For skin that’s seen a little too much sun, try this simple DIY after-sun spray to soothe, cool and restore skin.

Every year, I try my best not to burn. But without fail, every summer I manage to either burn or get slightly pink. This is usually at the beginning of summer, when my skin is adjusting to the strengthening summer sun.

You know how it goes…

You’re out with the family, enjoying a beautiful picnic on a warm summer’s day. Time goes by, you then get immersed in a game of touch football – though you have no idea how to play and so bluff your way through it. This takes you through to mid-afternoon, and by then, you’re a little sweaty and feeling a touch hot on the skin. There isn’t much cover for shade, you’ve forgotten the sunscreen – along with everyone else in the family – and so accept the prospect that you’re probably going to go pink after today’s excitement.

Which you end up paying for later…

I’ve had this happen one-too-many-times which is why I started making this natural healing remedy for times like these.

I really try an avoid getting burnt, as I’m aware how damaging it can be to skin… But I get caught out at least once every summer, so having this soothing sun spray on hand is really helpful.

The Soothing Properties of this After-Sun Spray

The ingredients used are specifically chosen for their ability to help sooth sunburnt skin:

• Lavender: Lavender essential oil is very well-known for its ability to soothe and repair occasional skin irritations, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil delivers a soothing, cooling sensation to skin due to the menthol it contains. If you have very sensitive skin, start out with a smaller amount of peppermint oil – or do a small tester on skin beforehand to see how you’ll react – just to make sure the spray isn’t too intense for your skin.
• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can help accelerate healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a wonderful moisturiser, and may help to relieve dry, itchy skin by replenishing skin’s moisture.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is great for relieving pain and redness due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and acts as a wonderful moisturiser, helping to avoid the peeling that often comes with sun burn. The gel encourages the production of collagen, which aids in the healing process, helping to improve skin firmness, dryness and elasticity.
• Witch hazel: Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory properties (just like aloe) which help reduce the discomfort that comes with sunburn. It can be particularly soothing if paired with aloe vera.

Before we get started in learning how to make this all-natural after-sun spray – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!

DIY After-Sun Spray

This after sun spray takes only 2 minutes to make and is super effective! It’s cooling, soothing and feels wonderful on inflamed skin.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1-2 tbsp fractionated coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5-10 drops tea tree oil
• 5 drops chamomile essential oil
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• Glass spray bottle

To make:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to combine.
2. Apply generously onto skin that needs cooling and soothing from being outside in the sun for too long. Avoid spraying around the eyes.
3. Re-apply as often as needed. I re-sprayed every 30 minutes or so at first, then dropped down to three times a day, then once a day until it faded completely. Shake well before each use. 

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.

Have you used an after-sun spray before? How was it? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

🖤 Vanessa

Sources:

Winger, Jill. (Updated: March 11, 2019). DIY After-Sun Spray Recipe. The Prairie Homestead. Retrieved from https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/06/relief-for-lobster-skin-diy-sunburn-spray.html

Larson, Jennifer. (May 4, 2020). Does aloe help sunburn? Yes, here’s why it’s one of the best home remedies. Insider. Retrieved from https://www.insider.com/does-aloe-help-sunburn#:~:text=Aloe%20vera%20is%20great%20for,firmness%2C%20dryness%2C%20and%20elasticity

Will Rubbing Aloe Vera on Your Sunburn Help?. (March 8, 2019). UAMS Health. Retrieved from https://uamshealth.com/medical-myths/will-rubbing-aloe-vera-on-your-sunburn-help/

Galan, Nicole, RN. (November 8, 2018). What are the benefits of witch hazel?. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323628

Laura. (Accessed: September 27, 2021). DIY After Sun Spray. Our Oily House. Retrieved from https://www.ouroilyhouse.com/diy-after-sun-spray/

Tiffany. (Updated: September 22, 2021). DIY After Sun Spray. Don’t Waste the Crumbs. Retrieved from https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/after-sun-spray/

Baum, Isadora. (June 22, 2020). 4 Essential Oils That’ll Help Soothe Your Sunburn. Men’s Health. Retrieved from https://www.menshealth.com/health/a32933912/best-essential-oils-for-sunburn/

Khamala, Maya. (October 31, 2019). Tea Tree Oil for Sun Burns: Does It Work, and How to Use It. Derm Collective. Retrieved from https://dermcollective.com/tea-tree-oil-for-sun-burns/

Huizen, Jennifer. (October 19, 2017). What are the best essential oils for sunburn?. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319745

Carly. (April 27, 2017). After-Sun Soothing Spray. Modern Hippie. Retrieved from https://modernhippiehw.com/after-sun-soothing-spray/

Silver, Natalie. (Updated: November 2, 2018). Essential Oils for Sunburn. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-sunburn