1. Potatoes
The starch inside can help take the sting out of a burn. For a quick soothing solution, simply rub slices of potato along your skin. If it's a fresh and extra painful burn, blend small chunks in a blender until it gets nice and thick. Then, soak paper towels or gauze with the potato paste and apply it to your burn.
2. Aloe Vera
Not only can it treat mild burns and reduce swelling, but it even speeds up the healing process. Sure, there are store-bought aloe creams, but snag an inexpensive aloe plant for your house to have when you need it. Just slice open one of the leaves and apply the gel directly onto your burn. Repeat this several times a day until your sunburn is gone.
3. Baking Soda
By balancing the pH of your skin, it soothes the sting. Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to a small bowl of water, and then soak cotton balls in the solution for a few minutes before rubbing them along your skin.
4. Vinegar
Is there anything vinegar can't do? Not only does it kill germs, it can also help soothe a painful sunburn, too. Apply distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to your skin with a cotton ball, or put some in a spray bottle and spray it on your body every few hours.
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5. Oatmeal
For a severe, full-body sunburn, oatmeal is a lifesaver. It reduces the urge to itch, and it's anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin. There are two ways you can use it to treat sunburns: as a paste or in your tub. For the paste, grind 1/2 cup of oats in a food processor into a fine powder. Add the powder to 1/4 cup of milk and a few tablespoons of honey. Combine and apply to your skin for 20 minutes. For the tub, pour a cup of ground-up oats in a warm bath. And then, soak your full body for 20 minutes.
6. Black, Grey, and Green Teas
Full of tannic acid, these herbs are usually used to soothe sore throats, but they can also ease sunburn pain, too. Brew 5 to 7 bags of tea in a pot of water. Once it cools down, soak a towel in the tea and apply it on the burn for up to 30 minutes. If you're suffering from a face burn, you can apply the used tea bags on your eyes and face for instant relief.
7. Coconut Oil
We're all aware of its moisturizing properties, but it's also known to reduce inflammation. Wait one day after your burn to set and use plain, natural coconut oil and rub it over the burned areas. Even better: You can apply some (along with your sunscreen) before you head outdoors for extra protection.
RELATED: 4 Surprising Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil »
8. Tomatoes
You can apply slices of tomato to your skin to soothe a bad burn, but it's even better to down a few (hello, fresh salad!) before stepping into the sun. Studies have shown that eating tomatoes helps protect you against ultraviolet light — a.k.a. the sun's rays.
9. Cucumbers
They aren't a spa staple just because they taste good: Cooling cucumbers help relieve discomfort and inflammation, too. Rub chilled slices along your burn. And once they heat up, flip it over and use the cooler side instead.
10. Sour Cream, Skim Milk, or Yogurt
The fat, protein, and pH in dairy products have a soothing effect on skin. And the colder they are, the better they help restrict blood vessels and reduces swelling.
Another treatment includes soaking clean towels or gauze in equal parts skim milk, water, and ice cubes, and applying the cloth to burned skin for five minutes. Repeat this three times. Or, rub unsweetened, plain, and full-fat yogurt or sour cream on your skin. Just make sure to rinse after 20 minutes — nothing's worse than a sunburn paired with spoiled dairy.
Bonus tip: Always drink plenty of H2O after you get a sunburn. It helps rehydrate the skin and fight off inflammation and peeling. And, of course, always wear sunscreen and you won't have to worry about these remedies!
Photo credit: Moment/Getty Images
