Take a cool shower or bath. Use a cold compress such as ice or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Rub the skin with an ice cube. Take breaks between applications to avoid damaging your skin.
If you’re having a hard time getting the cucumber slices to stick, try moistening your skin with a little oil or lotion. It acts like a glue.
If you have an aloe plant, you can slit the leaves down the middle and squeeze them onto your sunburn to get a 100% natural soothing effect. [2] X Research source
Note that topical steroids are not the same kind of drugs infamous for being abused by athletes. These are anabolic steroids. Over-the-counter steroids are perfectly safe for use (except in some cases for very young children). [3] X Research source
Most sources recommend a black tea such as Earl Grey for this. [4] X Research source
Try running a cool bath and mixing in two to three cups of plain (unsweetened) rolled oats. Soak in the bath for 20 minutes before rinsing off or proceeding to one of the other treatments. You can add 3/4 cup of baking soda to the bath as well for extra moisturizing power.
The smell can be unpleasant during the hour-long waiting period, but your sunburn should be less likely to peel. Most types of vinegar should work, but according to some sources, apple cider vinegar works best. [7] X Research source Avoid balsamic vinegar. The added sugar and coloring might irritate the skin.
Try to use a product without added fragrances or scents. The chemicals in these can sometimes irritate inflamed skin. Don’t exfoliate your skin after getting sunburned—it would make things much worse. Instead, treat your skin like a newborn’s skin, and give it a lot of hydration and good nutrients.
Water also can help with headaches, which are sometimes caused by sunburns. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Don’t use low- or non-fat milk for this. Without the fat, the milk loses much of its moisturizing properties. Whole-fat plain Greek yogurt also has the same effect when used as a lotion. Don’t use sugary sweetened yogurts, which can get sticky and might irritate the skin.
You can also use a food processor to make your paste. If you do, cut your potato into small pieces first. Trying to grind up a whole potato at once can be too much for some processors.
Coconut oil is available in solid blocks from many health food stores and specialty grocers. It will liquefy from the heat of your hands.
