A sunburn is the result of going out unprotected into the sunshine. Sun damage, including sunburn, is oxidative damage to the skin, which leads to the conclusion that a high amount of antioxidant essential oils and carriers, along with an antioxidant-dense diet, will be primary for protection. There are some potent protective measures and applications for sun protection using aromatherapy remedies as well as supersoothing recipes for existing sunburn.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for sunburn are:
• Frankincense
• German chamomile
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
An Ounce of Prevention
For protection from sun damage, eat a high-antioxidant diet, and apply an antioxidant lotion or cream daily. Your skincare treatment should be loaded with antioxidant oils, such as olive, sunflower, raspberry, and rose-hip seed. These steps don’t replace a mineral-based sunscreen.
These aromatherapy methods are the soothing solution when the sun has turned your skin the burning side of red.
• Comforting balm. Create a DIY after-sun treatment with a mixture of essential oils and pure aloe vera gel.
• Soothing soak. Add healing and calming oils to a lukewarm bath for allover relief.
• Skin spray. One of the easiest ways to apply healing essential oils to sunburn is to mix them with water and spritz them onto sunburned skin.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Heal with honey. Applying honey to a sunburn will soothe and heal inflamed skin.
• Soak in oatmeal. Add finely ground oatmeal to a bath to subdue the burn.
• Apply aloe. Cut open a leaf of aloe vera and lightly apply its healing inner gel to the sunburn.
Get some quick relief and promote fast recovery with these essential-oil remedies.
Top choices for burns, frankincense and lavender make an effective combo for soothing inflamed skin. Use this spray, as needed, until the sunburn heals.
30 drops lavender oil
10 drops frankincense oil
1 4-ounce dark-glass spray bottle
4 ounces distilled water
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend, then add in the water. Spritz onto sunburned skin. Allow the mixture to air dry before putting on clothes.
Sandalwood essential oil has regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties for soothing skin. Add it to the healing and hydrating effects of aloe vera and coconut oil, and you have a much appreciated after-sun aromatherapy treatment.
10 drops sandalwood oil
4 teaspoons pure aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon coconut oil
10 drops lavender oil
1 1-ounce dark-glass bottle
Add all of the ingredients to the bottle and shake to blend. Gently apply the mixture to the affected area with your fingers or a cotton ball.