The days are finally getting warmer in my neck of the woods and that means more time outdoors. More hiking, more swimming, more laying out on the beach, and just more opportunity to get out in the sunshine enjoying its rays, good friends, and family.

I have always been a bit more on the pale side which crazily enough, means my skin can still get burned in the SHADE – yeah, it’s totally happened before. So, every year once I get a hankering for outdoor activities, I always need to make a batch of my DIY sunburn spray to keep on hand for those days when the sun is strong.

How to Make DIY Sunburn Spray

This spray is super simple to make and is easy to take with you on trips wherever you go. Throw it in your camping gear, backpack, beach bag, or purse and you’re armed with quick sunburn relief.

Here’s what you need to make DIY sunburn spray:

• A spritzer bottle
• Filtered water
• Aloe juice or gel
• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Peppermint essential oil (omit the peppermint if using for children under 10 yrs old)
• Lavender essential oil

For a 1oz bottle, you will need 3 drops of each essential oil.

For a 2oz bottle, you will need 6 drops of each essential oil.

These amounts will make a 1% dilution. You can learn more about dilutions here and the proper dilutions for over 400 essential oils here.

Loving Preparation – DIY Sunburn Spray

1. Begin by filling your spray bottle a quarter of the way with apple cider vinegar. I usually strain it since the mother will clog the spray bottle.
2. Next, fill the bottle with aloe juice until the bottle if half full.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle up to the shoulder with filtered water UNLESS you are traveling for more than two days – see below.
4. Now add the essential oils.
5. Cap closed and shake well to combine before each use.

If you only have aloe gel, add 1tsp for every ounce of the vinegar/water combo. This will ensure that it mixes completely and will not clog the spray bottle.

Since this is made with water and bacteria loves water, you will need to make this spray as you need it.

It’s perfect to take to the beach or on a hike, but if you’re going camping for more than a weekend then you will need to make a fresh batch after two days.

Alternatively, if you are planning a long trip where things need to last as long as possible (like going on a cruise or going camping), simply add 6 drops of lavender essential oil for every ounce of aloe vera gel and mix thoroughly. The gel won’t go bad and the lavender will help remove the sting of sunburn. Add peppermint for a cooling affect.

You can also still make a spray by using just apple cider vinegar, aloe gel/juice, and essential oils. Just make sure the size of the spray bottle suites airline requirements and make sure to pack it in a sealed bag just in case.

To Use

1. As soon as you notice a sunburn developing, spritz an even layer of sunburn spray over the affected skin.
2. Allow it to air dry before reapplying.
3. Use as often as needed to help pull out heat and reduce the burn.

Why These Ingredients Work

Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

Aloe has been touted as an affective sunburn remedy for many years and for good reason! It’s naturally cooling, soothing, and astringent which makes it perfect for pulling heat out of a sunburn and reducing discomfort.

Fresh aloe gel or juice is best if you have it available, otherwise opt for the most natural option you can find. Many drugstore brands are full of nasty ingredients, to be sure to check before buying.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is another tried and true sunburn remedy, one that I recall having used myself as a child. Raw apple cider vinegar pulls the sting out of a sunburn almost instantly and is especially nice when applied cold.

Some of the best ways to use raw apple cider vinegar for treating sunburn naturally is to soak a soft cloth with and apply it to the sunburn or add it to a cool shallow bath that you can soak in.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is an amazing yet unassuming pain reliever that’s perfect for treating all manner of burns. It speeds up healing, reduces redness and inflammation, and helps repair damaged nerves. It’s also safe to use on children.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) that has been shown to be more effective than OTC pain medications for headaches. It’s equally good at soothing the pain associated with a bad sunburn and pulling away the heat. Do not use on children under 10.

What have been your tried and true sunburn remedies and recipes? Please share them in the comments!

You may also enjoy:

What You Need to Know About Phototoxic Essential Oils
Creamy Winter Sunscreen Balm
How to Eat Your Sunscreen
Natural Sunburn Relief

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