Sooth your Sunburn with this DIY Aftersun Treatment

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, our simple DIY natural aftersun spray is a lovely, cooling way to look after it afterwards.

The Benefits of Sunlight

Sensible time in daylight is part of a healthy lifestyle. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D and is widely associated with a brighter, more positive mood. A little sunshine genuinely lifts the spirits. As with most good things, though, moderation matters, and too much sun has the opposite effect.

When spending time in the sun, try to avoid the strongest hours around the middle of the day. Wear a sun hat, cover up with light clothing or a shawl, choose a high-protection sunscreen, and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming.

Looking After Skin After Sun Exposure

Repeated overexposure to strong sun is best avoided, and it is sensible to build good sun habits from a young age. Life happens, though, and sometimes we catch too much sun. If you do, the kindest thing is to stay out of further sunlight until your skin settles, which can take several days depending on how much sun you caught.

In the meantime, drink plenty of water, as warm skin loses moisture quickly. A cool shower, a cool bath, or a cold compress made from a damp towel all feel wonderfully soothing. Try not to scratch or pick at the skin if it begins to flake, as this only makes things worse. Our DIY aftersun spray pairs cooling essential oils with moisturising coconut oil and skin-loving aloe vera for a gentle, refreshing finish.

DIY Soothing Aftersun Spray

Ingredients Directions

1. Add all the ingredients together into a spray bottle
2. Apply to skin twice a day
3. Shake bottle before each use
4. Store in fridge for extra cooling!

Safe-Use Notes

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, so use it sparingly and patch test a small area first. Avoid broken skin, keep the spray away from the eyes, and store it in the fridge, using 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, so check with a qualified practitioner if in doubt.

FAQs

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. Discard it 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, and the cooler temperature also helps the fresh, preservative-free mixture last a little longer.

Can I leave the peppermint out?

Absolutely. If your skin feels sensitive you can simply use lavender on its own, or swap in a gentler oil. Always patch test a new blend first.