Daily Dose of Design: Everything You Actually Need to Heal a Sunburn

Monday, July 2, 2018

Everything You Actually Need to Heal a Sunburn


Even when you do everything possible to prevent a sunburn and to protect your skin in the sun, there's still always that one time (for me it's always in the beginning of summer) that all the SPF in the world doesn't help... It happens, and although you should always be re-applying sunscreen in the sun, it isn't foolproof!
A couple of weeks ago I was floating around in my pool and it was a super hot day - I had applied sunscreen but didn't re-apply enough - especially with how hot it was out. By the time mid-evening rolled around my legs and shoulders were burning so badly and the aloe was helping, but not as much as I needed it to... My sister told me to try (what sounded like) the most insane way to help make it feel better and at first I told her she was nuts, but by the next morning... WOW. Here's everything you need to heal your sunburn ASAP:

First, here's some of my favorite sunscreens to help prevent this from even happening - sun protection is beyond important and we all know that, but sometimes the inevitable happens!


Aloe: this is pretty much a given... it cools that awful burning feeling and helps to minimize skin peeling once the burn heals; it's also just really good for your skin and if nothing else, will make you feel a little better in the moment. Any aloe works - just make sure it's natural with no fragrances! I prefer aloe gel over the lotion but you can use either.


ACV & Coconut Oil: ok, this is what my sister recommended I try... I cannot even begin to describe just how well this combo works. Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the worst smells IMO but you can handle it if it'll make you feel better right?! I swear it's magic in a bottle. So here's what to do...

1. Put ACV into a bowl/spray bottle and dilute with water - you can eye it, but you want to add about 1/2 as much water as you have ACV (maybe a little less than that). If in a bowl, mix the water and if using a spray bottle, shake it up. Put it all over your sunburn and let it dry. You can also use a VERY soft washcloth by soaking it with cold water and then dipping it into ACV - any of these methods works, it's completely your choice! I promise you'll smell pretty gross (LOL) but it'll be worth it - I swear by this now.

2. Once the ACV is totally dry (it'll take about 5 minutes) get out the coconut oil and lather it all over the sunburn. This won't dry as quickly - it'll more so leave you oily but again, stick with me, it's worth it! I did this ACV/coconut oil method right before bed, so I put a large towel over my sheets and an old pair of sweatpants on and let my skin absorb it overnight.

When you wake up, your skin will be soft, bronze and 110% cured from the sunburn you had just hours ago. I now swear by ACV and Coconut Oil and will never use anything else again! My sunburn was pretty red and hurt pretty bad, but it wasn't the worst it could of been; I can't say for sure if it would help a more severe burn but it definitely helped mine and guarantee it'll help yours too. The one and only downside is the smell of ACV, but whatever works right?


Hawaiian Tropic After-Sun Cooling Gel: I LOVE this stuff! I use it after every single time I've been in the sun and it's one of the things I look forward to the most during the summer. The smell is my absolute favorite thing, ever. EVER. It is so good and feels incredible on your skin; doesn't leave you sticky, just smelling amazing. ;) I wouldn't put this on your skin to help heal a sunburn necessarily, but I included it because once your sunburn begins to heal (AKA a day after you burn since the ACV will magically heal you) this cooling gel will help you maintain your tan and minimize any skin peeling that still may happen. It's my go-to, #1 summer essential of all time!

After-Sun Watermelon Face Mask: I have quickly fallen in love with this mask! It's a hydrating sheet mask that's meant to wear post-sun exposure - whether you're tanned or burned. Getting burned on your face is hard because there's not much you can do other than hydrate and stay moisturized. I love this mask because it's meant to help keep you hydrated and maintain a tan - it definitely works and feels incredible when it's on your skin.


Oil Blotting Papers: when your face has sunburn and gets extra oily, lightly blot your skin with these oil blotting sheets. It may not make your skin feel better but it'll keep the shine minimal.




While it's much easier to just continuously re-apply sunscreen and prevent a sunburn in the first place, it's bound to happen every so often. This method will 100% help minimize the pain, discomfort and down time that a sunburn causes during the summer! I've been so excited to share this little tip because of how well it worked for me. I was able to spend the following day at the beach with friends as I had planned - just with an umbrella and lots more sunscreen this time around. ;)

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60 comments:

  1. I’m so surprised by the ACV & coconut oil trick! The vinegar just seems like it would sting, and the oil almost seems like it would trap the heat in. That’s so crazy that it works! I might have to try it next time!

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  2. I try so hard not to get sunburned in the first place, but it is always inevitable for this fair skinned and freckled gal! Aloe and witch hazel were always my go-to's, but I will definitely try the ACV and coconut oil trick next time!! Thanks for the tips!

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  3. Being a redhead living AZ I needed this! lol I'm always so worried about getting sunburned!

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  4. I’ve gotta try this! My husband turns into a lobster when he even thinks about going out in the sun! And is quite a baby about the healing process!!

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  5. I love these tips for healing a sunburn! We're at the beach right now and my husband's skin is looking like a lobster! I'll be heading to the store to pick up the products you recommended and give them a try.

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  6. There are so many great uses for apple cider vinegar! Thanks for sharing another one!

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  7. I've never heard of using apple cider vinegar and coconut oil for a sunburn! That's such a great idea! -Tonya Tardiff

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  8. Oh my gosh what a different combination! I got a little burnt yesterday from the beach even though I was applying loads of sunscreen SPF50, I got burnt on my top half. UGH, I'll be trying this combination. I love that face mask, it sounds awesome and I need to get it. Thanks for all the recommendations A <3

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  9. Coconut Oil is so amazing for so many different uses. We use coconut oil in our cooking but we will for sure try it for a burn. I have heard before that Apple Cider Vinegar is good for any type of skin rash/burn. Thanks for the awesome tips!

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  10. I always use coconut oil, for literally everything, but have never combined with acv! I'll have to give it a try!

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  11. I burn so easy!! I always use aloe. next time I am going to try the coconut oil and apple cinder vinegar! I actually drink apple cider vinegar every morning!

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  12. What a timely post! I just moved to the beach and am dealing with a so-uncomfortable sunburn!!! I'd never heard of the apple cider vinegar and coconut oil combo - sounds amazing!!! Thanks so much for sharing :) Happy 4th!!!

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  13. Aloe is definitely my favorite thing to use for sunburn, thankfully I don't get burnt often!

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  14. Aloe has always worked wonders for me! This is a great guide :)

    -xo, Azanique | www.lotsofsass.com

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  15. The after-sun cooling gel by Hawaiian Tropic IS AMAZING! I have never tried coconut oil, but I will give it a shot next time!

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  16. definitely saving it for the future but i'm hoping i'll never need to reference this post xD

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  17. I'm saving that ACV and coconut oil trick! I am heading to the beach this fourth of July so I'm sure it will come in handy!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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  18. I love this post! This time of the year is SO BAD for sunburns. I feel like no matter how many times I put sunblock on, I’m still a burnt pancake.

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  19. Good tips! I've actually only had one sunburn in my nearly 30 years of life, so I'll have to keep these in the back of my mind - for my husband haha!!

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  20. Hopefully I don't get a sunscreen anytime soon, but if I do I'm definitely going to try that apple cider vinegar and coconut oil!

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  21. I'll definitely have to try this ACV trick!

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  22. All of these sound great! I will keep them in mind! Sunburns are the worst!

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  23. I've used coconut oil and aloe vera, but I never thought of trying apple cider vinegar! xo, Brittany Nicole | www.theblistblog.com

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  24. These are all really great tips! I'm thankful that I rarely get sunburned, but I would use aloe when I do. Huge fan of aloe!

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  25. This is SO helpful! I burn so easily in the sun if I don't keep reapplying sunscreen!

    xoxo A
    www.southernbelleintraining.com

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  26. I had no idea apple cider vinegar was so good for sunburns! Thanks for the tip!

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  27. I would have never guessed ACV would be good for sunburns. I keep the ACV and coconut oil tip handy. Thanks for sharing!!

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  28. Aloe is always my go to. Once it dries I keep applying several more times. Not sure if doing it that way helps but it sure feels a lot better!

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  29. Haha I need this when I go to Hawaii! Even Sydney summer is atrocious on your skin!

    https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2018/07/01/Status-Society-x-Culture-Kings-Lookbook

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  30. WHoa! I will def keep in mind if I ever get sun burned! I'm a big fan of DIY ;p

    x
    clair
    www.theeyetraveler.com

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  31. This is really good to know. I don't usually get sun burned but it's a great tip.

    Xx, Nailil
    http://thirtyminusone.com/

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  32. Great post!! I'm a HUGE advocator of sunscreen so it's very rare I ever get sunburned. But my go to is always aloe. It's so soothing on the skin. I've never heard of anyone using apple cider vinegar so maybe I'll have to try that combo!

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  33. Love the sound of the watermelon face mask! Very interesting solution for a sunburn! I hope I won't need it, but great info to have!

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  34. I didnt know that ACV could help! I also tried that watermelon mask last weekend after spending some time in the sun and it's just so refreshing!

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  35. This is such a helpful post! My family and I have been out in the sun enjoying Summer, so this is awesome info!

    Kileen
    cute & little

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  36. I got a horrible second degree sunburn in high school. The places I kept covered with towels soaked in ACV didn't blister as much.

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  37. I'm so pale it's ridiculous! I got burned in 8 minutes the other day. I try to stay out of the sun as much as possible so I don't look old one day lol. These are great tips!

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  38. This is a good trick that I've never heard of! I wish I knew how to avoid getting burnt, but no matter what I do, it seems to happen! I'll be in Granada this week, which is essentially on the equator. I'm nervous that I'm going to fry. 😓😓😓

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  39. I burn just thinking about going into the sun so I always need tips haha. Love your ACV one - it works great!

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  40. luckily i straight up tan and don't burn when i'm out in the sun (or else i'd be burning everyday seeing as how i live in the desert and it's 105-120 degrees out consistently in the summer), but i swear by coconut oil to heal most body ailments! lol <3 great post darl!

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  41. Oh, I had no idea about vinegar, never used it.
    I use yogurt, haha. I apply it to the burnt areas and leave it for about 30 mins - it cools and hydrates the skin really well.

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  42. What great tips! I've wondered about the after sun face mask, so handy!

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  43. I have never heard of the ACV trick. I will have to try that this summer

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  44. OMG I had no clue ACV could be used for sunburn healing!!! Amazing!

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  45. I never knew that about apple cider vinegar! Wow!

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  46. Love me some coconut oil! Such a multipurpose essential

    xo, Cara
    https://neverskipbrunch.com

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  47. This is so helpful! My husband is so sunburned right now!

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  48. Last year, I got a terrible sunburn. In order to prevent peeling, I used the aloe lotion from Vaseline and I swear my sunburn was gone in like 3 days. It was a miracle - and I didn't peel at ALL! The coconut oil also helps cool down and soothe a burn. Thanks for sharing your tips!

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  49. I've never seen the watermelon after sun mask, but I have all the other products on hand in case I burn (with my super fair skin there is usually at least one a year, even with sunscreen application!)

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  50. Love the tips! This coconut oil sounds so great! Need to try it!!

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  51. I didn't know about apple cider vinegar but I always use coconut oil after I've been in the sun! Can't wait to try that mixture you recommended!
    Isabella
    www.IsabellaDavid.com
    IG @IsabellaDavidVintage

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  52. I'll have to try the ACV hack! I haven't had a bad burn this summer thankfully but there's always at least one.

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  53. These definitely work. My husband got a nice red burn on his back in hawaii and we used a combination of these to get him back to beach ready fast! Nice post girl!

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  54. OMG I've been even using apple cider vinegar on my dog when he's got the itchies! Works wonders on so many things. xo, Suzanne

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  55. Apple Cider Vinegar is like a cure-all for everything! I never thought to use it for treating a sun burn!

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  56. This is the stuff no one is talking about! So many great tips!

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  57. Sunburns are NO FUN. Thanks for sharing!

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  58. Apple Cider Vinegar is such a great household item to have, I swear I've heard so many great uses! I'll have to add this to the list.

    Birdie Shoots

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