Weird Sunburn Treatments That Actually Work

Sometimes, we just don't have the aloe bottle when we need it, and if you're anything like me, you're probably always down to try the natural alternative. So, if you're currently suffering from a sunburn and don't want to leave the house, you're in luck because I'm about to share nine weird sunburn treatments that actually work.

And trust me, I get it. Burns are painful, and itchy, and even embarrassing sometimes. Sometimes, despite our best efforts to re-apply SPF, we've all made the mistake of falling asleep on the beach once or twice before. If you're in that boat, no worries, give these remedies a try — you might not even have to leave your house to find them. As it turns out, there are plenty of household items you probably never imagined would be helpful with sunburn, so keep reading!

I'll put the disclaimer out there now: I haven't actually tried every single one of these treatments myself, but the all-knowing internet seems to give them pretty darn good reviews. And honestly, after learning more about them, I'd be willing to give them a try myself.

1. Yogurt

Yes, really. According to Cosmopolitan , the probiotics in yogurt can actually absorb some heat and help restore your skin. Simply spread a thin layer on your skin after sun exposure, let it sit for 10 minutes, and gently rub it off with a washcloth.

2. Oatmeal

According to Livestrong.com, oats are high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pour milk, honey and the oatmeal into a bowl to create a paste, and spread it onto the skin. Allow it to dry for 20 minutes, then gently remove with a washcloth.

3. Witch Hazel

T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel, jet.com, $3.99

Remember that funky smelling stuff you used to clean your scrapes as a kid? As it turns out, it may have another use! Because of its antioxidant properties, Witch Hazel can be useful for soothing sunburns, or as WebMD points out, possibly preventing them altogether.

4. Plain Old Moisturizer

The American Association of Dermatology points out that moisturizing post sunburn is essential to the skin's recovery. However, the AAD warns, "Be careful not to use lotions or creams that have any of these things listed in the ingredients: petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine. Things with petroleum trap the heat in your skin (and you don't want that!) and benzocaine and lidocaine can bother and irritate your skin. If a particular area feels especially uncomfortable, you may want to apply a hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription."

5. Cucumber

According to Dr. Cynthia Bailey on her professional website, cucumbers are rich in antioxidant and analgesic, or pain killing, properties.

Happy DIY sunburn curing!

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