Natural Sunburn Remedies

You can get relief from a mild sunburn using natural remedies. A mild sunburn is the type that is red, painful, and may have slight swelling. This type of burn usually heals in 3-7 days, sometimes with peeling and itching.

Hydrotherapy

Applying cool, damp towels to a sunburn can help to relieve pain and keep the area hydrated. Baths or showers using cool to lukewarm water also may be beneficial.

Keep Hydrated

It's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Being out in the heat and sun dehydrates the body, even if you don't get burned. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and headaches, which will only make you more miserable.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is the sap from the aloe plant. Aloe is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and to promote healing of a sunburn by helping to keep the skin hydrated. I'm not aware of documentation proving that aloe really helps heal burns better than a placebo, but applying aloe gel that you have kept chilled in the refrigerator, or aloe fresh from a plant, can provide temporary relief from the discomfort of a sunburn.

Topical Vinegar

Similarly, a white vinegar compress may help provide some relief from the pain of a burn. You can spritz unbroken skin with a mixture of half water, half white vinegar or apply a compress of diluted white vinegar which has been applied to a chilled clean cloth.
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