Soothe Your Sunburn with This DIY After Sun Treatment
Soothe sunburn with a DIY aftersun made with aloe vera and lavender essential oil. Easy natural recipe and tips.
In this guide
This homemade aftersun spray is a simple natural way to soothe sunburn. It mixes cooling aloe vera, moisturising coconut oil and a few drops of lavender and peppermint essential oil, and it feels even better straight from the fridge. Below you will find the recipe, plus easy steps to look after sunburnt skin at home.
Key takeaways
- Sensible sun helps your body make vitamin D and lifts your mood, but too much burns your skin.
- If you catch too much sun, stay out of it until your skin settles, drink water and cool the skin gently.
- Our DIY aftersun spray uses aloe vera, water, coconut oil, lavender and peppermint.
- Spray it on twice a day, and keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling feel.
- Make small batches and use them within a couple of weeks, as the spray has no preservative.
Summer is here, and after the cooler months indoors many of us are more than ready to enjoy a little sunshine. The sun does us good, but only in sensible doses. If you have caught a touch too much on skin that is still pale from winter, this natural aftersun is a lovely, cooling way to look after it afterwards.
Why is a little sunshine good for you?
Sensible time in daylight is part of a healthy lifestyle. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, and it is widely linked with a brighter, more positive mood. A little sunshine really does lift the spirits.
As with most good things, moderation matters, and too much sun has the opposite effect. When you are out in the sun, try to avoid the strongest hours around the middle of the day.
- Wear a sun hat and cover up with light clothing or a shawl.
- Choose a high-protection sunscreen.
- Reapply it regularly, especially after swimming.
How to soothe sunburn at home
Repeated overexposure to strong sun is best avoided, and it is wise to build good sun habits from a young age. Life happens, though, and sometimes we catch too much sun. If you do, these home remedy steps help your skin feel better.
| Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Stay out of the sun | Skin needs time to settle, which can take several days depending on how much sun you caught |
| Drink plenty of water | Warm skin loses moisture quickly |
| Cool the skin | A cool shower, a cool bath or a cold compress made from a damp towel feels wonderfully soothing |
| Do not scratch or pick | Picking at flaking skin only makes things worse |
| Use a gentle aftersun | Our DIY spray pairs cooling essential oils with coconut oil and aloe vera |
DIY soothing aftersun spray recipe
This homemade aftersun pairs cooling essential oils with moisturising coconut oil and skin-loving aloe vera for a gentle, refreshing finish.
1. Soothing Aftersun Spray
Best for: cooling warm, sun-kissed skin
- 3/4 cup Aloe vera gel
- 1 cup Distilled or filtered water
- 1 tbsp Coconut oil
- 5 drops Organic lavender oil
- 5 drops Organic peppermint oil
Add all the ingredients to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle before each use and spray onto skin twice a day. Store it in the fridge for extra cooling.
Why these ingredients work
- Aloe vera is moisturising and a long-standing favourite for cooling skin after a day in the sun.
- Coconut oil moisturises and carries the essential oils across the skin.
- Lavender has a gentle, calming scent and is a classic skincare oil.
- Peppermint brings that fresh, cooling feeling that makes aftersun so welcome.
Pro tip
Coconut oil firms up when cold, so give the bottle a good shake, or warm it in your hands for a moment, before you spray. If your skin feels sensitive, leave the peppermint out and use lavender on its own.
Want more recipes? Our DIY after sun treatments for your skin has four more natural aftersun lotions and sprays, with witch hazel, cocoa butter and frankincense. For a full pamper day, try our self-care Sunday recipes.
Is this aftersun safe for my skin?
Safety first
Essential oils are concentrated, so always dilute them as in the recipe and never apply them neat to the skin.
- Peppermint can feel intense on warm or sensitive skin. Use it sparingly and patch test a small area first.
- Avoid broken or blistered skin, and keep the spray away from your eyes.
- Store it in the fridge and use it within a couple of weeks, as it contains water and no preservative.
- Lavender and peppermint are best used with care during pregnancy and on young children. Check with a qualified practitioner if in doubt.
- For severe sunburn, blistering, fever or feeling unwell, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
FAQs
How do I make a homemade aftersun?
Mix 3/4 cup aloe vera gel, 1 cup distilled water, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 5 drops lavender and 5 drops peppermint in a spray bottle. Shake before each use and spray on twice a day.
Is coconut oil good for sunburn?
Coconut oil is moisturising, so it helps warm, dry skin feel softer once it has cooled down. In this recipe it also carries the essential oils across the skin. Use it as part of the spray rather than on its own.
How long does the homemade aftersun spray keep?
Because it contains water and aloe vera with no preservative, make it in small batches, keep it in the fridge and use it within a couple of weeks. Throw it away if the smell or texture changes.
Do I need to dilute the essential oils?
Yes. Always keep to the drop counts in the recipe. The oils are blended into the aloe, water and coconut oil, which carries them safely across the skin.
Can I use this spray on my face?
It is designed for the body. Keep it well away from the eyes, and patch test before use, as facial skin is more delicate, especially with peppermint in the blend.
Why store it in the fridge?
Chilling the spray makes it feel beautifully cooling on warm skin. The cooler temperature also helps the fresh, preservative-free mix last a little longer.
Can I leave the peppermint out?
Absolutely. If your skin feels sensitive, simply use lavender on its own or swap in a gentler oil. Always patch test a new blend first.
The bottom line
Enjoy the sun in sensible doses, and if you catch too much, cool your skin, drink water and reach for this soothing homemade aftersun. Find lavender, peppermint and more in our essential oils collection.
