Aloe vera for sunburn: what it helps and how to use it

Does aloe vera help with sunburn?

Yes, for temporary relief of the heat, stinging and discomfort of a mild burn. A red, painful sunburn can usually be cared for at home, but feeling nauseated, dehydrated or dizzy calls for urgent medical assessment rather than another application of gel. Aloe belongs in the comfort category, even if the bottle would prefer a more senior job.2

Why does aloe vera help sunburn?

Aloe vera gel is soothing, moisturising and cooling. The inner leaf gel is 99% water, with dissolved compounds making up the rest. Aloe also has anti inflammatory properties that help calm discomfort. These effects explain its role as a soothing product, not a treatment that repairs ultraviolet damage.23

How to use aloe vera on sunburn

1. 1Get out of the sun. Move indoors or into shade as soon as skin feels red and warm.
2. 2Cool the burn with a short, cool shower or a cool, damp towel. Keep shower pressure gentle. Do not put ice directly on burned skin.
3. 3Apply a moisturising cream or lotion while the skin is still damp. Apply moisturiser frequently during the first few days to limit dryness.
4. 4Apply aloe vera gel to soothe the affected skin. Choose a gel without added fragrance or irritating ingredients.
5. 5Protect the area from further sunlight and direct heat. Wear loose clothing that does not rub the burn.

How often should you apply aloe vera to sunburn?

Apply aloe vera gel a few times a day for a minor burn. Think of those applications as symptom relief, not a course that makes the burn heal faster. Stop using aloe if it causes burning discomfort, irritation or a rash rather than continuing to reapply it.356

Which aloe vera should you use?

For a purchased gel, look for a formula without added fragrance or irritants, and avoid creams containing alcohol. Aloe gel from the plant is also used for soothing burns, but the clear inner gel is different from the green outer leaf and its latex, which has laxative effects. An after sun label describes when a product is used, not a way to turn back the sun.127

What does aloe vera do for sunburn?

Aloe offers temporary comfort while the burn heals. It does not prevent peeling or reverse the ultraviolet injury. Sunburn usually improves within about seven days, although more severe burns can last a couple of weeks. Seek medical advice if the burn is not healing rather than treating persistent symptoms with gel alone.24

What else helps while the burn heals?

Drink water to avoid dehydration. For pain, medicines such as paracetamol, also called acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help; ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure which pain medicine is suitable. Avoid scratching, picking peeling skin or popping blisters. Breaking blisters increases the risk of infection. A nonstick bandage can protect blisters if clothing rubs them or they have broken open.1245

Can aloe irritate sensitive skin?

Yes. Aloe gel can cause burning discomfort, contact dermatitis, an inflamed allergic rash, or hives. Avoid aloe if you have a known allergy to aloe vera or related plants such as lilies and tulips. Stop the product and get medical help if a rash develops. Throat tightness, difficulty breathing or chest pain after exposure needs urgent medical help.36

Should you drink aloe for sunburn?

The use covered here is gel applied to skin, not aloe drinks or supplements. Swallowing aloe can cause diarrhoea, and oral aloe has different risks from topical gel. Oral aloe sap and gel should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in young children. Oral aloe can also affect diabetes medicines and warfarin, and worsen fluid or mineral imbalances with some medicines. Do not swallow a skincare product; contact poison control if someone does.36

What if a child has sunburn?

Children's skin is delicate and can burn even when the sun does not seem strong. Move a sunburned child indoors or into shade, offer fluids and use a cool shower to soothe sore skin. A soothing aloe after sun cream is an option, but seek medical advice if the skin is swollen or blistered. Keep the burn covered with loose clothing and keep the child out of the sun until it has healed.4

When does sunburn need medical care?

• See a doctor for large areas of blistering, severe pain, fever, yellow crusts, or pus draining from the skin.
• Seek urgent assessment for nausea, dizziness, faintness or dehydration. Urinating less and marked tiredness can be signs of dehydration.
• Call your local emergency number for confusion, seizures or unconsciousness, which can indicate heatstroke.
• For a child, seek medical advice for unusual tiredness, lightheadedness or feeling unwell. Confusion, rapid breathing, a high body temperature or unconsciousness needs emergency help.

Protect the skin from another burn

Keep burned skin out of the sun until it heals. For future exposure, combine shade, covering clothing and a hat with sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours outdoors, especially after swimming. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight.4