Summer is the time to enjoy the sun, but while spending time outdoors, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Sunburns and solar burns are common among people who spend long hours under the sun.
Despite following all the preventive measures, it’s often challenging to avoid getting mild sunburns.
Thankfully, natural remedies like essential oils can provide relief for solar burns. Essential oils are a concentrated form of plant extracts that have therapeutic properties.
Using essential oils on the skin can help soothe inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent peeling caused by sunburn.
The Best Essential Oils for Solar Burns
Here are the ten best essential oils for solar burns:.
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is well-known for its calming aroma. However, it’s also an excellent remedy for sunburns. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help soothe the skin and reduce swelling and pain.
It also prevents itching and peeling caused by sunburn. To use lavender oil for sunburn, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and apply it to the affected area.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an antiseptic oil that has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help prevent infection on sunburned skin. Tea tree oil has a cooling effect that can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
To use, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a cooling effect that can help relieve the burning sensation of sunburn. It also has analgesic properties that can reduce pain. Peppermint oil can also prevent peeling and itching caused by sunburn.
Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply to the affected area.
4. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties. It can help reduce redness and swelling caused by sunburn and promote skin regeneration.
To use, mix a few drops of frankincense oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
5. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is perfect for soothing sensitive and inflamed skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling caused by sunburn. Chamomile oil can also relieve pain and promote skin healing.
Mix a few drops of chamomile oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has a cooling and soothing effect that can provide relief for sunburned skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can reduce pain and swelling caused by sunburn.
Eucalyptus oil can also prevent infection on the sunburned skin. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
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7. Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum oil is an excellent remedy for sunburn because it has skin-regenerating properties. It can help repair damaged skin and prevent scarring caused by sunburn.
Helichrysum oil also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can provide relief for pain and swelling. Mix a few drops of helichrysum oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
8. Geranium Oil
Geranium oil can help soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness and swelling. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent infection on sunburned skin.
Geranium oil also has a pleasant floral scent that can help uplift your mood. Mix a few drops of geranium oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
9. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins that can help repair damaged skin caused by sunburn. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling. Rosehip oil can help prevent scarring caused by sunburn.
Mix a few drops of rosehip oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
10. Calendula Oil
Calendula oil has a long history of use in treating various skin conditions. It has anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and pain caused by sunburn.
Calendula oil can also prevent peeling and itching of sunburned skin. Mix a few drops of calendula oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
How to Use Essential Oils for Sunburn
Before applying essential oils topically, it’s crucial to dilute them with a carrier oil. Carrier oils help dilute the essential oil and allow for even distribution on the skin.
It also prevents the essential oil from evaporating quickly from the skin. Some carrier oils that you can use are coconut, jojoba, almond, or olive oil.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use essential oils for sunburns:.
Step 1: Clean the affected area
Gently wash the affected area with cool water and mild soap. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil
Add a few drops of essential oil to a small amount of carrier oil and mix well. You can use a reusable roller ball bottle for easy application.
Step 3: Apply the oil to the sunburned area
Apply the oil to the sunburned area, massaging gently. Avoid applying too much pressure or rubbing the skin too hard, as this may cause further irritation.
Step 4: Reapply as needed
Reapply the oil every few hours or as needed. You can also apply it before going to bed to help soothe the skin overnight.
Conclusion
Essential oils are a natural and effective remedy for solar burns. They can help soothe the skin, reduce swelling and pain, prevent itching and peeling, and promote skin regeneration.
When using essential oils, it’s crucial to dilute them with a carrier oil and apply them topically. If you experience severe sunburn, please seek medical attention immediately.
