Summer is finally here, and with it comes warmer weather and that blazing hot sun! The best way to protect our skin is by not getting burnt in the first place, but for those times that we forget to protect our skin this homemade sunburn relief spray is the perfect thing!
The sunburn sprays at the store contain ingredients that I’d never put on my kids, so I knew I had to whip up a spray to have on hand for those days that we’re playing outside all day and completely forget about using the safe sun tips below.
How do we protect our skin from the sun?
We haven’t used store-bought sunscreen in many years, but with roots in the Middle East, we tend to have sun-friendly skin. 🙂 When we know for sure that we’ll be out in the sun for hours on end, we make sure to practice these safe sun tips:
- Wear light, breathable clothing to cover exposed skin, when possible, including hats and/or sunglasses.
- Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10am – 2pm, when the sun is at its hottest.
- Use a natural sunscreen and reapply often. I love MadeOn’s sunscreen, but in a pinch, I’ve also just applied some coconut oil before heading out.
Did you know that 80% of commercial sunscreens don’t really work or have worrisome ingredients?
My friend, Priscilla, over at Salam Mama just made this fun graphic to help us all remember some safe sun tips! The info comes from the Environmental Working Group, so you know it’s good, solid advice. 🙂
Homemade Sunburn Relief Spray
The sunburn relief spray we’re making today contains some of the best ingredients for healing and relieving the dry, itchy, burning skin that comes with a sunburn (ouch!).
Aloe vera is the go-to remedy for healing sunburned skin, and I vividly remember my grandmother slicing open a leaf from her aloe plant and rubbing the gel all over my shoulders as a kid. (you can buy aloe vera here)
Apple cider vinegar is one of my favorite, most versatile products ever, and I knew I had to include it for its itch relieving properties. (you can buy apple cider vinegar here)
Essential oils are also included for their therapeutic properties. Lavender is great for burns and itching. Peppermint is cooling and soothing (Not for use while pregnant, nursing, or on children under 6 years). Frankincense and rosemary are also great options! (you can buy essential oils here and here)
NOTE: Use this spray only AFTER you’ve gotten a burn, and make sure to stay out of the sun!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tbsp distilled water ( (optional, to dilute if needed))
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 1 4 oz spray bottle ( (glass or PET plastic))
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small jar and shake to mix well.
- Transfer to a spray bottle.
- Shake well before use.
- Spray liberally on sunburned skin several times a day until healed.
Notes
Store the spray in the fridge to keep it cold and extend shelf life.
Essential oils that can be used in this mix to help promote healing include rosemary, lavender, frankincense, and peppermint – thought peppermint should NOT be used on small children or pregnant or nursing women.
Other Ways to Heal a Sunburn
- Rub some aloe vera gel on it – the real stuff, not the green jelly gunk at the drug store. (where to buy)
- Make a sunburn relief salve.
- Dip some wash cloths in diluted apple cider vinegar (where to buy), wring them out, then either dab or lay them on the burned skin. You could also just add the diluted ACV to a spray bottle and spritz it on.
- Make an herbal tea infusion by steeping some dried herbs in boiling water for 20 minutes, strain, then refrigerate. Apply to skin just like the ACV method above. Some great herbs for this are chamomile, plantain, lavender, calendula, even green tea (you can buy herbs here!).
- Because itchy skin is a common sunburn symptom, you can also try some of the ideas in my homemade anti-itch remedies post or my bee sting remedies post.
- Take a soothing oatmeal bath.
How do you protect your family’s skin during the hot summer sun?
