We all know the basics of child sun safety: Apply sunscreen regularly, wear sun-protective clothing, and avoid harsh UV rays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. But despite our best efforts, kids sometimes get sunburned, and the symptoms that follow can be less than pleasant. We’re talking about painful skin, redness, peeling, and blistering—yikes!

Thankfully, there are ways to ease your child’s discomfort and prevent lasting damage. Keep reading to learn about 15 home remedies for sunburn you can try at home.

Home Remedies for Sunburn

Treating a minor sunburn can be as simple as opening up your pantry. Try these home remedies the next time your child gets a sunburn to help relieve discomfort and speed up healing.

Cool water

When dealing with sunburn, the first step should be cooling down the skin, says Alan Greene, MD, FAAP. A tepid (but not too cold) bath or shower can do the trick. Don’t scrub the skin or use products like bath oils, soap, or bubble bath (they can cause excess dryness). Gently pat the skin dry to prevent irritation, but leave some water on the skin, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology.

Cold compress

Try a cold compress to reduce heat, pain, and swelling. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies in a soft towel and apply it to the burn. Never place ice directly on the skin, as it can cause more damage. Use the cold compress throughout the day in 10- to 15-minute intervals.

Moisturizer

Once the skin is cooled, it’s time to combat dryness, says Dr. Greene. He recommends using a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer with vitamin E or aloe. Apply the moisturizer throughout the day to seal the skin’s hydration. Hydrocortisone creams can also help if the sunburn is especially painful.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the best remedies for sunburn. The gel inside this cactus plant eases discomfort, speeds healing, and moisturizes the skin. Either split a plant leaf and apply the sap directly to the skin or buy pure aloe vera gel at your local drugstore. Note that some kids have allergic reactions to aloe, so you should avoid using it if unsure. You can also test it on a small patch of skin first.

Honey

The sweet sticky stuff’s been used as a topical burn salve for centuries. “Studies suggest it may work better than some antibiotic creams at speeding up healing, reducing infection, and minimizing pain,” says Kathi Kemper, MD, author of The Holistic Pediatrician.

Oatmeal bath

Finely ground oatmeal (sold as colloidal oatmeal in drug stores) is anti-inflammatory when mixed with bath water. Make your own oatmeal bath by pulverizing a cup of instant or slow-cooking oatmeal in a blender or food processor until it has a smooth, fine consistency. Pour the powder into tepid bath water and soak.

Witch hazel

Wet a washcloth or cotton gauze with witch hazel and apply to the skin for 20 minutes. Reapply the astringent three or four times daily (or as needed) to minimize pain and itching. You can thank anti-inflammatory tannins for the soothing effects of witch hazel. Avoid applying witch hazel on broken skin. If your skin is blistering or already has erosions, skip this option.

Dairy

The probiotics and enzymes in dairy products can help with faster healing. The lactic acid in Greek yogurt may help to calm inflammation. Soak a washcloth in cold milk and use it as a compress. This will not only ease discomfort but hasten the healing process. Chilled yogurt soothes the skin and acts as a moisturizer on a dry sunburn.

Tea

Place a washcloth or cotton gauze soaked in brewed tea—like chamomile, black, or green tea—on the affected area to relieve symptoms. And because tea is all-natural, it even works as a home remedy for sunburn on the face.

Cucumber

Cucumbers carry analgesic and antioxidant properties. Make a paste out of refrigerated cucumbers using any standard blender or by mashing with a fork. Spread the paste over sunburned skin to bring down inflammation and reduce puffiness. You can also lay chilled cucumber slices directly on the skin.

Coconut oil

Some experts recommend using cold-pressed, organic coconut oil to fight against dryness and irritation that comes after a sunburn. You should only apply coconut oil after the skin cools and blistering goes away because the oil can trap heat and worsen symptoms. Once your skin is ready, which may take a few days, liberally apply the coconut oil to the affected skin.

Baking soda or cornstarch

Soaking in bath water mixed with baking soda or cornstarch can relieve inflammation and itching. Alternatively, you can combine these ingredients with water to make a paste, then apply it to sunburned skin, letting it sit for 10 minutes before gently wiping it away.

Essential oils

Essential oils are known to carry numerous health benefits, including pain relief. Always dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin and avoid using essential oils on children younger than years old. Peppermint oil can act as a cooling agent for hot sunburns and reduce pain. Marigold flower is known for its antioxidant properties, and as an essential oil, it can reduce inflammation.

Vinegar

The acetic acid in vinegar can alleviate pain, itching, and inflammation from sunburn. Pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into tepid bath water and soak. You can also apply diluted vinegar to sunburned skin with a washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Keep in mind that direct application of vinegar can lead to chemical burns, so don’t apply to the skin unless it’s diluted.

Hydration

Sunburns draw fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This is why drinking plenty of liquids is essential to prevent dehydration when dealing with a sunburn. Another yummy way to keep your sunburned kid hydrated is to serve fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, grapefruit, celery, and cucumbers.

Additional Tips for Healing a Sunburn

While waiting for the sunburn to heal, these tips can increase your child’s comfort and lower their risk of complications:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Resist popping blisters or scratching (this can lead to infection).
• Stay out of the sun until the skin is fully healed to avoid further exposure.
• Take ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation if necessary. (Check with a health care provider before giving children medication for sunburn.)

When To Call the Doctor for Sunburn

Sunburns typically heal on their own within three to five days. Seek medical advice if you don’t see improvement during this time. Contact a health care provider immediately if your child is under 1 year old or has blisters, severe pain, lethargy, or a fever higher than 101 F.