Does Epsom Salt Help With Sunburns?

Sunburn happens. Even if you diligently apply sunscreen every time you plan to spend time in the sun, chances are that you’ll likely experience sunburn at some point in your life. As a resident of Los Angeles, I’m no stranger to the sun’s powerful rays.

It’s no secret that sunburn is bad for your skin. I don’t want to downplay the harmful side effects of sun exposure without SPF protection, but for the purpose of this post, I want to focus on another aspect of sunburns: they can be incredibly painful and inconvenient.

When your skin feels like it’s on fire, the only thing you can think about is finding some relief. The good news is there are plenty of natural remedies that are effective for sunburn. 

Epsom salt is often mentioned as an at-home remedy for sunburn and is included in many home treatments for sunburnt skin, but how much will it really help your sizzling skin? Let’s get into it! 

Does Epsom Salt Help With Sunburns?

Epsom salt offers many health benefits, including sunburn relief. But did you know it’s also helpful before you head outside?

Celebrity skin care expert Ole Henriksen routinely touts the benefits of using Epsom salt before and after spending time in the sun. Henriksen is one of several beauty gurus who recommend Epsom salt to improve circulation, remove excess dead skin, and detoxify and exfoliate the skin so that it can more easily absorb sunscreen. 

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate, or Magnesium Sulfate. This naturally-occurring compound is known for its powerful pain-relieving, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used externally to relieve muscle soreness and reduce irritation, redness, and itchiness from sunburns, rashes, and bug bites. 

How Does Epsom Salt Work For Sunburn?

Epsom salt is considered one of the best natural treatments for sunburn. Because it dissolves easily in water, it’s commonly used in baths and soaks to provide relief from sore muscles and to reduce stress, swelling, and inflammation. This can be attributed to the inflammation-reducing properties of magnesium.

Epsom salt is easily absorbed through the skin, which means it quickly gets to the root of the problem to provide relief. If you’re suffering from the side effects of too much sun, you’ll be glad you have Epsom salt on hand.

How To Use Epsom Salt For Sunburn

Epsom Salt Bath Soak

Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is one of the most popular ways to take advantage of the benefits of Epsom salt.

An Epsom salt bath can help relieve pain from a sunburn, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of the mineral compound. Plus, you can buy lavender scented Epsom salt for an even more soothing soak or add lavender oil for extra sunburn relief. 

Speaking of soothing baths… you should learn how to make your own oatmeal bath. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax at home and provides lots of skincare benefits. 

Sunburn-Relieving Lotion 

Epsom salt can also be mixed with lotion to provide sunburn relief. I’ve found that this treatment is perfect for when children need quick relief but might not have the patience to soak in a bath. 

To make your own sunburn-relieving lotion, mix ½ cup of Epsom Salts and ½ cup of warm water, then add two cups of your favorite moisturizing lotion. Stir the mixture until well-combined, then transfer to a jar. Gently apply to the affected areas as needed.

Soothing Paste

For smaller sunburned areas, you might want to use a soothing paste. This DIY remedy also helps with rashes, stings, and bites. 

To make the paste, add a teaspoon of Epsom salt to one cup of hot water and stir the mixture until the salt is dissolved. Place the mixture in the fridge for about 20 minutes to cool. Before applying the paste, clean the affected area with mild soap and water and pat it dry. Then, apply the paste as needed.

There are dozens of uses for Epsom salt, including relief from painful sunburn.

I make sure to always have a bag of Epsom salt on hand. With so many different ways to use it, I never know when my family or I might need some. I’m super diligent about applying sunscreen. I never leave the house without proper sun protection, but I also know that accidents happen. In the event that I experience a bit of sunburn, I’m especially grateful for the relief Epsom salts provide. 

You can read about more of my favorite natural remedies and find plenty of beauty, health, and wellness tips over on my blog.