Essential Oils For Sunburn

Is it just me or has it been hot lately? Like really hot?

If you’ve been out in the sun recently and forgotten to put on that second or third application of sunscreen, you might find yourself a little, or a lot burnt.

You know the warning signs, the slight tightness or heat. Maybe your skin has turned beyond red after spending a beautiful day at the beach, sorry to say, it means you have a sunburn. It’s not only painful, but it leaves your skin red, warm, tender and sore. Though this is a mild and usually temporary condition, it is something that should not be ignored as too much can get painful. And it can increase the risks of skin problems like skin cancer and wrinkles later on in life.

How the sun ‘burns’ your skin

It is easy to to forget how strong the sun and UV rays are when you’re outdoors, especially at the beach as the wind and time spent in the water cools the skin. I did this just last week, though I should have known better, and woke up next day immediately realizing my shoulders were burnt.

Sunburn, including any tan or color on your skin, is your body’s responses to extreme UV exposure which can lead to the consequent damage to the DNA in your skin. It’s actually a decently serious thing. The redness associated with it is a consequence of extra blood in the capillaries.

This is why your burnt skin turns white when you press it, and returns to red when the capillaries refill. Normally your skin first gets red, sore, warm and tender, it starts flaking and peeling off after a few days and in most cases, heals within 7 days, and then we forget all about it until it happens again next time.

Of course the best thing to do to avoid this whole painful situation all together is to make sure you use sun protection, and to remember to reapply. It is recommended need to reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors.

Who is prone to sunburn?

Each person’s skin reacts differently with the sun. Some people have more sensitive skin and are more prone to it getting burnt. Let’s see if you’re in the higher risk category:

Those with fair and light skin
People who have a habit of using tanning beds
Those on photo-sensitizing medications, which make you more susceptible to burns
Those with red or fair hair and freckles
People living in areas under ozone holes
Those who frequently go outdoors when the sun rays are most intense, between 10 am and 3 pm
People exposed to sunlight at high altitudes
Those living or visiting countries located near the equator

Essential oil for sunburn

Most people apply cosmetics like creams, lotions, salves and in extreme cases, may even consider undergoing some medical or chemical procedures for relief from sunburn. However, though all of them do provide relief, they do come with their share of side effects.

A better, natural effective option, is to use essential oil for sunburn relief. These oils have natural healing properties which not only quickly heal skin wounds and burns, but also soften, moisten and beautify your skin. It shouldn’t be surprising that essential oils are an important ingredient in most natural skin care products.

Essential oils help promote your skin’s health as they contain anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They also have cooling properties, which is how and why they can provide immediate relief, and also help hydrate to give you healthy and glowing skin.

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Here we have listed what essential oils is good for sunburn and their recipes. Find relief for your blistered and tanned skin:

1. Lavender and aloe vera gel

It’s the antifungal, antibacterial and carminative properties of lavender essential oil that make it useful for healing burnt skin, and other skin problems. Then you have, aloe Vera which has active compounds which help reduce pain and inflammation, and stimulates skin growth and repair, making it helpful at providing relief to blistered skin. Mix the two together and you have a insta cooling combination ready to get your damaged skin back on track.

How to use: Mix about 10 drops of lavender oil with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl. Apply the mixture on the sunburn using a cotton ball, and repeat twice a day till the burn is healed.

2. Chamomile oil and milk blend

Chamomile oil is used for treating ailments including burns and bruises, while milk provides an excellent compress for minor burns. Mixing both with some lavender oil provides an excellent home remedy for the burnt or blistered areas.

How to use: Mix 8 drops each of chamomile and lavender oils with 15 ml milk. Add the blend to your bathtub filled with cold water. Once the ingredients are thoroughly dispersed in the water, immerse and keep your body in it for 15 minutes or longer for relief.

3. Peppermint essential oil

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Peppermint essential oil is a natural cooling agent while its menthol’s numbing properties help reduce the pain of burnt skin. When applied to the skin, peppermint essential oil immediately hydrates and cools the affected area.

Best application: Keep in mind that this oil is potent and it should be used in the diluted form or with a carrier oil. Mix 1-2 drops of the oil with 1-2 tsp. of aloe Vera gel and apply the paste on the sun-damaged skin for quick relief.

4. Sandalwood essential oil

Sandalwood essential oil has cooling properties which calm and soothes sunburn inflammation to help get rid of the tans and germs that lead to an infection.

Best application: Mix 1-2 drops of sandalwood essential oil, with a drop of turmeric essential oil, and 30 grams of coconut oil. Then gently apply the mixture on the affected skin for immediate relief as turmeric essential oil also has antiseptic properties.

Sunburns take time to heal

When you’re out in the sun don’t forget you can use baby oil to help you tan, and oil for burns when you’ve fallen sleep under the rays. While essential oils can help provide a wonderful natural remedy for suntanned skin. don’t expect overnight effects as sun damaged skin is very sensitive, and needs time to heal.

Though it may be tempting, remember not to apply too much of these remedies on your skin. This is one case where more does not equal better. Remember your skin is sensitive and essential oils are powerful, applying too much may aggravate instead of treating the condition, especially with children. And remember, next time, try not to forget the sunscreen.