By The Green Parent
26th May 2018
While careful sun exposure can be very beneficial, sunburn can be very harmful and should absolutely be avoided. I’ve found that I don’t burn nearly as easily since changing my diet, but (rarely) sunburn still happens. When it does, I try to find ways to reduce the pain and redness quickly but also to help the body heal and hopefully minimize the damage.
ALOE VERA is an age-old remedy for sunburn. It can be very cooling, but I’ve found that the plant works better than a gel or lotion.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR is the most effective remedy I’ve tried for the pain of sunburn. Diluted, it is considered an effective remedy for sunburn, but I’ve found that it is more effective when combined with a strong tea of soothing herbs.
- HOW TO MAKE IT: Boil 1 cup of water and add 2 tablespoons of dried mint leaf, lavender flowers, and dried plantain leaf. Let cool. Once cool, strain out the herbs. Add an equal amount of apple cider vinegar to the cooled tea mixture and pour in to a spray bottle. Spray on burn as often as needed to cool and soothe the pain.
COCONUT OIL can be used as a mild sunscreen. I’ve seen SPF ratings for coconut oil ranging from 5-10 SPF. It isn’t strong enough to use alone for all-day sun exposure but is a great every day option for mild sun protection and skin health. Many people also swear by it for helping with sunburn. I haven’t tried it the day of a burn, but have used it for the few days after that and it seems to help stop peeling and reduce the redness more quickly.
MORE INSPIRATION
READ Katie’s super useful blog at wellnessmama.com where you’ll find recipes and tips
CREATE Make your own homemade sunscreen using just six ingredients - wellnessmama.com/2558/homemade-sunscreen
TRY THIS AT HOME
MAKE YOUR OWN BALM
Jo at braintreeclothing.com shares her after sun recipe.
This homemade lotion is filled with skin healing ingredients. Shea butter, olive oil and coconut oil are of course excellent natural moisturisers. Aloe Vera is well-known for its healing and soothing properties and lavender essential oil is great for healing, cooling and soothing irritated skin, as well as smelling good too!
- 4 tsp of aloe vera
- 4 tsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 2 tsp shea butter
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- empty pot or bottle for storage.
Simply measure out all of your ingredients and mix together into a thick creamy paste. Pour into a recycled jar, and decorate with a ribbon if you’re planning on giving as a gift.
