The demand for effective sunburn remedies is expanding as the awareness of sun damage increases, presenting significant opportunities for businesses in the skincare and wellness industries.

Here are the top 8 home remedies for sunburn, along with insights into how businesses can leverage these trends:

Baking Soda

Baking soda's alkaline nature and antiseptic properties make it an effective remedy for soothing sunburned skin. It can help alleviate the itching and inflammation that often accompany sunburn.

How to Use?

• Paste Application: Mix 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply directly to the affected skin using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat once or twice a day until symptoms improve.

• Baking Soda Bath: Add one cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Soak for 10-15 minutes, allowing the baking soda to calm the irritation. Let your skin air dry afterward.

The simplicity of baking soda as a sunburn remedy highlights the market demand for affordable and accessible skincare solutions. Companies could explore launching baking soda-based products like pre-made pastes, bath soaks, or sprays. Given the rise in "do-it-yourself" beauty trends, offering convenient products that capitalize on natural ingredients like baking soda could cater to budget-conscious consumers.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it a popular choice for treating sunburn. The natural gel found in aloe vera helps cool the skin and promotes healing.

How to Use:

• Extract fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.

• Apply the chilled gel directly to the sunburned areas. Let it dry and fully absorb into the skin. Repeat this 5-6 times daily for a few days to promote healing.

The global aloe vera market is projected to expand as consumer interest in natural skincare products increases. Businesses can tap into this trend by developing aloe vera-infused after-sun gels, sprays, or even sheet masks that offer targeted relief. Products with high concentrations of pure aloe vera and emphasizing organic sourcing can appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Black Tea

The antioxidant properties of black tea and tannins that help reduce inflammation and restore the skin's natural pH balance make it a useful remedy for sunburn relief.

How to Use:

• Brew strong black tea (without sugar) and let it cool to room temperature.

• Soak a cloth in the tea and gently dab it onto the sunburned skin, or apply using a cotton ball.

• Allow the tea to dry on the skin. Repeat 3-4 times daily until symptoms subside.

With the growing trend toward natural and herbal skincare products, incorporating black tea into after-sun creams or toners could attract consumers seeking antioxidant-rich ingredients.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an effective remedy for sunburned skin due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. It can help reduce irritation while providing hydration to the affected areas.

How to Use:

• Oatmeal Bath: Add one cup of oatmeal to a bathtub filled with cool or lukewarm water. Soak for 20-30 minutes, allowing the oatmeal to calm the skin. Air dry afterward to let the soothing effects continue.

• Oatmeal Paste: Boil oatmeal in water to make a thick paste, then let it cool completely. Apply gently to the affected skin, leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse with cool water. This can be done 2-3 times daily.

The skincare market has embraced oatmeal due to its natural soothing qualities, commonly seen in sensitive skin products. Businesses can develop oatmeal-based after-sun lotions, body washes, or soothing packs designed for sunburn relief. Given oatmeal's reputation as a safe and gentle ingredient, products can be marketed for use by all ages, including children.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known for its astringent properties, which can help ease sunburn pain and promote faster healing. It also helps to balance the skin's pH levels.

How to Use:

• Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soak for about 30 minutes.

• Alternatively, dilute apple cider vinegar with equal parts water and spray lightly onto the sunburned areas for quick relief.

The versatility of apple cider vinegar in skincare has fueled its popularity. Brands can develop vinegar-infused mists, cooling sprays, or treatment pads specifically for sunburn care. Emphasizing its natural and multifunctional uses may resonate well with consumers who prefer holistic approaches.

Cool Compress

A cold compress can significantly reduce the inflammation and pain associated with sunburn. It works by cooling the skin and slowing down the heat-induced damage.

How to Use:

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth or use a gel cold pack and apply it to the sunburned areas. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin to prevent frostbite.

• Repeat this process several times a day for quick relief.

There's a growing demand for easy-to-use cooling products, such as reusable gel packs designed specifically for sunburn relief. Innovations could include compresses infused with soothing ingredients like chamomile or lavender for added benefits.

Milk

Milk is an effective remedy for sunburn because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The proteins in milk can create a protective film that helps ease discomfort.

How to Use:

• Mix one cup of skim milk with three cups of chilled water. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and gently dab it onto the affected areas for 20-30 minutes.

• Pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Repeat this 3-4 times daily.

With a focus on natural ingredients, companies can explore milk-based skincare products such as hydrating after-sun lotions or soothing milk balms. Incorporating other nourishing ingredients like honey or oats could further enhance the appeal of these products.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is known for its hydrating properties and ability to nourish the skin. Its antioxidant effects also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

How to Use:

• Slightly warm the coconut oil and apply it gently to the sunburned skin, massaging softly.

• Do this 2-3 times daily for several days to keep the skin moisturized and support healing.

Given the popularity of coconut oil in beauty and wellness, companies can expand their product lines to include coconut oil-based after-sun lotions or cooling balms. Marketing these products as multi-use (for skin hydration and sunburn relief) could attract a broad audience.

Conclusion

The rising popularity of natural remedies for sunburn reflects a shift in consumer preferences toward accessible, safe, and effective solutions. We've talked about several home remedies for treating sunburns: using baking soda as a soother, aloe vera for its cooling sensation, black tea for its antioxidants, and oatmeal to soothe and moisturize an irritated skin and prevent further irritation. We also explored how apple cider vinegar, cool compresses, milk, and coconut oil each offer unique healing properties, catering to the needs of individuals seeking holistic skin care.

For businesses, this interest on the part of consumers in more natural ingredients presents a big opportunity. The remedies outlined are short-term solutions and encapsulate shifting attitudes among consumers to more natural, multifunctional products. That is to say, there seems to be a demand for formulations that incorporate greater convenience with traditional remedies, which might open up a space for market expansion for companies willing to innovate.