Natural Home Remedies to Soothe Sunburned Skin

Pretty in pink just isn’t applicable when you’re talking about your skin, but sometimes the summer sun can be cruel and take a wrong turn on the way to soft sun-kissed glow. Whether you accidentally wander out without a protective layer of SPF or the waves wash away your defense, sunburn can sneak up on even the most prepared beach-goer. Look no further than your kitchen, though, to heal that heinous hurt, according to celebrity aesthetician Joanna Vargas. The sought-after owner of Joanna Vargas Salon & Skincare on Fifth Avenue in New York City, generously shared her tips for taking away the sun’s sting with Refinery 29.

Hydration is key to mending major damage, but Vargas said that tried and true aloe is indeed still the best remedy for sore skin that’s suffering after too much sun. “The skin keeps burning for hours after you come out of the sun, so you need to stop it by putting aloe gel on it,” she explained. In addition to simple aloe, Vargas says that these easy recipes are also great remedies to whip up when the burn gets too unbearable.

Soothing Aloe Mask

3 tbsp aloe vera juice
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
2 drops rose oil

Combine ingredients in a small bowl, then apply with cotton ball to damaged area for 20 minutes. Cools the redness and speeds the healing of the skin.

Cooling Yogurt Remedy

1/2 cup yogurt
2 tbsp honey

Apply for 15 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. Honey hydrates while the yogurt takes the inflammation away.

Avocado Healer

3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted

Apply for 15 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. Avocado is an anti-inflammatory that hydrates and provides essential vitamins, while the olive oil softens sun damaged skin immediately.

Cucumber Chamomile Compress