Summer in New Zealand brings long, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures—but sunburn can quickly turn a great day into a painful reminder to protect your skin. While prevention is always best, sometimes the sun catches us off guard. If you've ended up with sunburn, epsom salt offers a natural, soothing remedy that can help calm irritated skin and speed up recovery.
Why Epsom Salt Works for Sunburned Skin
Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulphate, minerals that have been used for centuries to ease inflammation and support healing. When your skin is sunburned, it's essentially inflamed—the sun's UV rays damage the outer layers, causing redness, heat, and discomfort. Epsom salt helps by reducing inflammation, drawing out heat from the burned area, and promoting relaxation so your body can focus on repair.
Unlike harsh chemical treatments, epsom salt is gentle and naturally calming, making it ideal for tender, sensitive sunburned skin.
How to Use Epsom Salt for Sunburn Relief
The Soothing Bath
One of the easiest ways to use epsom salt for sunburn is a cool (not cold) bath. Fill your tub with lukewarm water and dissolve 1–2 cups of epsom salt. Soak for 15–20 minutes, allowing the minerals to absorb into your skin and reduce inflammation. The magnesium also promotes muscle relaxation, which can ease the tension that often comes with sunburn discomfort.
Compress Method
For targeted relief on specific areas—like your shoulders or the back of your neck—dissolve a handful of epsom salt in cool water and soak a clean cloth. Apply the compress directly to the burned area for 10–15 minutes. This method works particularly well if you can't take a full bath or prefer localised treatment.
Gentle Foot Soak
If your feet and legs are sunburned, a foot soak with epsom salt can be incredibly soothing. Use warm (not hot) water with half a cup of epsom salt and soak for 15 minutes. Your feet will thank you, and the minerals will help calm inflammation.
Tips for Best Results
- Use cool water, not hot. Hot water can worsen sunburn and increase inflammation. Lukewarm or cool water is gentler on damaged skin.
- Don't scrub or exfoliate. Let the epsom salt do the work—avoid adding other products or treatments that might irritate already-sensitive skin.
- Pat dry gently. After soaking, pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
- Moisturise afterward. Follow up with a light, fragrance-free moisturiser to lock in hydration while your skin heals.
- Repeat as needed. You can use epsom salt baths daily until the sunburn subsides, typically 3–5 days.
Combine with Other Natural Care
Epsom salt works best as part of a holistic sunburn recovery plan. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear loose clothing to avoid friction on burned areas, and stay out of the sun while your skin heals. If you have severe blistering or systemic symptoms like fever or chills, consult a healthcare provider.
Prevention is Still Key
Of course, the best sunburn remedy is prevention. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM). But if you do get caught out, epsom salt offers a natural, accessible way to soothe and support your skin's recovery.
Keep a supply of quality epsom salt on hand for post-sun self-care. Your skin will appreciate the gentle, mineral-rich relief.