Soothe sunburn with this DIY cornstarch or baking soda paste. It calms redness, relieves itch, and cools skin—perfect for large or sensitive areas.
Introduction
Sunburn happens, and when it does, your skin craves calm, cooling care. Instead of reaching for a lotion that might sting, try this fast and gentle DIY cornstarch or baking soda paste. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for soothing itchy, inflamed, or overheated skin—especially on larger or more sensitive areas. Whether you’ve been gardening, beaching, or just forgot the sunscreen, this natural remedy has your back.
Benefits of This DIY Product – 4–6 skin benefits
- Draws out heat to cool sunburned skin quickly
- Calms inflammation and reduces redness
- Soothes itchiness without heavy products
- Gentle enough for sensitive or wide areas
- Uses safe, non-toxic kitchen ingredients
- Easy to make in under 2 minutes
Ingredients Overview – Bullet list with brief purposes
- Cornstarch or baking soda – Provides anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits, relieves itching
- Cool water – Helps draw out heat and form a calming, spreadable paste
Instructions – Step-by-step, including tools
- In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or baking soda.
- Slowly stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cool water, adjusting until you reach a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Apply directly to sunburned skin using clean fingers or a soft spatula.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to cool and soothe the area.
- Rinse off with cool water, then pat dry gently with a soft towel.
- Repeat once daily as needed for comfort and relief.
How to Use It – Frequency, amount, skin type, patch test tips
- Apply once per day for sunburned, itchy, or hot-feeling skin.
- Use a thin layer over affected areas—great for backs, legs, and arms.
- Patch test first, especially for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
- Suitable for most skin types, but baking soda may be too drying for very dry or sensitive skin.
Storage & Shelf Life – Storage tips + expiration
- Use paste fresh whenever possible for best results.
- Store any leftover paste in the fridge for up to 24 hours, covered tightly.
- Stir before reuse, and discard if it dries out or separates.
Customization Tips – Variations for oily/dry/sensitive skin
- For oily skin: Use baking soda for its absorbent properties.
- For dry or sensitive skin: Stick with cornstarch; it’s gentler and less drying.
- For extra cooling: Mix in a teaspoon of aloe vera gel or chill paste before use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid – 3–5 points
- Using warm or hot water, which can worsen irritation
- Leaving the paste on too long, leading to dryness or flaking
- Not rinsing off completely, which may leave residue
- Using flavored or scented baking soda, which may irritate
- Applying to broken or blistered skin, which can increase discomfort
FAQs – At least 5 common questions and helpful answers
1. Which is better—cornstarch or baking soda?
Cornstarch is gentler, while baking soda offers more absorbency. Choose based on your skin type.
2. Can I use this on my face?
Yes, but avoid the eyes and patch test first, especially with baking soda.
3. Can I chill the paste before applying?
Absolutely—refrigeration adds extra cooling power and feels great on hot skin.
4. How long should I leave it on?
10–15 minutes is ideal; longer may dry out the skin.
5. Is this safe for kids?
Yes, for mild sunburns—just patch test first and avoid applying near eyes or open blisters.
Conclusion
Sunburn recovery doesn’t need to be complicated. With just two everyday ingredients, this DIY paste offers instant comfort, itch relief, and gentle healing for inflamed summer skin. Whip it up in minutes, soothe your skin naturally, and be sure to share your favorite summer skincare hacks using #sunburnrelief and #diyskincare on Pinterest or Instagram!