How to Use Aloe on a Sunburn

Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years to moisturize and protect the skin, as well as to heal sunburn and a host of other illnesses. Aloe is an affordable and extremely effective remedy to use on all types of burns, not just sunburns. Also, aloe doesn't contain oils or other substances that can clog pores and irritate burns. Aloe is an antiseptic and antibiotic, and increases oxygenation of the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Bottle of aloe vera gel
• Leaf cut from an aloe plant

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Instructions

Choose Your Aloe and Treat the Burn

• 1

  Buy aloe lotion from a health food store or drug store. The inside of the aloe plant is not, contrary to popular belief, bright green. The bright green gels have been artificially colored.

• 2

  Ensure that the gel you buy for your sunburn is either entirely composed of aloe vera gel or is substantially composed of aloe vera gel. Some lotions have a small amount of aloe in them, but contain other ingredients that are not suitable for sunburn.

• 3

  Apply liberally and put gauze or a loose cloth over the area to protect the burn and to prevent the gel from being rubbed off. If you have a pair of loose, long pajamas, those may be your best bet.

• 4

  Include the peel if you are using aloe from a plant. If you are using it from a bottle, you are going to apply only the gel, but if you have cut a leaf from an aloe plant split it open and place it on the burn, gel side down and the hard, tough skin on the outside. Hold in place with a bandana or gauze.

• 5

  Re-apply the aloe vera gel at least twice a day. If you have the time and energy, apply more frequently. The dry, sunburned skin will soak up the aloe vera, and you can't apply too much.

• 6

  Use your aloe gel on other parts of your body, as well. If one part of you burned, then the rest is probably dry and sun-exposed as well, and can use a liberal application of this beneficial and natural gel.