It’s high summer and peak sunburn season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Statistics show that one-third of adults will experience at least one sunburn this year, with white adults under 30 being the most susceptible.
While liberal and vigilant SPF application is the primary way to avoid skin damage — and umbrellas are the latest trend in sun blocking — how do we heal when we’ve already gone too far?
Aloe’s not your only option.
Black tea
Many grandmothers swear by tea as a treatment for sunburns, either using wet tea bags to soothe the skin or dipping towels in black tea and applying them to the affected area — and it turns out this is one solution steeped in science.
“This is one of the more surprising folk remedies that dermatologists don’t mind,” Dr. Tiffany Libby, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island, told The Post.
“Black tea contains tannins and antioxidants that can have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Cool — not hot — steeped tea bags or compresses can help relieve pain and redness temporarily.”
She noted that it’s crucial that the tea being used is thoroughly cooled and the skin is blister-free before applying.
Aspirin or ibuprofen
Disturbing fact: Skin can continue to “burn” hours after exposure, as our inflammatory response to UV radiation can cause redness and pain to worsen in the aftermath of a sunbath.
However, taking the right kind of painkiller can lessen these effects.
“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen can help by reducing this inflammation. They don’t stop the burn, but taken early, they may help blunt the severity of symptoms like redness, swelling, and discomfort,” Libby said.
Milk
While both cold milk and Greek yogurt are commonly used to soothe a sunburn, Libby says one dairy cure is the clear winner.
“The proteins, fat, and pH of milk can create a soothing barrier, and cold milk compresses can help reduce heat and irritation. Greek yogurt has probiotics and lactic acid, but it’s more likely to cause a reaction due to its acidity and additives.”
Libby urges the burned and dairy-curious to avoid yogurt altogether and opt for cold milk compresses instead.
Questionable remedies
The internet is rife with hacks for soothing sunburns, including the seemingly counterintuitive use of vinegar.
Libby noted that despite vinegar being a source of acetic acid — which has mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties — it is not an appropriate fix for fried skin.
“It’s acidic and can actually irritate or burn compromised skin, especially with more severe sunburns. You’re more likely to end up with additional discomfort or even chemical irritation. Stick with proven, gentler remedies,” she said.
Another viral remedy for a bad sunburn is a combination of hemorrhoid cream and vitamin E, a mix that Libby would also nix.
“Hemorrhoid creams often contain hydrocortisone and phenylephrine, which can temporarily reduce inflammation and redness. In theory, a tiny amount could calm a sunburned area, but these creams are not formulated for facial skin or sunburned skin, so they may cause irritation or breakouts,” she explained.
While vitamin E is often lauded for its healing properties, applying it directly to damaged or sunburned skin can cause allergic reactions for some folks.
Tried and true methods
Beyond aloe vera, Libby shared several derm-approved tips for sunburn treatment.
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream can help reduce inflammation if used for a short period on small areas.
- Colloidal oatmeal baths (like Aveeno) are great for soothing and reducing itching.
- Refrigerated moisturizers: Store a fragrance-free moisturizer in the fridge and apply liberally for instant cooling.
- Stay well-hydrated: Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, so drinking extra water is key to recovery.
- Avoid occlusive ointments early on: Heavy balms like petroleum jelly can trap heat in the skin. Stick to lightweight lotions or gels until the skin cools.
People should be on the lookout for skin that blisters and symptoms of a severe sunburn, a medical condition that could require professional intervention.
Seek medical attention if you have:
- Blisters
- Chills
- Fever
- Mental confusion
- Severe pain
- Feelings of extreme cold
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting