Best Essential Oils for Sunburn

A sunburn is an unpleasant condition that almost everyone will suffer at least once in their lives. Many people repeatedly battle the sun-induced malady over the years — and while those with lighter skin tones are usually most susceptible to damage from UV radiation, those with deeper skin tones are also vulnerable to the effects of overexposure to UV rays. No one is immune to the risk of sun damage, and it is a universal frustration to end up afflicted with burning and peeling skin after enjoying a bright, sunny day.

Natural Options to Relieve Sunburn

Fortunately, there are plenty of sunburn remedies available to help restore troubled skin after catching a few rays too many. However, many commercially available products are full of questionable chemicals that you may also want to avoid. If you prefer natural solutions over in your lotions or creams, there are several great alternatives to consider. Check out these powerful essential oils to look for in your sunburn creams.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is a cooling, aromatic analgesic that is great for treating sunburn. Massaging a minty peppermint into your skin brings a pleasant chilled sensation to burnt and tender areas. The oil from this fresh-scented plant also offers therapeutic vapors that help to reduce pain and anxiety, as well as accelerate the healing process. Additionally, peppermint is known as an effective headache treatment, which makes products containing this natural healer especially useful for those who tend to be afflicted by heat headaches.

Lavender

Lavender is a multipurpose plant that contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its essential oil is quickly absorbed by the skin to instantly begin minimizing inflammation, which reduces pain and redness from sunburn accordingly. The antimicrobial properties of lavender help to expedite healing and stimulate healthy cell formation, making creams and lotions containing this curative ingredient a prodigious option for those needing to recover from sun damage. The essential oil from lavender is also great for conditioning skin before, as well as after, a sunburn since it improves circulation and promotes healthy oxygen flow within cells for strong and healthy skin development.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an undisputed leader of versatility when it comes to natural cures, so it should come as no surprise that one of its many uses is as a revered sunburn treatment. Indeed, aloe is often referred to as “the burn plant” because it is so effective at treating heat-damaged skin. Aloe vera has been utilized for thousands of years as a natural remedy for burns and skin irritation. Its gel contains dynamic compounds that reduce pain and inflammation, as well as encourage skin growth and repair. Lotions with aloe vera are a top choice for treating burnt skin because aloe is a powerful moisturizer adept at relieving uncomfortable dryness and tightness that often occurs as a result of sunburn.

Marula Oil

Marula oil is an extract swiftly gaining popularity for its many healing properties, including the treatment of both oily and dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne, wrinkles, scars, inflammation, and more. It is derived from the fruit of the South African marula tree and is rich in healthy essential fatty acids that help to promote blood circulation and cell growth.

This miracle oil is also loaded with vitamin C, which acts as a natural exfoliant that helps to gently slough off dead skin cells — marula contains four times as much vitamin C as oranges. The extract is powered further by extremely high levels of antioxidants that help to protect skin by limiting the production of skin-damaging free radicals -indeed, marula oil contains 60% more antioxidants than ultra-healing argan oil. Another benefit of this great oil is that it absorbs much better than many traditional oils because it has much smaller molecules. With all these extraordinary properties, remedies containing marula oil are an obvious choice for sunburn treatment and everyday use.

Frankincense

Frankincense is a common essential oil that is frequently used in aromatherapy but serves a variety of additional health purposes. Since ancient times, it has been harvested from the resin of Boswellia trees to assist with stress and anxiety relief, as well as to help strengthen the immune system. For sunburn troubles, this essential oil is used to treat minor aches and pain as it has mild analgesic properties. Frankincense is also an effective anti-inflammatory that helps to increase blood flow and circulation. Seek out salves and balms containing frankincense to resolve moderate sunburns.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is an aromatic wood whose essential oil calms inflammation and fights infection. Sandalwood is a very adaptable material and may be applied in the form of a paste, oil, liquid, or cream to soothe and cool uncomfortable sunburns.

Geranium Oil

The extract from the Pelargonium graveolens plant of the Geraniaceae family, better known as Geranium, is a skin helper that you probably never considered as very useful outside of a decorative pot. However, the essential oil from certain geranium flowers is a prime pain reliever for sunburn. It works quickly on the nervous system to dull the pain response. If you find yourself reeling from the effects of sunburn, seek relief from products containing geranium oil.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a healthy treat that may be ingested or applied topically in order to receive its healing benefits. When taken internally, chamomile is most frequently consumed in the form of tea. In the fight against sunburn, the primary ingredient in this beloved drink may be used as a powerful weapon against red, irritated skin. Chamomile possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which is key when it comes to healing weary skin.

Eucalyptus

Like peppermint, eucalyptus possesses a very fragrant oil renowned for its ability to create a cooling sensation on the irritated skin. In addition to being remarkably soothing, eucalyptus is an effective antiseptic that is frequently used to cleanse and heal burns, wounds, and abrasions. Its antimicrobial properties also defend against infection, allowing the hurt skin to properly heal. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in a multitude of health products and is a trusted go-to remedy for the treatment of sunburn.

Seek Essential Oil Treatments Formulated by Professionals

Essential oils are exceptional alternatives to chemically produced sunburn treatments. However, part of what makes essential oil treatments so effective is the extreme potency of these powerful extracts. Concentrated oils should never be applied directly to the sunburnt skin as further damage and negative reactions could occur. Consumers interested in utilizing essential oils should always obtain professionally formulated products to avoid accidental misuse of these full-bodied natural treatments.

About the Author

Kurt Darrell is a freelance writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s just a guy who wants to research about things and write content about it. He is also working on his personal cannabis blog and his life and wellness blog that he will be publishing soon.