Using essential oils for sunburn care is an effective way to manage the pain of a sunburn, especially the type of burn that shows up after a day of fun in the sun. We all enjoy beach vacations. Sunbathing on the beach is arguably the most effective way to revitalize yourself. We wear light clothing because the weather is hot and humid, allowing the sun to hit us directly. As a result, the exposed skin gets sunburned. It varies from person to person, as some people can get a serious sunburn after only a few minutes in the sun.
People are willing to test out cosmetic products in order to get relief right away. However, they are less aware that they may further harm their skin because they include a chemical composition that may aggravate the burnt condition. As a result, for a safe and successful cure, it is advised that you choose natural remedies. Nothing is more annoying than returning home from a beach day with itchy, red, and flaky skin. Getting too much sun, no matter how much sunscreen you use, can result in the painful sting of sunburned skin. Essential oils are a lesser-known remedy for sunburn that we don’t hear much about among the many therapies that claim to treat it. Those skincare superheroes can do a lot more than just nurture your skin.
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Plants are used to extract essential oils, with some coming from flowers and others from leaves. They can be beneficial in treating skin surface concerns and are commonly utilized in aromatherapy as a sort of ‘inhalable beauty.’ Essential oils are rich in plant-based compounds that can aid in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including sunburns. In order to avoid skin irritation or even contact dermatitis, there is a proper technique to use it.
Essential Oils for Sunburns
Essential oils have been a boon to humanity. Some oils have been shown to safely and effectively repair sun-damaged skin. Their natural formula heals the skin while preserving its inherent beauty. These oils offer skin-soothing and cooling characteristics that can help you recover from sunburn and get a healthy shine back. Antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal qualities also help to prevent skin infections.
Lavender Essential Oil
Carminative, antibacterial, and antifungal effects are all found in lavender oil. As a result, it’s useful for treating skin conditions including sunburn.
- Mix about 2-3 drops of lavender oil with pure aloe vera gel.
- This should be applied on sunburns. This would reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
If you have a significant region of skin that is afflicted, try this cure:
- Pour lavender oil and oatmeal into your bathtub.
- Spend some time in the bathtub. Be sure to submerge the affected areas completely.
- Getting relief would take only a few minutes. Continue until the sunburn is gone.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Because it contains methanol, peppermint has remarkable cooling qualities. The inflammation will be treated by applying this oil to the affected skin.
- Blend a couple of drops of peppermint oil in aloe vera gel.
- Take a small amount of this mixture and apply it to the sunburned areas.
- Rejuvenation will begin after this.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood oil is well-known for its calming effects. This helps to speed up recovery by treating tanning and bacterial infections on the skin.
- Put 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil in a bowl of coconut oil.
- Additional benefits can also be derived from turmeric oil.
- Apply to sunburned areas.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Sunburns benefit from the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of eucalyptus oil. This oil will relieve discomfort as you apply it, allowing you to relax.
- Water, aloe vera gel, and eucalyptus oil can be combined into a spray.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area.
Vitamin E essential oil
Vitamin E has been found to reduce the risk of sunburn by:
Antioxidant properties
UV radiation absorption
Increasing the thickness of the outer skin layer
Vitamin E essential oil has also been demonstrated to aid in skin moisture retention and irritation reduction. Minor skin irritation is the only known negative effect of using vitamin E essential oil. Essential oils should always be diluted.
The effects of essential oils on sunburns
While there haven’t been many research on the effectiveness of essential oils in healing sunburns, the qualities they contain can surely help alleviate some of the symptoms:
- Many essential oils have pain-relieving qualities that can help relieve the stinging sensation caused by sunburn. Peppermint essential oil, for example, contains menthol and can be used to relieve moderate to severe stinging symptoms.
- To soothe inflamed skin, try eucalyptus essential oil, jojoba oil, or sunflower seed oil. They can help with sunburn discomforts such as skin inflammation and burning.
- While some essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, should be diluted with a carrier oil, others are softer and can be used alone to soothe the skin. For instance, chamomile essential oil is a soothing component that can help calm your skin without aggravating it more.
- A severe sunburn can harm the skin’s barrier, which can lead to infection if not treated. Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral qualities found in several essential oils can help prevent this. You may already be familiar with tea tree oil, which is a wonderful essential oil for treating skin infections. Due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, it can be utilised as an all-around sunburn treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Never use essential oils on your skin or combine them with water. Essential oils must first be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. To 1 ounce of carrier oil, add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil.
Mineral oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil are common carrier oils. Aromatherapy can also be achieved by infusing essential oils into the air.
Essential oils are associated with the following complications:
- The skin becomes sensitized or irritated by oils that contain phenols and aldehydes
- Sun sensitivity, or photosensitivity
- Irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes
- Rarely, allergies may occur
- It is also possible to experience mild irritation to the lungs, throat, and mouth when oils are inhaled
- Upon ingestion, mild digestive discomfort may occur
Caution
- It is important to treat sunburnt skin with maximum care since it becomes highly sensitive.
- Applying essential oils won’t heal the skin immediately. It takes some time for the skin to heal itself naturally.
- If you want immediate relief, do not over apply the product. Your skin will only become more irritated as a result.
- Consult your doctor before using this product if you have sensitive skin.
More remedies for sunburn at home
Sunburn symptoms and healing time can be reduced by adding natural products to a mixture or using with essential oils. Sunburn remedies that use at-home additives include:
- aloe vera
- apple cider vinegar
- coconut oil
- milk
- black tea
- oatmeal
- baking soda
- yogurt
