Even with the best intentions, and plenty of sunscreen, sunburns can still happen, especially under Navarre Beach’s bright summer sun. If you find yourself feeling a little too “crispy” after your beach day, don’t worry. With the right care, you can soothe your skin, reduce discomfort, and help the healing process along.
Here are tried-and-true sunburn remedies to help you recover quickly and comfortably.
1. Cool Down Your Skin Immediately
The moment you notice a burn, cool the area. You can:
- Take a cool (not cold) shower
- Apply a damp, cool washcloth
- Sit in the shade or indoors
Avoid hot showers, they can worsen inflammation and irritation.
Beach hack:
Keep a small cooler with damp washcloths or aloe ice cubes ready for after-sun relief.
2. Use Aloe Vera to Soothe and Heal
Aloe vera is a classic for a reason. Its cooling and hydrating properties help reduce redness and speed healing. Apply a thin layer of:
- Pure aloe gel
- Aloe-infused lotion (alcohol-free)
- Aloe ice cubes (frozen aloe in an ice tray)
Tip:
Store aloe in the refrigerator so it’s extra cooling when applied.
3. Moisturize…But Choose the Right Products
Sunburned skin needs serious hydration. Look for lotions that are:
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Made for sensitive skin
- Enriched with soothing ingredients like oatmeal or chamomile
Apply liberally and often to prevent peeling and dryness.
4. Drink Extra Water
Sunburn pulls moisture away from the skin, so hydrating from the inside is just as important as treating the outside. Drink plenty of:
- Water
- Coconut water
- Electrolyte beverages
This helps your skin heal faster and reduces that tight, dry feeling.
5. Take an Anti-Inflammatory if Needed
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can help reduce:
This is especially helpful the first 24 hours after the burn.
Important:
Only use medications as directed and avoid them if you have allergies or medical restrictions.
6. Avoid Tight Clothing and Let Your Skin Breathe
Choose loose-fitting, soft clothes, preferably cotton or bamboo fabrics, that won’t rub against tender skin.
If you’re heading outside, cover the sunburn with breathable clothing instead of applying more sunscreen to raw skin.
7. Use Hydrating After-Sun Sprays
After-sun sprays with ingredients like:
- Aloe
- Coconut water
- Cucumber
- Hyaluronic acid
can keep skin cool and replenished throughout the day. Just avoid products with alcohol, which can dry skin out even more.
8. Try a Gentle Oatmeal or Milk Bath
These soothing baths help calm inflammation and reduce the sting of a sunburn.
How to do it:
- Add colloidal oatmeal to cool bathwater
- Or soak a washcloth in cold milk and apply it to the burn
These natural remedies help restore moisture and reduce irritation.
9. Don’t Pick or Peel
As tempting as it is, don’t peel flaking skin manually. Let it shed naturally so fresh skin underneath remains protected and uninjured.
10. Protect Sunburned Skin from Further Sun Exposure
Healing skin is extremely sensitive. If you must be outdoors:
- Stay in shade as much as possible
- Cover up damaged skin with loose, UV-protective clothing
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours
This prevents the burn from worsening and slows long-term damage.
Sunburn Happens, But Relief Is Possible
A sunburn is never fun, but with the right remedies, you can soothe your skin and get back to enjoying your Navarre Beach vacation in no time. Treat your skin gently, hydrate well, and give your body time to heal.
