Symptoms of a sunburn may begin 1 hour to 24 hours after sun exposure and usually reach their peak in 2 to 3 days.

Dehydration often accompanies sunburn. Be sure to stay hydrated. Drinking 8 or more glasses of water per day is essential.

7 Natural Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief:

1. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe is an amazingly effective remedy for all kinds of burns – not only does it relieve discomfort and accelerate the healing process, but it also deeply moisturizes the skin. For sunburns, apply a thin layer of Aloe Vera Gel to soothe the affected area, and reapply every hour until the pain subsides. You can also add a splash of Aloe Vera Gel to your bathwater and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes, for instant relief from the burning sensation, itchiness, and dryness caused by sunburns.
2. Calendula & St. John’s Wort Salve: apply salve to badly burned areas. These two herbs have antiseptic properties, act as a pain killer for burns and promote healing of skin wounds.
3. Oatmeal Bath: add 1 cup of uncooked oats to a warm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. Oatmeal has soothing, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce itching and inflammation.
4. Yogurt: the cooled plain yogurt is also effective for sunburn relief. Apply the yogurt with your fingertips or with a soft cloth to the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar: add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with cool water. Soak in it for 10-15 minutes. The vinegar helps to reduce inflammation, itchiness, and redness of the sunburned area.
6. Cucumber: Cucumber can act as a natural coolant for the skin. To make cucumber paste, mash half of a cucumber and mix it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with cold water. This remedy helps to reduce the redness and pain of sunburns.
7. Herbal Bath: An herbal bath can help minimize the stinging and pain of a sunburn. Add 6 cups of chamomile tea or 6 drops of chamomile oil to a lukewarm tubful of water. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes or more. Lavender oil is also good and can be used in place of chamomile oil if you wish.

For sunburn prevention, add to your sunscreen the contents of 1 capsule each of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium to help prevent free radical damage to the skin.  

Take vitamin B complex daily to help build up and maintain the skins elasticity. Additionally, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Lastly, wear protective clothing whenever you are outside! 

Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to sunburns so make sure that you protect your skin!