10 Genius Hacks That Will Soothe Your Sunburn Fast

Itchy, burning, tender and embarrassingly red, icky sunburns have the sneakiest ways of creeping up on us. No matter how many precautions we take (wearing SPF 60 and shielding our heads with hats to name a few), sometimes we can still end up looking like a red lobster after spending time in the strong summer sun. While you can’t go back in time, there are ways to help relieve the uncomfortable sting of a sunburn. Next time you’re baked-to-a-crisp, use these genius sunburn hacks to speed up the healing process.

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Soothe Sunburn with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal your burn. Cosmpolitan suggests filling a spray bottle with half water, half vinegar and spritz it on your burn for some instant relief.

Make Aloe Vera Ice Cubes to Sooth Sunburn

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Make Aloe Vera Ice Cubes

This age-old sunburn soother gets double the burn-fighting power when it's frozen into ice cubes. The moisture from the aloe vera soothes while the coldness of the ice cube provides temporary relief. To make them, Real Simple suggests squeezing aloe vera into an ice cube tray and freezing overnight so you’re armed and ready the next time you get a little too much sun.

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Sprinkle Corn Starch in Your Sheets

Your bed's soft sheets can feel more like rough polyester when you have a sunburn. Sprinkle cornstarch on them before you snuggle up to help minimize the uncomfortable friction.

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Soothe Skin with Cold Plan Yogurt

The probiotics in yogurt will help restore your skin’s natural barrier. Slather cold, plain yogurt on your sunburn to reap the benefits.

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Dab Iced Black Tea on Your Sunburns

Black tea is known to help relieve the painful stinging associated with sunburns. Brew a pot of strong black tea and let it cool (you can add ice cubes to speed up the process). Once it’s room temperature, dip a wash cloth in the brewed tea and dab it onto your sunburn.

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Take an Oatmeal Bath

We’ve known about oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory and anti-itch qualities since we used it to soothe chickenpox and it works for sunburns, too. Grind some oats in a blender and sprinkle it into a warm bath before you get in for some sunburn relief.

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Use a Milk-Based Moisturizer

It’s important that you keep your skin hydrated when you have a sunburn to prevent it from peeling. Milk contains proteins that can help soothe sunburns, so opt for a milk-based lotion to retain its benefits. Apply liberally and often.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream, $78.

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Cool Down with Baby Wipes

Gentle baby wipes can help soothe and cool down your sunburn. Lay a cloth on top of your burn and let it work its magic.

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Wear Loose Clothing

Then only thing worse than having a sunburn? Tight clothes rubbing up against it. Avoid jeans and wear loose-fitting clothes to prevent the pain.

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Make Sure to Hydrate

Your body can become very dehydrated when you have a sunburn. Up your fluid intake by drinking a lot of water and take ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) to reduce swelling and redness.