For skin that’s seen a little too much sun, try this natural homemade after sun spray to help soothe, cool and restore the skin.

I am the queen of tan lines.

I try not to purposely tan anymore in summer, as I see enough sun from my day job where I work outside. Because of this, I still tend to get quite brown. (Ok, my arms and legs get quite brown, everything else is more white.)

As a result, when I do enjoy a beach day, the white parts of me tend to fair worse in the sun. I like to soak up the summer rays as well as go for a nice long dip in the cool ocean water. It’s a bit of a ritual of mine. Warm up in the sun, then cool off in the water. And repeat.

However, I can sometimes get a little too much sun, particularly at the beginning of summer when my skin is still getting used to the strengthening summer sun.

I really try and avoid getting sunburnt, as I realise how damaging it is for the skin. But, on the occasions where I do burn a little, this soothing after sun spray provides wonderful relief for my inflamed skin.

Recipe Tutorial Video

Why You’ll Love this DIY After Sun Spray

The ingredients used in this homemade after sun spray have been specifically chosen for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is very well-known for its ability to help soothe and repair occasional skin irritations, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil delivers a soothing, cooling sensation to the skin due to the properties of menthol in the plant.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is great for relieving pain and redness as a result of skin inflammation, due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, as well as acts as a wonderful moisturiser, helping to prevent the peeling skin that can often arise after a sunburn. The gel encourages the production of collagen, which aids in the healing process of the skin, helping to improve the firmness, dryness and elasticity of the skin.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory properties (just like aloe vera) which may help in reducing 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 homemade after sun spray recipe, 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!

Homemade After Sun Spray Recipe

This after sun spray takes only 2 minutes to make and proves very effective cooling and soothing inflamed skin that can result from a sunburn.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon natural solubiliser (dispersant)
• 4 oz (or larger) glass spray mist bottle

To Make:

1. In a small bowl, blend the essential oils with the natural solubiliser, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
2. Add the witch hazel to the glass spray bottle, then pour in the essential oil solution and cap the lid on tightly. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients together.
3. Apply this spray generously onto the affected areas of the skin for relief.
4. Store this spray between uses in the refrigerator and use within 1 month of making. Avoid spraying the solution around the eyes, as it may cause irritation.
5. Re-apply this spray as often as needed.

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

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

Lots of love,

Vanessa