But every expert we conferred with said: Not so fast—in fact, not ever. And when used improperly, apple cider vinegar can cause chemical burns on the skin. “There are published reports of apple cider vinegar causing chemical burns—because of this, I would not recommend it for sunburns. It has the potential to make healing and scarring worse,” says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group. Morgan Rabach, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC agrees: Avoid acids on damaged skin. “No, I would not recommend using an acid on damaged, sunburned skin!” she says. Aloe vera—because of its naturally moisturizing, and subsequently healing, properties—has been shown in research to help heal2 first- and second-degree burns on the skin. Some research has found that aloin3, a compound found in the aloe plant, has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the skin-healing process. Aloe is also chock-full of antioxidants, and one antioxidant protein, in particular, called metallothionein, has been found to have a protective effect on skin4 that’s been exposed to and damaged by UV rays. The plant is also incredibly hydrating, which could help combat the skin peeling that usually takes effect post-sunburn. In general, any calming anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents (that don’t have any exfoliating properties) can help far better than apple cider vinegar. Try this suggestion: “Adding green tea bags to a cool bath can help a sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm and soothe inflamed skin,” says Gabriel.
