Home remedies for mild cases of sunburn include bathing in cool water and colloidal oatmeal baths, applying moisturizer containing aloe vera, and more.

If your sunburn is severe, or if you’re dehydrated or feverish after a sunburn, it’s best to contact a doctor. However, for mild cases of sunburn, home remedies can help alleviate pain and soothe discomfort while it heals.

Keep reading to learn about home remedies that can help heal and soothe your skin, in no particular order.

1. Cool water

Sunburn is inflammation of the skin. One way to treat inflammation is to cool down the affected area.

An effective way to immediately help sunburn, even while you’re still outside, is to briefly enter cool water, whether it’s an ocean, lake, or stream.

It’s important to enter the water only for a few seconds before covering up your skin and going indoors or getting out of the sun to avoid further sunburn.

If possible, going indoors to a cool bath can also help.

Be wary of pools, as chlorinated water can irritate the skin more. You should also avoid directly applying ice, as it could actually cause even more damage to your extra-sensitive sunburned skin.

2. Colloidal oatmeal and baking soda baths

Taking a cool colloidal oatmeal bath may help soothe sunburn. Adding a cup of the oats to the bath helps reduce irritation and encourages the skin to retain its natural moisture.

Some people also use baking soda to help soothe pain caused by sunburn. For example, you can add 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of baking soda to the cool water and spend about 10 minutes in the bath.

Don’t scrub or rub the skin, either in the bath or after getting out. Dab skin dry with a towel.

3. Aloe vera

Applying a moisturizer containing aloe vera may help soothe mild cases of sunburn.

A 2024 research review found that topical aloe vera encouraged wound healing more quickly than other antimicrobial agents in people with second-degree sunburn.

However, it’s important to note that you should seek medical advice for more serious sunburns. Antibiotic ointments or other medical treatments may be necessary for second-degree burns.

Learn more about aloe vera for sunburn.

4. Chamomile tea

Some research suggests that the topical application of chamomile may help manage inflammatory skin conditions.

While research into the benefits of chamomile tea for soothing sunburn is older and limited, some people recommend using it to soothe mild sunburn covering a small area.

To use chamomile tea to soothe sunburn, brew the tea as you normally would and let it cool. When it’s ready, soak a washcloth in it and apply it to the affected area.

An allergic reaction to chamomile is possible. You should avoid this treatment if you’re allergic to other plants, such as:

• daisies
• chrysanthemums
• marigolds
• ragweed

Learn more about the potential skin benefits of chamomile.

5. Breathable clothing

As your skin is repairing itself, make sure to wear soft, breathable clothing that doesn’t stick to your skin.

It’s still important to make sure you cover up your skin when outdoors to avoid further skin damage. Natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo, may be better for post-sunburn coverings.

6. Hydration

As your skin is healing the damage from the sun’s rays, it needs moisture that it lost during your time out in the sun.

Sunburn can also draw water from the rest of the body to the skin’s surface, increasing the likelihood of dehydration. This means it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help encourage healing.

Learn about ways to drink more water.

7. Moisturizer

One step to prevent or minimize skin peeling due to sunburn is to regularly apply moisturizer to the affected areas.

Moisturizers containing aloe vera or soy may be particularly beneficial. Use scent- and dye-free moisturizer to keep skin irritation to a minimum.

The bottom line

Various home remedies can help you manage mild sunburn. These include bathing in cool water, soaking in a colloidal oatmeal bath, applying moisturizer containing aloe vera, wearing breathable clothing, and drinking enough water.

If sunburn is more serious, or if it accompanies symptoms such as dehydration or fever, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your doctor may recommend medical treatments, and they can advise on any home remedies they recommend to help soothe pain and other symptoms.