Sunburn causes dehydration, making already compromised skin even drier. Make sure to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day while you're recovering.

Aloe. The hydrating juice of the aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years to treat skin conditions. You can buy packaged aloe vera gel at most drugstores, and any grocery stores sell large aloe leaves. To use, cut off a small piece and squeeze out the gel, rubbing over affected area.

Lavender oil can be used for first aid to disinfect, reduce inflammation and treat a variety of common ailments, including everything from sunburn to insect bites and stings, tension headaches, pain relief and minor burns. It has long been used as a folk remedy to soothe frayed nerves and treat stress-related conditions, such as upset stomach and tension headaches. For bites and stings clean and dry the affected area. Then apply a few drops of oil directly to the bite or sting. For sunburn or sunstroke dilute 10 drops of lavender oil in 25 mL of carrier oil (olive oil, sunflower or jojoba oil) and apply topically to the affected area. Lavender is one of the only essential oils that can safely be applied to the skin without first diluting it in a carrier oil. Note: Lavender oil should never be swallowed or ingested.

Yogurt is renowned for its cooling properties all over the world. To treat a sunburn, smooth on plain yogurt containing live cultures Allow to dry, then gently rinse in cool water. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Zinc helps stimulate the body's healing process. You can take zinc in tablet or lozenge form or get it through food. Zinc-rich foods include wheat germ, oysters, bran cereal, pumpkin seeds, cashews and pine nuts.