How to Use Essential Oils for Sunburn Relief

The most recommended of the essential oils for sunburn relief is lavender because it soothes and helps heal burns.

Make sure the lavender you use is 100% true lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). Lavandin, which is sometimes sold as lavender or mixed with true lavender, can irritate burns.

Important: When you have a sunburn, if you develop nausea, chills, fever, faintness, general weakness, extensive blistering, intense itching, or patches of purple discoloration, get medical attention.

Lavender Sunburn Blend

Do not use this blend on broken skin.

• 4 teaspoons aloe vera gel or juice
• 1 teaspoon arnica-infused oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Blend the ingredients in a 1-ounce glass jar. Stir the blend before use and apply it with a cotton ball.

Source: The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

Sunburn Sponge Bath

To ease pain and burning sensations, make a home remedy for sunburn by mixing the following ingredients:

• 3 drops lavender essential oil
  
• 3 drops roman chamomile essential oil
• 3 drops geranium essential oil
  
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup tepid water

Use a sponge to gently apply the mixture to sunburned skin.

Source: Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home

Sun Oil for Skin Care

• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) sesame oil (not toasted sesame!)
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) calendula oil
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops carrot seed essential oil

Combine all ingredients in bottle with cap. Shake well. Use after sun exposure to moisturize skin.

Source: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

Alternative to Lavender for Sunburn

You can make this oil to apply to sunburn several times a day:

• 3 drops roman chamomile 
• 2 drops geranium 
• 1 teaspoon almond oil

Mix ingredients in a small dark bottle.

Source: 500 Formulas For Aromatherapy

Sunburn Home Remedies for Kids 

For a child's sunburn, do one or all three of the following steps.

Step 1:

• Add 6 drops of lavender essential oil to a basin of water.
• Dip a piece of flannel into the water.
• Wring out excess water and apply flannel to sunburned area until the area cools.

Step 2:

For a soothing bath, add 6 to 10 drops of lavender to bathtub of lukewarm water, and have your child soak for 20 minutes.

Step 3:

After the bath, mix 4 ounces of aloe vera gel with 20 drops of lavender and shake well. Apply some of the mixture to the sunburn. You can continue to apply this mixture several times a day until the burn heals.

Source: Healing With Aromatherapy

Sprays Using Essential Oils for Sunburn

For a sunburn mist, mix the following ingredients in a 12-to-16 ounce fine mist spray bottle: 

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 8 drops lavender essential oil 
• 2 drops roman chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops geranium essential oil 

Shake before each use. Mist your sunburned skin, avoiding your eyes.

Aloe Vera Sunburn Spray

• 1/2 cup aloe vera spray
• 1/8 cup coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• Glass spray bottle

1. In a double-boiler, over medium heat, combine the aloe vera spray and coconut oil. Stir the mixture until melted and combined.
2. Remove the mixture from the heat.
3. Blend in essential oils.
4. Pour the mixture into the spray bottle. Let cool.

To use: Spray the blend onto sunburned areas, avoiding your eyes and other sensitive areas. Store the spray in a cool place.

Source: Aloe Vera Beauty Tips and Recipes

Sunburn Mist With Vinegar

• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) aloe vera juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 50 drops (1/2 teaspoon) lavender essential oil

1. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. 
2. Shake well before using the mixture, and spray on skin as needed to relieve pain.
3. For additional cooling relief, keep the bottle in the refrigerator.

Other home sunburn remedies:

• Add 2 cups apple cider vinegar to cool bath water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
  
  
• Apply cold aloe vera gel or juice to sunburn as often as needed.
  
  
• Spray chilled lavender or roman chamomile hydrosol on the sunburn.
  

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Photo Credit: Phil Kates/Flickr/CC