• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Essential Oil Haven logo

  • Get Started
    • What are essential oils?
    • How to use essential oils
    • Price Comparison Chart
    • Dilution Rates Guide
    • Which essential oils are safe to ingest?
    • Blending Essential Oils
    • Essential Oil Storage Tips
    • What are hydrosols?
    • Understanding essential oil diffusers
    • Essential Oils A-Z
  • Essential Oil Brands
    • What are the Best Essential Oil Brands?
    • Amoils Healing Natural Oils
    • Ananda Apothecary
    • Aura Cacia
    • doTERRA
    • Edens Garden
    • Jade Bloom
    • Lisse Essentials
    • Miracle Essential Oils
    • Mountain Rose Herbs
    • Nature’s Fusions
    • NOW Foods
    • Ovvio Essential Oils
    • Plant Guru
    • Plant Therapy
    • REVIVE Essential Oils
    • Rocky Mountain Oils
    • Simply Earth
    • Starwest Botanicals
    • Young Living
  • Using Essential Oils
  • Carrier Oils
  • Diffuser Reviews
    • Best Diffusers Under $40
    • Standard Size Diffusers
      • Anton Diffuser
      • BriteLeafs 2-in-1 Diffuser
      • ECVISION Bamboo Diffuser
      • Edens Garden Ceramic Diffuser
      • ELEGIANT Essential Oil Diffuser Review
      • Greenair Spa Vapor Diffuser
      • Now Foods Diffuser
      • InnoGear Aromatherapy Diffuser
      • Pure Spa Essential Oil Diffuser Review
      • Smiley Daisy Diffuser
      • Urbane Sienna Dark Bamboo Diffuser
      • Teo Ceramic Diffuser
    • Mid-size Diffusers
      • Alpha Diffuser
      • Mofado Essential Oil Diffuser
      • URPOWER 300mL Diffuser
    • Large Capacity Diffusers
      • Archeer 300 mL Essential Oil Diffuser
      • Easehold 400 ml Essential Oil Large Capacity Diffuser & Humidifier
      • ECVISION Rechargeable Cordless Diffuser
      • URPOWER 500mL Diffuser
    • Best Portable Essential Oil Diffusers
      • Best Portable Essential Oil Diffusers
      • Aromatherapy Car Diffuser
      • GreenAir Scent Pod
      • ZAQ Mini Travel
  • Starter Kits
  • Blog
Home » Essential Oils Sunburn Treatment: An Easy DIY After Sun Skin Care Spray

Essential Oils Sunburn Treatment: An Easy DIY After Sun Skin Care Spray

July 16, 2017 by Emma Carter 4 Comments

349 Shares
Share23
Pin326
Tweet
Email

sunburn treatment essential oils

As we enjoy our summertime outside, sometimes we end up with a little sunburn or at least heavily sun exposed skin at the end of the day. Sunburn is not uncommon, and can be quite painful. How do you take care of your skin after a fun day spent outdoors?

Since I’ve been learning about essential oils and the natural sunburn remedy they can be, I have become inspired to create my own DIY after sun lotion, and let me tell you, it’s a hit! Everyone in my family loves this essential oils recipe and we have been using our homemade sunburn lotion regularly for our preferred after sun care product.

Even my husband, who is not usually all that excited about creams, lotions and potions, loves the after sun spray I made. He says it’s cooling, soothing, and his skin is left feeling smooth after application.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.

So here’s how I created this really effective, inexpensive yet luxurious feeling after sun skin care spray with essential oils for sunburn relief.

All you need is 5 simple ingredients, a fridge to store this in, and some sun-exposed skin.

Why Use Natural Sunburn Remedies?

Inexpensive cosmetic products and lotions use chemicals that my dry out your skin and lips rather than moisturize them. And even if you use good, high quality cosmetic products – I still believe you should be careful regarding the cosmetic products that you use on your skin and their chemical ingredients.

Natural ingredients such as aloe vera gel and essential oils help greatly in after sun skin care and can be found in any neighborhood pharmacy. If you stock a bottle of this miracle worker, the well-known aloe vera gel will come to your rescue many of times! Probably almost everyone has experienced sunburn at least one time in the course of their life. Sunburn is frequent and quite normal for those who have outdoor hobbies like skiing, golf, swimming, etc.

Introducing CBD by Plant Therapy: Available Now!

DIY After Sun Skin Care Spray Recipe

If you’re currently seeking natural sunburn relief, mix up this sunburn lotion using essential oils and other pure natural ingredients. It’s an easy recipe and quite an inexpensive solution to red, patchy, sun-burnt skin.

You can easily make this DIY essential oil after sun care spray at home following these simple steps and ingredients.

sunburn home remedy recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for Essential Oils Sunburn Lotion

  • 100 ml Spray bottle (these ones here work great!)
  • 1/3rd (~3 tbsp) Lavender hydrosol
  • 1/3rd (~3 tbsp) Witch hazel
  • 1/3rd (~3 tbsp) Aloe vera jelly
  • 14 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 7 drops Peppermint essential oil (Not for use on children under the age of 6 or children prone to seizures. In this case, omit or replace with more Lavender drops. Alternately, use peppermint hydrosol in this recipe instead of Lavender hydrosol.)

Directions

  1. In a 100 ml spray bottle, fill about 1/3rd of your bottle with the hydrosol. This equates to around 3 tablespoons.
  2. Add 1/3rd Witch Hazel.
  3. Top off with 1/3rd Lavender Aloe Vera jelly.
  4. Add essential oils.
  5. Close the cap, and shake well before use.
  6. Spray onto sun-exposed or burned skin for cooling effect and moisturizing relief. Spray as often as needed, but avoid spraying into the eyes!
  7. Keep the spray in your refrigerator for an even more soothing and cooling experience (yesssss!!) 😎.

Why This Recipe Works

I’d like you to know why and how essential oils and other natural ingredients work to help relieve sunburn and its associated symptoms such as pinkness or redness of the skin, pain, blistering, tenderness and itching ¹.

Spray Bottle

essential oils spray bottle

Amber Glass Spray Bottles
Get Them Here

I personally like to have an arsenal of small spray bottles rather than just a few big ones. This way, I can try different DIY recipes and decide which one(s) I like best, before committing to make a whole big bottle of one.

I also like to use amber/dark ones as the amber color helps protect the essential oils from sunlight exposure and helps them last longer. I store my spray in the fridge, so it’s dark in there, plus the cool temperature adds another level of refreshment to the sunburn lotion application.

Hydrosol – What is a Hydrosol?

Hydrosols are usually steam distilled and many times a by-product of the procedure for extracting essential oils. Hydrosols are made during the critical oil distillation procedure and can add value to your day-to-day skin care regimen or DIY home products recipes. Just like essential oils, a genuine hydrosol consists of only one distinct plant species.

hydrosols for sunburn

Plant Therapy Hydrosols
Shop for them here

The hydrosols smell highly aromatic, equally light and refreshing – and similar to their essential oil counterparts. However, they do not smell as deep as the essential oils. I’ve found the fragrance is usually much lighter. Be aware that hydrosols will vary in aroma compared to the essential oil scent you might be familiar with and expect.

Hydrosols are a fantastic all-around product and may be used in various ways. They are a great base solution to many DIY essential oil home product recipes. You may also use your hydrosol as a room freshener, or car freshener spray. Just spritz it into the air and enjoy! Hydrosols also make a fantastic all-natural body spray. As part of this after sun care spray recipe, hydrosol is used as one third of the liquid base.

Plant Therapy essential oil brand offers a small selection of 8 hydrosols: Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum, Lavender, Melissa, Peppermint, Rose, and Tea Tree (all ORGANIC). Shop for them here. I’m sure if you start experimenting with this, you’ll find your own personal favorites!

In case you decide to purchase some hydrosols, make sure you store them in a cool and dark place. I put mine in the fridge.

Witch Hazel

witch hazel for after sun skin care

Aloe Vera Witch Hazel
Get It Here

Witch hazel is frequently used to deal with various skin troubles. It is mostly recommended because of its properties that soothe mild skin irritations or itching ². Witch hazel heals damaged skin, and can therefore bring instant relief to a sunburn or inflamed skin. Using witch hazel on the affected area will lessen healing time, plus prevent your skin from peeling and flaking also. Make sure that while shopping for witch hazel, you opt for the alcohol free variety if you plan to use it for skin care.

I personally used the Thayer’s Witch Hazel Original, which is made with an added Aloe Vera formula. Aloe Vera is a powerhouse for skin restoration, so the more of it, the better!

Aloe Vera Jelly

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera Jelly

Aloe Vera comes from the Aloe Vera plant, which has been used as a herbal remedy for thousands of years. In Ayurvedic practice, it is called the “miracle plant”. It has soothing and cooling qualities and can especially help in promoting the healing of injured skin tissues. Homemade Aloe Vera gel can easily be attained if you have an Aloe Vera plant – simply cut open a leaf and remove the clear gel inside.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also recommends using a moisturizer containing Aloe Vera to reduce sunburn symptoms ³.

Lavender Essential Oil

plant therapy 100% pure essential oil lavender

Lavender Essential Oil from Plant Therapy
Get It Here

Lavender oil is considered to be one of the safest essential oils to use; and is one of the few that can be used to scent products for use on infants. It comes as no surprise then, that Lavender is now the most common and widely known essential oil. Lavender makes it possible to maintain and boost skin complexion. In aromatherapy, lavender is known for its relaxing, calming, and tension relieving properties. When used as part of a skin care regime, it can help reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and soothe skin impurities of all kinds, including sun exposure or a minor cooking burn.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Organic Peppermint Oil from Plant Therapy

Organic Peppermint Oil
Shop Here

Peppermint is a fresh oil that stimulates the senses and improves energy levels. Because of its menthol content, Peppermint has a lovely cooling effect on the skin and is a perfect companion in a natural sunburn relief recipe.

3PCS 100ml/3.34oz Refillable Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottle Atomizer Liquid Container Travel Makeup Sample Lotion Essential Oil Containers
Thayers Alcohol-Free Original Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula - 12 oz
Plant Therapy Lavender Aloe Aromatherapy Jelly 4 oz, Made with 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade 10 mL (1/3 oz)
Plant Therapy Peppermint Organic Essential Oil 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 30 mL (1 oz)
3PCS 100ml/3.34oz Refillable Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottle Atomizer Liquid Container Travel Makeup Sample Lotion Essential Oil Containers
Thayers Alcohol-Free Original Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula - 12 oz
Plant Therapy Lavender Aloe Aromatherapy Jelly 4 oz, Made with 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade 10 mL (1/3 oz)
Plant Therapy Peppermint Organic Essential Oil 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 30 mL (1 oz)
$9.97
$9.78
$10.95
$7.49
$13.95
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
3PCS 100ml/3.34oz Refillable Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottle Atomizer Liquid Container Travel Makeup Sample Lotion Essential Oil Containers
3PCS 100ml/3.34oz Refillable Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottle Atomizer Liquid Container Travel Makeup Sample Lotion Essential Oil Containers
$9.97
Buy on Amazon
Thayers Alcohol-Free Original Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula - 12 oz
Thayers Alcohol-Free Original Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula - 12 oz
$9.78
Buy on Amazon
Plant Therapy Lavender Aloe Aromatherapy Jelly 4 oz, Made with 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil
Plant Therapy Lavender Aloe Aromatherapy Jelly 4 oz, Made with 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil
$10.95
Buy on Amazon
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade 10 mL (1/3 oz)
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade 10 mL (1/3 oz)
$7.49
Buy on Amazon
Plant Therapy Peppermint Organic Essential Oil 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 30 mL (1 oz)
Plant Therapy Peppermint Organic Essential Oil 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 30 mL (1 oz)
$13.95
Buy on Amazon

How Much Does Making This Recipe Cost?

DIY’s are fun ways to experiment with natural ingredients, but I also like them to be cost-effective. To help you calculate (and compare) this sunburn lotion to other commercial options, here’s a breakdown of the recipe costs with the ingredients I used:

  • Lavender ORGANIC Hydrosol (16 oz @ $24.99) – Used ~1 oz: $1.56
  • Lavender Essential Oil (30 ml @ $14.95) & Peppermint Essential Oil (30 ml @ $12.95) – Used 21 drops combined, 20 drops are around 1 ml, so: $0.46 c for the oils
  • Lavender Aloe Vera Jelly (16 oz @ $19.95) – Used ~1 oz: $1.24
  • Thayers Witch Hazel (12 oz @ $8.76) – Used ~1 oz: $0.73
  • Spray Bottle (3-Pack @ $10.79) – Used 1: $3.59

Total Cost: $7.58
Total Cost for Refill: $3.99 
(re-use your spray bottles)

That’s a lot less than what you’d pay at a store – and it’s also a lot more natural, healthy, and sustainable.

Cautions & Contraindications

  • If you’re allergic to any of the organic products mentioned above, refrain from their usage.
  • For children under the age of 6, please consult your health care practitioner for information and guidelines. Also find more information here on age-appropriate aromatherapy.
  • Stop using any of the ingredients if you develop symptoms of a local skin reaction, such as increased redness, a rash or itchiness. Seek immediate medical care if you develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as a generalized rash or redness, swelling of the lips or tongue, shortness of breath, wheezing, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.
  • A severe sunburn often causes blisters and swelling. When the sunburn involves a large area of the body, a fever, chills, weakness or even loss of consciousness can occur. Seek prompt medical attention if you have a severe sunburn over a large region, especially if you notice any of these additional symptoms. Blisters should be allowed to drain on their own and the area kept clean once this has happened. See your doctor if you notice any pus, or worsening redness or swelling in the blister area, as this may indicate an infection.
  • The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about how to use essential oils. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.

Have you Tried It?

If you’ve made this DIY after sun skin care recipe, please share your experience with all of us in the comments below! Of course, it’s important to wear sunscreen at all times whenever you are likely to be outside and exposed to sunlight. Also, sun exposure tends to dehydrate a person, a headache may be caused by dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids.

To your well-being,
emma essential oil mama

Resources

¹ Sunburn Symptoms & Causes – MayoClinic.org
² Witch Hazel Uses & Effectiveness – WebMD.com
³ American Academy of Dermatology – Treating sunburn

Love this information? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board for future reference!

DIY after sun skin care spray with essential oils
natural sunburn remedy recipe
kid safe natural homemade DIY sunburn lotion

349 Shares
Share23
Pin326
Tweet
Email

Filed Under: Beauty DIY Recipes, Home Remedies: How to Use Your Essential Oils, How To Use Essential Oils

About Emma Carter

As I'm getting started with essential oils for more natural well-being in my life, I hope to provide you with many valuable resources, tips, tricks and reviews to help you do the same. My essential oils journey has evolved over the past 5 years and I am now also studying to become a Certified Aromatherapist!

You may also like:

amazon essential oils shopping guide

The Best Essential Oil Starter Kits You Can Buy On Amazon

7 DIY essential oil gift ideas (that you still have time to make!)

Essential Oils for Depression

essential oils gift guide 2019

Best Essential Oil Gift Ideas for Christmas 2019

Previous Post: « How to Repair your Young Living or doTerra Diffuser
Next Post: Nature’s Fusions Essential Oils Brand Review »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathy

    July 17, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Does the aloe gel clog up the spray? I’ve had that issue with Apple cider vinegar muck.

    Reply
  2. Tracy Pineau

    June 12, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    I’ve made the sunburn gel, it worked great. So soothing, will def be making more to keep on hand. Thanks

    Reply
  3. Janice Sventko

    July 28, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    which is the best essential oil on amazon?

    Reply
    • Emma Carter

      July 31, 2017 at 8:19 pm

      Hi Janice, I recommend Plant Therapy Essential Oils, they’re affordable but great quality and you can also buy from their organic line if you choose!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Meet Emma

essential oil haven author emmaHello and welcome to Essential Oil Haven! I'm an Aromatherapist in training. I use essential oils daily for more natural well-being in my life, and hope to provide you with many valuable resources, tips and reviews to help you do the same.
More about me…

Essential Oils Gift Guide Best essential oil diffusers under $40 Christmas Diffuser Blends for the Holidays Essential Oils for the Flu Essential Oils to Boost Your Immune System Essential Oils for Cough young living thieves blend comparison

Subscribe to my Newsletter

Recent Posts

amazon essential oils shopping guide

The Best Essential Oil Starter Kits You Can Buy On Amazon

7 DIY essential oil gift ideas (that you still have time to make!)

Essential Oils for Depression

essential oils gift guide 2019

Best Essential Oil Gift Ideas for Christmas 2019

uplifting essential oils

Top 10 Energizing Essential Oils that Uplift Your Mood

Oil Brand Reviews

Young Living Essential Oils

About Young Living Essential Oils

now foods diffusers

Now Foods Essential Oils Review

the ananda apothecary review

Ananda Apothecary Essential Oils Brand Review

Popular posts

essential oil diffuser

How to Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser

Edens Garden Essential Oils

Edens Garden Essential Oils Review

carrier oils guide

What Are Essential Oil Carrier Oils?

plant therapy oils review

Plant Therapy Essential Oils Brand Review

miracle essential oils

Miracle Essential Oils Review

Looking for a Deal?

NEW Kidsafe Winter Friends Set on Plant Therapy! LEARN MORE NOW

Why Buy Individual Oils When You Can Buy the Set? Save up to 48% Off When You Buy the 7&7 Essential Oil Set at Plant Therapy, Available Now!

Footer

Quick Links

  • What Are Essential Oils?
  • Best Essential Oil Brands
  • Aromatherapy Books
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Essential Oils for Beginners

elegiant aroma diffuser ultrasonic humidifier
essential oil diffuser blends for fall
top 5 essential oils for men

Copyright © 2019 Essential Oil Haven
All Rights Reserved. DMCA Notice. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Site Map