer.com