3 DIY Remedies to Take the Sizzle Out of Your Sunburn

It’s probably safe to assume that there’s no one left on the planet who hasn’t heard about the dangers of sun exposure.

The statistics are scary. Wear your sunscreen every day, people!

That said, sunburns happen. That sting from your overheated skin tightening can be maddening, so don’t let yourself suffer unnecessarily. Instead, try these three home remedies that you can whip up in no time.

Mint and Chamomile Tea Compress

1 quart of boiling water
5 chamomile tea bags
3 cups of fresh mint leaves
1 clean, soft cloth

Bring 1 quart of water to boil while you take the strings and tags off the tea bags. Once the water has boiled, add them, as well as the mint leaves, to the pot. Cover with a lid and let it sit for about an hour so you get all the good stuff drawn out of the concoction.

Strain the mixture and then chill it thoroughly. Use a clean washcloth soaked in the liquid and apply it directly to the burn. You can also pour it over the burn if you want.

Yogurt and Honey Treatment

Combine 1/2 a cup or so of plain, live-cultured yogurt with 1/4 cup of honey. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so it will feel nice and cool on your sunburn. Let it sit on your skin for at least 5 minutes, and when the pain feels less intense, rinse it off with cool water. This should relieve the stinging immediately.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Coconut Oil

First take a washcloth and wet it with cold water, then splash apple cider vinegar directly onto the cloth. Dab the wet cloth onto your sunburn, soaking the entire area. Should instantly relieve any pain. Then liberally, and gently, rub coconut oil on the sunburned area. It should be significantly healed by the next day. If still a little pink in the morning, do another round.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont