We all know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. However, sometimes we forget to apply sunscreen or stay too long in the sun, and we end up with painful sunburns.

Sunburn can cause redness, itching, and pain, and can even cause long-term damage to your skin. While there are many over-the-counter products that can help soothe sunburn, natural remedies can be just as effective without all the chemicals. Here are some of the best natural remedies for sunburn:.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies for sunburn. This plant has cooling and healing properties that can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the affected area of sunburned skin.

If you have an aloe vera plant, you can simply cut off a leaf and split it open to expose the gel inside. Apply the gel to the sunburned area and let it dry. Repeat as needed.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another great natural remedy for sunburn. This oil has moisturizing properties that can help soothe dry and damaged skin.

Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce pain and prevent infection. Simply rub a small amount of coconut oil onto the affected area and let it absorb into the skin.

Vinegar

White vinegar can help reduce pain, itching, and inflammation caused by sunburn. Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar, and apply the solution to the affected areas using a cotton ball or washcloth.

Rinse the solution off with cool water after a few minutes. You can also add 1 cup of vinegar to a cool bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.

Green tea

Green tea has powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays. Steep 2-3 green tea bags in a cup of boiling water for 3-5 minutes.

Let the tea cool, and then use a cotton ball or washcloth to apply it to the affected area. You can also soak a clean towel in the tea and place it on the sunburned skin for 10-15 minutes.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe itchy and irritated skin. Mix 1 cup of powdered oatmeal with enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it dry.

Rinse the paste off with cool water after 10-15 minutes.

Cucumber

Cucumbers have a high water content and can help hydrate dry and damaged skin. Simply slice a cucumber into thin slices and place them on the sunburned area. Leave the slices on for 10-15 minutes, and then remove and rinse the area with cool water.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has soothing properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by sunburn.

Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, and then apply the mixture to the affected areas. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a cool bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a cooling effect that can help reduce inflammation and soothe sunburned skin. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a cool bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.

You can also mix baking soda with enough water to form a paste and apply it to the affected area. Let the paste dry, and then rinse it off with cool water.

Calendula

Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal sunburned skin. You can make a calendula-infused oil by steeping dried calendula flowers in carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil for several weeks.

Once the oil is infused, strain out the flowers and apply the oil directly to the sunburned areas. You can also find calendula cream or ointment at health food stores.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has astringent properties that can help reduce inflammation and soothe sunburned skin. Apply witch hazel to the affected area using a cotton ball or washcloth.

You can also soak a clean towel in witch hazel and place it on the sunburned skin for 10-15 minutes.

While these natural remedies can help soothe sunburned skin, it’s important to remember to protect your skin from the sun in the first place. Wear protective clothing, stay in the shade, and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 regularly.

If your sunburn is severe or if you have blisters, it’s best to seek medical attention.