Essential Oils for Sunburn Relief
While there might not be a definite cure for a sunburn, there are some essential oils that can help to soothe your skin and provide relief from the pain and inflammation. Keep reading to learn more about the best essential oils for sunburn relief and how to use them effectively to soothe a sunburn.
How Do Essential Oils Provide Sunburn Relief?
There are so many benefits to essential oils, it’s no wonder they’re a popular choice for skincare. From helping with acne and blackheads, all the way to wrinkles prevention or fighting against signs of aging and then, for sunburn relief.
If you’ve ever experienced a sunburn, you know that it’s not only uncomfortable but can also be quite painful. A sunburn is the result of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources.
These ultraviolet rays damage the skin and cause inflammation. Essential oils are made up of highly potent ingredients that help relieve sunburn symptoms by providing some relief.
It might sound too good at first but there really is something special about these little bottles filled with pure natural goodness.
So, what essential oils are good for sunburn?
Essential Oils for Sunburn Relief
1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil can be used as a natural sunburn treatment and skin protection. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness, dryness or peeling from minor burns on the body.
Tea tree oil also helps prevent other skin problems such as acne breakouts due to its antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree, therefore, is one of the best essential oils for sunburn relief because it can help soothe your skin while preventing the sunburn from getting worse.
2. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is a natural remedy for boils and sunburn. According to ScienceDirect, it is used in dermatitis, eczema, aging skin, and some fungal infections. It can be applied topically (after proper dilution) as an anti-inflammatory lotion that helps relieve pain from the searing flames of the sun’s UV rays on your skin! Geranium oil also seems to possess anti-diabetic, anticancer, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is known for its cooling effects and can be used to help soothe sunburns. It will also reduce the pain from blisters on your skin, which is why it’s a great idea if you want relief fast!
In short, peppermint oil is a refreshing and invigorating way to soothe sunburns. Just add 2-3 drops of the peppermint EO into your favorite carrier such as coconut or almond, massage onto the affected area for a cooling, soothing sensation.
4. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil has been long used for its skin and sunburn management properties. It is a natural painkiller with anti-inflammatory effects that can ease the discomfort of itchy, burned or irritated areas on your body, as well as, reduce inflammation from many types of skin damage.
Chamomile is best used topically (apply externally) for sunburn relief.
For an added bonus, we recommend adding some lavender for a soothing effect from sunburn.
5. Lavender EO
Lavender can be used to help soothe skin and prevent sunburn. It has a calming, relaxing effect on the body that makes it perfect for treating sores or minor burns when applied topically.
According to this study, lavender is well documented for the treatment of abrasions, burns, stress, headaches, in promotion of new cell growth, skin problems, painful muscles, and boosting an immune system.
6. Eucalyptus EO
Eucalyptus oil benefits are incredible. This oil is a great way to soothe sunburn pain and promote healing. Its antiseptic, astringent properties make it an effective treatment for other types of skin irritation as well.
The benefits of eucalyptus essential oil for sunburn include soothing, cooling, and improving skin redness caused by sunburn. This healing oil also contains antioxidants that help protect from free radicals.
Eucalyptus is also a natural purifier and can be used in home remedies and is most often recognized for its ability to help heal colds when inhaled through the nose due to its menthol scent which opens up nasal passage traffic.
Carrier Oils for Sunburn
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are the perfect way to dilute your essential oils for topical application. Essential oils are highly potent and are mostly not safe to use topically without proper dilution using carrier oils. They are also made from plants just like essential oils. Carrier oils are quite unscented, making them great for use with essential oils.
If you want to learn more about carrier oils, then check out this detailed post on that.
Best Carrier Oils for Sunburn Treatment
1. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is a potent antioxidant that can help protect your skin from pollution and other environmental factors. It also helps reduce fine lines.
Vitamin E oil helps treat acne and other skin conditions, regulates sebum production in the pores of your face, reduces inflammation around wounds, and promotes wound healing!
This amazing oil also has incredible benefits for dry, brittle nails and hair growth, too.
2. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is a natural carrier oil that can help soothe your skin after getting too much sun. The oil is packed with antioxidants and Vitamins A, C, and E which promote healthy cell development while fighting off free radicals in the process! Plus, it smells great too.
Rosehip will help calm your painful sunburn and soothe any redness that may arise on the surface of your body after being exposed to direct sunlight without protection.
Mix with mild essential oils such as lavender or chamomile to help calm your sunburn.
Essential Oils for Stretch Marks
3. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a great oil to moisturize and heal your skin. It’s rich in vitamin E which helps prevent wrinkles by promoting collagen production. Almond oil may also help protect against sun damage.
Almond oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated or sensitive skin; it also has antibacterial effects preventing acne by fighting off bacteria buildup inside pores.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a fabulous moisturizer for the skin. It can soothe irritated or dry patches, restore hydration to especially aggravated areas on your body (such as elbows), fight acne and eczema by calming their symptoms, and provide your skin with protection against sun damage!
5. Aloe Vera Oil
Use aloe vera oil to soothe your sunburn and speed up its healing.
The benefits of this natural remedy for a hot, painful skin condition like burning are countless: it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and it helps heal cuts quickly. If you have aloe vera gel, it also works great to help provide a soothing and calming effect on sore parts!
Sunburn Relief Recipe with Essential Oils
You Will Need:
- 2 drops Chamomile EO
- 2 drops Lavender EO
- 2 drops Peppermint EO
- 1 drop Tea Tree EO
- 2 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
- 2 tbsp Witch Hazel
Directions: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake thoroughly. Spray on to affected skin area. Store the rest in your fridge for later.
Conclusion
Essential oils have many different uses, and sunburn relief is just one of them. If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe your skin after a long day in the sun, essential oils may be the answer.
The recipe above uses essential oils for sunburn relief, but feel free to experiment with other combinations.
Note: There’s only so much essential oils can do and you should definitely seek medical attention if you do not get any relief from using essential oils.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880962/
