Sunburn Soothers: Clean and Healthy Remedies to Heal Naturally

What Causes a Sunburn?

Before we dive into clean sunburn remedies, let’s talk basics. A sunburn is your skin’s reaction to overexposure to UV radiation, causing redness, pain, swelling, and even peeling. It’s a sign that your skin is inflamed and in need of repair.

We've all been there; maybe you forgot to reapply sunscreen, or underestimated the strength of the midday sun. Whatever the case, the result is the same: hot, red, tender skin that screams for relief. But before you reach for a bottle of neon-colored aloe gel loaded with mystery ingredients, let’s talk about healing that sunburn the clean way.

In this post, we’ll walk you through clean, non-toxic, and effective remedies to soothe sunburns using simple ingredients you already have at home, or can find at your favorite clean beauty retailer. Because your skin deserves healing, not harsh chemicals.

The Clean Approach to Sunburn Relief

Many commercial sunburn treatments contain synthetic chemicals, dyes, and artificial fragrances that can actually worsen irritation. Instead, let’s explore remedies that are:

•  Clean and non-toxic

•  Easy to make at home

•  Backed by natural healing properties

•  Available with clean ingredients online or in-store

1. Cool Compresses with Green Tea or Chamomile

Why It Works:

• Green tea is rich in polyphenols that reduce inflammation

• Chamomile contains apigenin, a plant compound that soothes irritated skin

How to Use:

1. Steep 2–3 organic tea bags in cool water

2. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture

3. Gently press onto sunburned areas for 10–15 minutes

4. Repeat as needed throughout the day

It's Clean, calming, and anti-inflammatory.

2. Hydration—Inside and Out

Internal Hydration:

• Drink filtered water

• Try coconut water for electrolytes

• Add cucumber or mint to water for a refreshing, anti-inflammatory boost

DIY Hydrating Mist:

Mix the following in a glass spray bottle:

• ½ cup alcohol-free witch hazel

• ¼ cup pure aloe vera juice

• 3–5 drops lavender or peppermint essential oil (optional)
  → Refrigerate and mist as needed.

3. Aloe Vera: Nature’s Skin Healer

The Best Choice:

Look for 100% pure aloe vera gel, with no added alcohol, dyes, or synthetic fragrance.

Use Fresh If You Can:

1. Cut an aloe leaf from the plant

2. Scoop out the gel

3. Apply directly to sunburned skin

4. Store excess in a glass container in the fridge

Some clean aloe brands: Seven Minerals, Earth’s Daughter, Aubrey Organics

4. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

Benefits:

• Rich in beta-glucan, which calms inflamed skin

• Supports moisture retention and barrier repair

How to Use:

• Blend 1 cup of organic oats into a fine powder

• Add to a lukewarm bath (not hot!)

• Soak for 15–20 minutes

• Optional: Add 5 drops of calendula oil

5. Use Coconut Oil, After the Heat Fades

Why Wait?

Oils can trap heat if used too early. Once your skin cools, coconut oil helps lock in moisture and prevent peeling.

What to Use:

• Unrefined, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil

• Use sparingly and gently

Bonus: It smells like a tropical vacation.

6. Honey for Healing

Skin-Safe Superpowers:

• Antibacterial

• Anti-inflammatory

• Promotes tissue repair

How to Use:

• Apply a thin layer of raw or Manuka honey

• Let sit for 15–20 minutes

• Rinse gently with cool water

• Pat dry and follow with aloe or coconut oil

7. Cucumber Compress or Mask

Why It Works:

• 95% water for hydration

• Contains vitamin C and caffeic acid for cooling and repair

How to Use:

• Blend 1 cold cucumber into a puree

• Apply to sunburned areas for 10–15 minutes

• Or lay thin slices directly onto your skin

Optional: Mix with aloe gel for added relief.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted!)

Use with Care:

ACV can balance the skin’s pH and reduce pain, but it must be diluted properly.

How to Use:

• Mix 1 part organic raw ACV with 4 parts cool water

• Apply with a soaked cloth or use as a gentle spray

• Avoid open blisters or broken skin

Always do a patch test first!

9. Calendula Balm or Oil

Skin Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation

• Promotes wound healing

• Gentle enough for sensitive skin

What to Look For:

• Earth Mama, Green Goo, or Zoe Organics offer clean calendula-based balms

• Or make your own: Steep dried calendula in olive oil for 2–4 weeks, then strain

10. Stay Out of the Sun (Seriously)

Sun exposure slows recovery and increases the risk of further damage.

Protection Tips:

• Wear light, breathable clothing

• Use non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen

• Brands to try: Badger, Raw Elements, ThinkSport

11. Support Healing from Within

Give your skin the nutrients it needs to repair:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

• Watermelon – hydrating and lycopene-rich

• Blueberries – packed with antioxidants

• Leafy greens – reduce oxidative stress

• Omega-3s – from chia, flaxseed, or wild-caught salmon

• Bone broth – for skin-repairing amino acids

What to Avoid with Sunburns

Even if you're desperate for relief, skip these common culprits:

• Petroleum-based products – like Vaseline! These trap heat

• Lidocaine or benzocaine – cause irritation/allergies

• Alcohol-based gels or sprays

• Synthetic fragrance, dyes, or preservatives

Clean Sunburn Remedies: A Recap

Final Thoughts

A sunburn isn’t just a temporary inconvenience, it’s a sign your skin needs real support, not synthetic chemicals or mystery ingredients. These clean, non-toxic sunburn remedies give your skin exactly what it needs: hydration, cooling, nourishment, and time to heal.

Whether it’s aloe fresh from a plant, a cold chamomile compress, or sipping on anti-inflammatory smoothies, you can give your skin the support it needs, without sacrificing your clean living values.

Because healing your skin shouldn't come at the cost of your health or your wallet!