No matter how careful we are, it seems that we just can’t get through summer without a least one episode of sunburn; even a mild one. You’re most likely already familiar with the naturally cooling and skin healing effects of Aloe Vera gel, but did you know that you’ll have even better results if you add a few drops of Lavender essential oil to your aloe? Read on to learn a super simple and effective all-natural sunburn remedy!
Benefits of Using Lavender Essential Oil on Burned Skin
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most effective essential oil for treating and healing a sunburn or windburn. It offers a delightfully fresh and soothing effect with so many benefits! Lavender essential oil is primarily known for its soothing and calming properties, but when it comes to treating burned skin, it can provide immediate relief to the affected area because of the unique chemistry of the Lavandula angustifolia plant which enriches it with properties that can alleviate pain and discomfort caused by the burn. Further, it exhibits anti-inflammatory qualities, reducing swelling and redness in the burned skin. As if this weren’t enough amazing-ness, it can help prevent infections in the damaged skin because of its antibacterial properties.
The lovely aroma of Lavender essential oil (plus the linyl acetate and linalool components) can have a calming effect on the mind and body, aiding in relaxation and stress reduction during the healing process. Overall, using lavender essential oil on burned skin can provide not only physical relief but also emotional support, contributing to a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Burned skin is tender, so I recommend gently misting over the area with a misting bottle instead of dabbing or rubbing.
Learn More about Lavender Essential Oil:
🔗 Podcast Episode About the Species of Lavender
🔗Blog Post on Lavender Essential Oil Profile Spotlight
Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Gel on Burned Skin
Aloe vera (Aloe vera barbadensis) is a well-known treatment when applied to burned skin. Sunburn, windburn, hot oil, oven burns, etc. can all be addressed with Aloe since the plant’s natural properties make it an excellent choice for soothing and promoting healing in burned areas.
Aloe acts as a protective barrier, shielding the damaged skin from external irritants and preventing infection. Its cooling sensation provides immediate relief from pain and discomfort, while its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and redness. Aloe vera gel also aids in moisturizing the skin, preventing it from becoming dry and promoting faster regeneration of new skin cells, and helps minimize scarring. What an amazing plant, am I right?
In a study of twenty-seven patients with partial thickness burn wounds, they were treated with aloe vera gel compared with vaseline gauze. It revealed the aloe vera gel-treated lesion healed faster than the vaseline gauze area. The average time of healing in the aloe gel area was 11.89 days and 18.19 days for the vaseline gauze-treated wound.
Learn More about Aloe Vera Gel:
🔗 Podcast Episode All About Using Aloe Vera Gel
🔗Blog Post All About Using Aloe Vera Gel
Quick Lavender Essential Oil DIY Recipe
Liz’s Sunburn Soother Spray
Ingredients:
- 2 fl oz/30mL or 4 fl oz/60 mL of preservative-free, non-GMO, organic Aloe Vera gel
- 20 drops of Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 2 oz fine mist spray bottle
Directions: Combine the Aloe vera gel and the Lavender essential oil in a 2 oz/60mL spray bottle. Keep this blend in the fridge. Double the recipe and make two bottles, one for home and one for work for a mid-day face refresher/cleanser (keep away from the eyes). Keep your blend in the fridge to add to the cooling relief and keep it fresh. Toss after 2-3 weeks and make a fresh batch.
Conclusion
When Aloe vera gel and Lavender essential oil are used together, it not only cools hot skin but helps to decrease pain, soothe the stress of the event, prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and lessen skin peeling. What more could you ask for?
Where to Buy Essential Oils
My favorite Essential Oil Supplier (with GC/MS reports available right on the website)
References
Pubmed: Effect of aloe vera gel to healing of burn wound: A clinical and histologic study
- Updated on May 15, 2024. This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission if you purchase using them. The commission is paid by the retailer at no extra cost to you.
I have used lavender essential oil and aloe vera and love them both. I’ve also used peppermint to help cool the burn and that works wonders as well!
Wonderful Tina! Do be careful as sometimes the menthol in peppermint essential oil can be a little strong on tender burned skin. Liz