5 Essential Oils for Sunburn When Aloe Just Isn’t Enough
No shade to aloe, but sometimes you need extra relief.
Nothing is quite like the painful moment you realize you have a sunburn. And even more painful — the moment you realize your aloe vera gel isn’t strong enough to solve you sun-related woes. Thankfully, there are essential oils for sunburn that can be just as effective at providing natural relief as aloe — maybe even more so.
It’s common knowledge that essential oils have soothing capabilities, but did you know they also can stave off infection? According to a 2017 study, the trauma caused by mild-to-severe sunburns can lead to a “microbial invasion” of the skin’s epidermis. Certain essential oils — like those highlighted below — have antimicrobial properties that protect from infection, reduce redness and inflammation, and help skin heal.
It’s important to note that when treating sunburns, essential oils shouldn’t be used on their own (especially those with 100% purity), as they could cause further irritation. Instead, dilute by combining 1-2 drops of oil with aloe vera, a gentle moisturizer, or a carrier oil like coconut oil.
Edens Garden Marigold Myrrh Essential Oil Synergy Blend
Marigold Essential oil
$22.95, Amazon
Why we like it:
- 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade
- Natural anti-inflammatory
- Skin-repairing qualities
Marigold flower does wonders for skin, and studies have even found it can protect from UV rays (although, don’t completely replace your SPF without consulting a doctor). Calendula oil is a natural oil extracted from marigold, and it’s a common ingredient in just about every popular soothing skincare product, like First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask, $32.
Artizen Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential Oil
$17.99, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Natural, with no adulterants or dilution
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic
- Artizen Essential Oils offers a lifetime warranty and guarantee
Helichrysum oil comes from a shrub that has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antimicrobial properties. It does wonders at repairing skin, making it ideal for sunburn relief. Just one or two drops mixed with coconut oil is all you need to relieve redness and start healing. Bonus: Helichrysum oil can also ease allergies, muscle and joint inflammation, and provide natural relief from colds and coughs.
Gya Labs Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential Oil
$16.69, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Restores skin
- Reduces redness
- Sweet herbaceous aroma
When we think of chamomile, we usually think of sipping calming tea at bedtime. Roman chamomile essential oil provides similar relief, but to your skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help restore skin and reduce redness caused by sunburn, eczema, and other rashes.
Eve Hansen Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil
$24.95, Amazon
Why we like it:
- The smell!
- USDA certified
- Blends well with other oils
Not only does peppermint smell amazing on your skin, it provides instant cooling (and even mild numbing!), which is a lifesaver when you have a painful sunburn. It also eases the itchiness that comes from sun damaged skin, which is important because itching makes sunburns much, much worse. Bonus: Peppermint oil can also alleviate migraines!
Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Oil
$19.75, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Repairs sun and skin damage
- Anti-inflammatory
- All-natural
Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in many skin care products because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (it does wonders on acne for this reason!). For sunburns, this oil is best when diluted with a moisturizer — preferably one that repairs sun damage and soothes skin like Tula 24/7 Day and Night Cream, $52.
