Summer weather is here and for most of us the warmer temps means more time outdoors and more sun exposure. Some sun exposure is great to help us regulate our sleep cycles and generate vitamin D, but what if you over do it?Try some easy at home remedies below to help relieve sunburn and make your own sunscreen to use in the future!

Simple steps to help relieve sunburn and encourage healing:

  • Keep hydrated to help skin heal and prevent dehydration.
  • Apply smashed aloe or cucumbers directly to skin for instant relief after a sunburn
  • Use witch hazel compresses to reduce redness and prevent infection
  • When the burned area begins to peel and get itchy, try a soothing oatmeal bath. Place one cup of rolled oats in a blender to make a power, add to a cool bath and soak as an anti-inflammatory. Some people like to add baking soda to this bath to help balance skin PH. Add a few tablespoons to bathwater if desired.
  • Avoid applying oil based moisturizers until the burning sensation has stopped a couple days later.

DIY Sunscreen ~20 SPF

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup sweet almond oil (or other carrier oil of choice)
  • 1/4 cup beeswax (pellets melt easier)
  • 2 Tbs shea butter
  • 1 tsp red raspberry seed oil
  • 1 tsp carrot seed oil
  • 4 Tbs non-nano zinc oxide powder
  • 25 drops of essential oils (optional scent addition, check to make sure they are non phototoxic! Many citrus EOs are phototoxic, lavender or sweet orange are good choices)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla (optional scent addition)
  • 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil (optional for shelf life)

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except zinc in a double boiler. Alternatively a glass jar, bowl or pyrex placed in a saucepan will work.
  • Add water to the bottom of the double boiler, or a small saucepan and place over medium heat.
  • Allow ingredients to melt, stir occasionally
  • When everything is melted and mixed well,remove from heat and stir in zinc oxide (wear a mask if needed to avoid breathing in zinc powder!).
  • Stir thoroughly to incorporate zinc and pour into container for storage.
  • Stir a few times as it cools to prevent zinc from settling.
  • Store at room temperature or in fridge.

Notes

  • Adjust amount of zinc to increase or decrease SPF
  • Increase beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, reduce to make thinner
  • Reapply after swimming or exercise, this is not waterproof!
  • If you use vitamin E and store in a cool dry place this can last 6 months to year.
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