It works as an occlusive, trapping moisture into the skin.

When should you put coconut oil on a sunburn?

When you touch them, the skin feels heated and sensitive.

Woman applying oil to legs

Placing oil on top of sizzling skin will only entrap the heat, worsening your symptoms.

Since oil heats up, it’s best to place a cooling ingredient on top of your skin instead.

To heal a sunburn, place aloe vera on top of the affected area.

Sunburned shoulder

Choose one without fragrance or dyes, as they can potentially irritate the skin further.

The gel promptly soothes and cools the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial nature.

After a few hours, your skin should start to cool down.

Spraying sunscreen on legs

Wait until then, or when the sunburn starts to peel, to rub some coconut oil on.

If the sunscreen you’re using is chemical, consider switching to a mineral one instead.

You should also be reapplying your sunscreen at least every two hours.

Whenever you get out of the water or sweat away the sunscreen, put some more back on.

For aspray-on sunscreen, spritz it on until each body part is glistening.

Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you should attempt to avoid sunshine.

Although it’s a significant time window, this is when UV rays are at their strongest.