10 Natural Sunburn Remedies for Surviving the Aussie Sun 

We all know the Australian sun can have a real bite to it. Unfortunately, more and more Aussies have become compliant with their sunscreen application resulting in an average of2.7 million sunburns on those sunny summer weekends. 

While dealing with sunburns is a nuisance, the real concern lies in the coinciding skin cancer statistics. Of course, forgetfulness isn’t the only reason so many Aussies are avoiding their suncream. 

Whether it’s the chemicals hidden in your sunscreen or the unnecessary plastics scaring you away from applying protection before you hit the beach, we’ve got great news. 

Read on to discover 10 simple and easy natural sunburn remedies you can use when the sun gets too hot and our favourite toxin-free, zero-waste sun protection tips to keep you sunburn-free in the first place!

Natural Sun Protection Tips

It likely comes as no surprise to hear that the best way to avoid uncomfortable sunburns is to practice good sun protection. But with so many chemicals and plastics in traditional store-bought solutions, navigating natural sun protection can be a challenge. 

Of course, plastic bottles full of questionable ingredients isn’t the only way to protect your skin. When it comes to the hot summer months, wearing lightweight, opaque clothing and shading your head and face with a wide-brimmed hat are stylish and effective ways of keeping your skin safe. 

Investing in a pair of high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses is another important step to protect your whole system from the damaging effects of sun rays. 

For exposed skin, apply a layer of toxin-free, zero-waste sunscreen. Some of our favourites for full-spectrum protection includeSunbutter,Winki Zinc,Surf Mud, andDirty Hippie Sunscreen. What’s even better is that many of these sunscreens are available in tinted shades to make you feel tanned and beautiful without the harmful exposure.

And of course, remember that UV rays can reach your skin even on cloudy days or cool summer afternoons. For best practice, try to avoid extended outdoor time during peak-burning hours (10am-4pm) and up your hydration quota when soaking in the sun’s rays. 

Unfortunately, even when you take all the precautions you can, sometimes the sneaky sun reaches your skin anyways. If you’ve spent a little too long in the backyard or woken up with a fiery glow, here’s what to do:

1. Cool Down

You’ve probably noticed that your sunburns actually become hot to the touch. This is because heat becomes trapped in your skin, making the burn feel unbearable in those first few hours or days. 

The first step to naturally treat your sunburn is to get the heat out. 

Use a cold compress in 15-20 minute intervals, have a cool shower, and don’t forget to drink plenty of cool, refreshing water to rehydrate your skin from the inside out. 

2. Go Aloe

Aloe Vera is a natural ingredient that you can literally grow in your backyard. While stores do sell gels amped up with aloe, these aftersun products are usually packed with preservatives and plastic. 

Instead,open up an aloe leaf for yourself and reap the benefits of this amazing treatment from the earth. 

Dilute your Aloe Vera by blending it with a bit of water or apply directly to your skin for a thick, gel-like substance. If you’ve never used pure aloe before, try out the nature’s gel on a small area first to ensure you don’t react to the potent ingredient. 

3. Oat Bath

This simple and relieving natural sunburn remedy is the perfect way to soothe irritation and help your skin retain its natural moisture. 

Oats offer an incredible benefit to the entire body and can turn your stinging bath water into a creamy, cooling oasis in no time. What’s even better is that you can use the oat pulp from your homemade oat milk and reduce even more waste!

4. Take to Tea

No, not to drink (unless a cup of brewed iced tea is your jam of course!). 

While tea may not seem like the most relieving treatment right now, the tannins found in black or green tea can help calm inflamed skin and take away that burning feeling. 

This natural sunburn remedy requires an old towel or face washer, some green or black tea bags, and a large bowl to brew your tea. From here, brew your tea as normal and allow it to cool in the bowl. 

Once cooled, soak your towel in the liquid and drape it over your bare, burned skin. The tea will stain the towel and any clothing it touches, so try to steer clear of any white fabrics you’d like to enjoy a bit longer. 

5. Witch Hazel

You’ve heard that witch hazel is a great toner for your face, but did you know it can help pull that bright red shade out of your skin too? Similar to tea, witch hazel is rich in tannins that act as an antioxidant for your skin and treat inflammation. 

Pick yourself up a bottle of witch hazel at your local chemist but be sure to watch for additives such as alcohol or fragrance. 

Apply your witch hazel to a reusable makeup round to pat onto your skin or reach for that tea-stained towel for a satisfying soak.

6. Use Honey, Honey

Honey is another wonder ingredient that has amazing antibacterial properties - perfect for tender, burnt skin. 

For this natural remedy, slather a generous layer of whatever honey you have on hand onto your sensitive skin. We recommend Manuka Honey for best results, but any raw variety will do the trick. 

Let the sticky layer simmer on your skin for 15-20 minutes before rinsing away with cool water. 

7. Cider Vinegar

While results with vinegar can vary, cider vinegar offers unique PH balancing properties that can help reduce inflammation and fade that intense colour a little faster. 

Use the old towel soaking trick we mentioned earlier or add a cup of pure apple cider vinegar to your bath water for a soothing soak. Is there anything ACV can't do?!

8. Baking Soda or Cornstarch

When you get to the stage of scratching and peeling, a baking soda or cornstarch paste is a natural way to banish the itchy side effects. 

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen paste base with cool water until you reach your desired texture. Apply this paste to any affected areas and let sit for 15-20 minutes before washing away. 

Alternatively, you can add 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda or cornstarch to your bathwater for another relieving way to soak. 

9. DIY Electrolytes

Sometimes water just isn’t enough to replenish your precious hydration levels. To get your water retention back up to par and heal your skin from the inside out, consider giving this DIYelectrolyte drink a try. 

Mix up 2 cups of water, the juice from half a lemon, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of raw honey in a mason jar and sip away throughout the day. 

This homemade drink lets you skip the sugars and fillers in store-bought electrolyte drinks and saves another plastic bottle (or 6) from entering our recycling system. 

10. Aftersun Treatment

Finally, if you’re after an aftersun treatment that really works, look no further thanMagicMuk. This super-hero cream is the perfect treatment for multiple skin ailments, including sunburn. 

With natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and chamomile, you can trust this creamy pot of magic to take away the sting, replenish dried-out skin, and fade your burn in record time. 

A little goes a long way, so all you need is a touch of this potent and moisturising cream directly on your toasty red skin. 

Natural Sunburn Remedies for Every Aussie

From the best natural sunscreen to zero-waste aftersun treatments, we hope this article holds the perfect natural sunburn remedy for your crispy skin. As the summer sun streams in this year, you can rest assured knowing you’ve got the best zero-waste and toxin-free natural sun care products on your side. 

Ready to treat your skin with love this season? Pick up yournatural sunscreen today and take on the beach, backyard, and outdoor adventures with safe, effective protection.