Sunburn? Let these oils work their magic!

Essential Oils for Sunburn: Recover From Too Much Fun in the Sun

Summertime is not all blue skies, beach outings, camping and BBQs. Sadly, summer brings sunburn with it too.

While sun exposure - at sensible levels - is essential for vitamin D production and good health, too much of a good thing is problematic.

Luckily, essential oils are the perfect antidote and can soothe sunburn fast.

Top 5 Essential Oils for Sunburn

When we've caught too many rays, we typically reach for the after sun lotion or gel. Unfortunately, even though it may feel soothing, these products are loaded with chemicals that do more harm than good to your skin and the environment in the long run.

Essential oils are a great natural alternative. The plant compounds contain antioxidants that penetrate the skin to encourage healing. Say goodbye to pain, redness and swelling and hello to soft, healed skin!

Keep reading as we discuss our 5 favorite essential oils to treat sunburn.

1. Woolzies After Sun Blend

Woolzies After Sun Blend is number one on our list because it's a super soothing and healing oil designed specifically for sunburned skin. It's an all-in-one blend with a comforting floral aroma using oils of ylang ylang, geranium, peppermint, chamomile and lavender. To relieve heat, pain, itchiness and skin peeling look no further than our After Sun Blend!

2. Woolzies Roman Chamomile Oil

The chamomile herb has a long history of use as a natural remedy and we love it as an after sun oil. Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties speed skin healing. Roman chamomile is also one of the safest and gentlest essential oils, which makes it perfect for use on children's sensitive skin.

On an emotional level, inhaling chamomile can reduce the anxiety and insomnia that may accompany painful and distressing sunburn.

3. Woolzies Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of our favorite oils because of its versatility - which also covers burns!

This earthy, floral essential oil has natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that have seen it come to the rescue time and again to calm down irritating sunburns. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties can prevent infections that occur when the skin's barrier is compromised.

Plus, much like chamomile, diffusing lavender oil can help to encourage sleep when you're tossing and turning from the pain.

4. Woolzies Peppermint Oil

The cooling effect you get from peppermint toothpaste and candy is due to peppermint's active ingredient, menthol - and it is good news for skin! Peppermint essential oil's cooling sensation is perfect for the heat of a sunburn. It is incredibly relieving when used topically, plus it has a numbing effect and acts as a natural painkiller.

As a bonus, inhaling peppermint oil can relieve sunstroke headaches.

5. Woolzies Rose Oil

Rose essential oil is a bit of a "miracle" skin oil and it rounds off our top 5 list. This intoxicating, sweet, floral oil - from the damask rose - is packed with antioxidants. Just a few drops can powerfully soothe, heal and hydrate your skin.

Using Essential Oils to Treat Sunburn

Now we've covered our favorite essential oils for sunburn, you're probably wondering how to use them for best results.

The most important rule is to dilute, dilute, dilute! You can't put these concentrated oils on healthy skin, let alone burnt and inflamed skin. Always use carrier oils - like argan, apricot, grapeseed, avocado, rosehip or jojoba oil - to dilute potent essential oils and make them safe for external use.

You'll want to use a ratio of 2-4 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, depending on the severity of your burn. Using this rule, you can gently massage any of the essential oils mentioned here into sunburn for immediate relief.

One of our favorite ways to use essential oils for soothing sunburn is by adding 5-10 drops to a lukewarm bath. All you need to do is soak while the oils get to work on your skin.

Similarly, a cold, damp washcloth with 4 drops of essential oils of your choice can be pressed to your skin to cool it down and relieve the sting. Repeat this as often as necessary.

Another way to easily soothe sunburn is to make a natural after sun spray. Combine 1 cup Aloe Vera juice, ¼ cup carrier oil and 10-20 drops of essential oils in a glass spray bottle. Suggestions of essential oils to use are our After Sun Blend or a combination of 5 drops lavender oil and 5 drops peppermint oil. Shake the mixture well before misting onto the skin as often as needed. We suggest making a batch of this spray and keeping it on hand all summer long!

Final Thoughts

The tips in this article don't give you license to get burnt. We believe the best way to treat sunburn is always to prevent it. However, once you've been affected, the essential oils discussed here will provide much-needed relief.

We encourage you to lather up with sunscreen, drink plenty of water and keep these essential oils close by while you enjoy the outdoors this summer!

Let us know, do you have a favorite essential oil for sunburn?