Not much, according to Dr. Neera Agarwal-Antal of the University of Utah Department of Dermatology.
Sunburn is considered a first-degree burn.
Any cooling agent that makes the skin feel better is good, but never use anything greasy that coats the skin. That includes butter and, especially, heavily perfumed creams. Many people swear by the burn-healing effects of the actual aloe vera plant, with the gel inside the fleshy leaves being crushed and applied directly to the skin. The painful effects of a sunburn will peak within 72 hours, but don't waste money on lotions that promise to prevent blistering or peeling. Regardless of cosmetic claims, she adds, there's no cream that will remove the effects of sun damage.