Natural Sunburn Relief After a Day at the River

Some days, no matter how great they are, leave you needing a little natural sunburn relief. We spent the morning soaking up sunshine, splashing in the river, and enjoying the kind of slow, screen-free fun that feeds the soul. The kids were in and out of the water, chasing minnows and skipping rocks, while the grownups caught up with friends, passed around snacks, and watched the chaos unfold with full hearts.

It was the kind of day we’ll all remember — and the kind of day that can leave you a little pink if you’re not careful.

We don’t use commercially made sunscreen. That stuff is awful for you. But that’s a post for another day. Unfortunately sunburns occasionally happen despite hats, shade breaks, and coverups. This time, I caught more sun than I realized, and by the time we got home, I could feel the heat radiating off my skin.

Luckily, I had just finished making a big batch of pickles, and my fridge was full of cucumber scraps. Waste not, want not — I put them to work in a homemade sunburn soother spray.

Why Cucumber for Sunburn Relief?

Cucumbers are naturally cooling and anti-inflammatory. Combine that with aloe vera juice, a splash of raw apple cider vinegar to balance the skin, and a touch of colloidal silver for its soothing, antimicrobial properties — and you’ve got yourself a simple, natural remedy that really works.

Want to Try It?

I’ve put together a printable recipe card you can download and keep on hand. It’s a super easy blend you can make with what you likely already have in your kitchen.

👉 Click here to download the recipe card

Whether you’re a homesteading mama, a backyard adventurer, or just someone who spent a little too long on the water, this spray is a great way to show your skin a little love — naturally.

Let me know if you try it, and feel free to share your favorite sunburn remedies in the comments below!