Many home remedies are passed down through generations for treating sunburn, but do they actually work? Three popular kitchen remedies – baking soda, milk, and vinegar – are frequently recommended for sunburn relief. Let’s see what science says about each of these treatments to help you make informed decisions about sunburn care.
Table of Contents
Baking Soda for Sunburn
What People Claim
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is commonly added to baths or made into a paste for sunburn relief. Proponents claim it helps balance skin pH and reduces inflammation.
What Science Says
While baking soda has documented antimicrobial properties and is used in dermatology for various conditions, specific research on its effectiveness for sunburn is limited. A review in the Journal of Integrative Dermatology noted that baking soda has been used as a “safe dermatologic agent in various capacities” (1).
Baking soda’s alkaline nature (pH 9) could theoretically help neutralize acidic conditions on damaged skin. However, our skin is naturally slightly acidic (pH 4.5-6.5), and disrupting this balance might cause irritation.
Takeaway
While baking soda is generally safe for most people, there’s no specific clinical evidence supporting its use for sunburn. It may provide temporary cooling relief when added to a bath, but use it cautiously as it can be drying and potentially irritating to already damaged skin.
Milk for Sunburn
What People Claim
Cold milk compresses are a traditional remedy believed to soothe sunburn through cooling effects and the proteins in milk.
What Science Says
Despite its popularity, there are no clinical studies specifically examining topical milk application for sunburn relief. The theoretical benefits include:
- Cool temperature providing immediate relief
- Proteins potentially forming a protective film on skin
- Lactic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) that might help with gentle exfoliation
Takeaway
While milk lacks scientific evidence for sunburn treatment, it’s generally safe for most people without dairy sensitivities. The cooling effect alone may provide temporary relief, but don’t expect dramatic healing benefits. Any relief is likely due to the cold temperature rather than milk’s specific properties.
Vinegar for Sunburn
What People Claim
Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are popular folk remedies, with claims that acetic acid acts like aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation.
What Science Says
Despite widespread use, there’s no scientific evidence supporting vinegar for sunburn relief. In fact, dermatologists warn against it. A comprehensive review of vinegar in dermatology found no evidence for sunburn treatment (2).
More concerning, vinegar’s acidity (pH 2-3) can potentially:
- Further irritate already damaged skin
- Disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance
- Cause additional drying
- Lead to chemical burns if used undiluted
Takeaway
Vinegar should be avoided for sunburn treatment. Despite its popularity as a folk remedy, it has no scientific support and may actually worsen your sunburn. The acidic nature of vinegar can cause additional irritation to already damaged skin.
Evidence-Based Alternatives
Instead of unproven remedies, consider these scientifically supported remedies:
Cool Water
Research shows that applying cool running water (12-18°C) for 20 minutes provides the best first-aid treatment for burns (3).
Aloe Vera
Several studies show that aloe vera helps burns heal faster than other treatments (4).
Moisturizers
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying moisturizers containing aloe vera or soy while skin is still damp after bathing to help soothe sunburned skin.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Blistering over a large area
- Fever, chills, or nausea
- Signs of infection
- Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter treatments
- Dizziness or confusion
The Bottom Line
Of the three popular kitchen remedies examined, none of them have strong scientific evidence supporting their use for sunburn. For effective sunburn relief, stick to evidence-based treatments like cool water, aloe vera, and appropriate moisturizers. While home remedies can be tempting, it’s important to choose treatments that won’t potentially harm your already damaged skin.