By Allison Burton
Essential Oil Quick Tip!
This summer, if you’re like me you might find yourself basking in the sun a little too long. If you’ve forgotten sunscreen or not use enough you could develop a minor sunburn.
Here I’ll share a few natural approaches to reducing the blistering, redness and pain of a sunburn. Some essential oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties and can also stimulate tissue regeneration which will ease your pain and discomfort.
LAVENDER
Lavandula or lavender as you may know it is one of the best known Essential Oils and is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender also acts as an analgesic, a numbing effect, which will reduce the pain associated with your minor sunburn.
On a side note, lavender helps with digestive problems, soothes pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches and even bug bites, too!
Here’s how to use it!
In a glass container combine a ¼ cup of Vitamin E oil with 6 drops of lavender oil then apply topically to the affected area.
If you do not have Vitamin E oil, you may use fractionated coconut oil or aloe vera juice. However, if you use aloe vera juice, you will need to use one whole cup.
MELALEUCA and CHAMOMILE
Melaleuca and Chamomile oils are also known to work wonders in reducing the painful symptoms associated with minor sunburns because they also possess anti-inflammatory and tissue regeneration constituents.
Chamomile,Arthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile is known for its calming effect and used in aromatherapy, skin care products, and make-up.
Here’s how to use it!
Try adding a few drops to a cool bath to soothe your sunburn or diffuse it in the air to calm your mind.
Melaleuca otherwise known as Tea tree oil is soothing, relieves pain plus it can reduce the blistering and peeling of a sunburn. It is often used in sunburn creams and lotions.
Here’s how to use it!
You can apply full-strength tea tree oil directly on your sunburn, however, if you have sensitive skin dilute it with a carrier oil before you apply it to your skin. To add a cooling effect, include aloe or lavender oil in the mixture
NOTE:
It is “Essential” that you are using the purest essential oils. Knowing where your oils are coming from is the key to using essential oils properly and safely, especially when dealing with burns. There must not be any synthetic fillers in your oils!
Keeping your skin protected in the sun is the first line of defense, but if you find yourself looking a bit like a lobster this summer, Essential oils can be your friend especially when preferring to use more natural solutions.
For more information on sunburns check out this video by Alexis Simmons
The ability to provide Natural, Pure, and Essential oils to my family and friends has brought me such a feeling of empowerment that I want to share it with others and reintroduce people to a time tested, Natural, Pure, and Essential solution to what life throws at us. Give it a try and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way!