The Surprising Benefits of Lavender Oil for Sunburn Relief
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, sun exposure and sunburns become more common. Even with the best intentions and diligent SPF applications, you may miss a spot, not reapply as frequently as you should, or apply as much as needed to protect your skin fully. Whatever the cause, sunburns are uncomfortable and can even be painful. And the painful red skin, followed by days of peeling, can leave you feeling self-conscious.
Sunburns are no fun, but thankfully there are some ways to ease the pain and discomfort. One easy way is with the help of lavender essential oil. In this post, you’ll discover how this natural remedy can treat sunburn, provide fast relief, soothe your skin, and prevent further damage.
The Benefits of Lavender Oil for Sunburn
Lavender oil is often touted for its amazing fragrance and relaxing properties, but did you know it has many healing properties, including treating sunburned skin? In this article, we’ll explore the surprising benefits of lavender oil for sunburn relief. From reducing inflammation to promoting healing, we’ll explain why lavender oil should be your go-to remedy for sunburns for a less painful and funner summer!
Is Lavender Oil Good For Sunburn
Sunburns can ruin even the best beach vacation, making us red, painful, and itchy. We’re all familiar with the usual remedies for sunburn discomfort – aloe vera, after-sun lotions, and ibuprofen. However, lavender oil is a surprisingly effective game-changing solution. And today, I’ll give you five reasons why it’s one of the best remedies to use.
Powerful Anti-inflammatory Effects
One of the most powerful benefits of lavender oil for sunburns is its anti-inflammatory properties. When the skin gets burned, it triggers an inflammatory response, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. Lavender oil can help soothe this response, reduce discomfort, and speed up healing time. Because of its ability to calm irritated skin and reduce redness, lavender oil is a popular ingredient in many skincare products. And when it comes to sunburns, lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory effects can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively your skin heals!
Soothes Burnt Skin
Although lavender oil is great at calming and soothing our senses, its natural healing properties can also work wonders on our skin. Sunburns can cause discomfort, dryness, and itching, but applying lavender oil can help to alleviate these symptoms. In addition, the essential oil has a cooling effect on the skin, which can help to soothe the burn and prevent further damage.
Promotes Skin Regeneration
Lavender oil doesn’t just provide temporary relief. It also helps skin heal faster by promoting skin regeneration, It does this by stimulating cell growth and repair, which can help to replace damaged cells with healthy ones. Not only does this help heal sunburned skin faster, but it also prevents scarring and other long-term damage.
Lavender Oil Is a Safe and Natural Solution
Unlike many commercial skincare products, which may contain harsh chemicals, lavender oil is a safe and natural solution derived from a plant and is gentle on the skin. Additionally, lavender oil can be combined with other natural ingredients to create a safe and effective solution for sunburn relief. It’s versatility and natural properties make lavender oil a wonderful option for those seeking a natural remedy for their sunburn.
Versatility of Use
Lavender oil is not just a one-trick pony when it comes to sunburn relief. In fact, its versatility of use makes it an even more impressive natural remedy. Continue reading to discover different ways to use lavender oil to address your skin concerns.
How To Use Lavender Oil For Sunburn
Applying Lavender Oil To a Sunburn
To get the most out of lavender oil for sunburn relief, it’s important to know how to apply it properly. The first step is to dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. It’s important to note that lavender oil should never be applied to open wounds or burns, as it can cause further irritation. It’s also important to use high-quality, pure lavender oil to avoid any adverse reactions.
As a Spray
You can easily make a lavender spray to provide a cooling sensation to large areas of your body. Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with water. Adding aloe vera gel will offer even more healing benefits. Use a spray bottle to spritz on your skin as often as necessary.
In the Bath
Take a relaxing and skin-soothing bath by adding 8-10 drops of essential oil to lukewarm water. Hot water won’t feel good on sunburned, sensitive skin. Soak in the bath for as long as you like, then gently pat your skin dry.
As Hydrating Aftercare
To help keep your skin hydrated and protected, add a few drops of pure lavender oil to a carrier oil like almond, jojoba, or coconut oil. Gently apply the mixture to the affected area using your fingertips. Avoid rubbing the skin too vigorously, as this could further irritate the sunburn.
Precautions
While lavender oil is a soothing and effective remedy for sunburns, it’s important to take precautions when using it. First and foremost, lavender oil and other essential oils should always be diluted with carrier oils before applying them to the skin. Applying undiluted essential oils to the skin can cause irritation, burning, and even chemical burns. If you have any open wounds or blisters from sunburn or other skin conditions, it’s best to avoid using lavender oil as it may cause further irritation. Traditional sunburn remedies like aloe vera or over-the-counter pain relievers are a better option in these cases.
It’s also important to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities you may have to lavender oil. Before applying it to your skin, perform a patch test by applying the diluted lavender oil to a small area of the skin and waiting 24 hours to see if any irritation or redness develops.
And lastly, for severe sunburns, you should seek medical treatment. Symptoms that require medical attention are:
- High fever
- Headaches
- Pain, chills, and weakness
- Significant blistering on your body
- A sunburn that doesn’t heal after a few days or gets worse
Other Essential Oils For Sunburn Relief
In addition to lavender oil, here are some other essential oils for soothing sunburns.
- Roman chamomile essential oil is known for its calming effect.
- Peppermint essential oil is a cooling agent.
- Green tea extract adds antioxidants to the skin.
- Marigold essential oil is known for its antioxidant properties.
- Tea tree oil is recognized for its antifungal and antibacterial qualities.
- Geranium essential oil has some antibacterial benefits and is ideal for sensitive skin.
In conclusion, lavender oil is a game-changer when it comes to sunburn relief. Sunscreen and proper sun protection should always be your first line of defense (click here for The 20 Best Skin Tints With SPF). But it’s nice to know that there are natural remedies that offer relief. Lavender’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties and its abilities to help soothe and heal the skin should make it a summer first aid kit essential. And it’s so easy to use whether you’re at the beach or in the backyard; you can always keep it with you! Try incorporating lavender oil into your post-sun routine and experience the benefits for yourself.