15 Essential Oils That Are Good For Sunburn -

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As we have numerous bottles of Essential Oils between us, we wondered what essential oils would be good for sunburn. We live in a country with lots of sunshine, so it made sense to see if we could find our own remedy for treating sunburn. Here are our 15 essential oils that are easy to get hold of that will be good for your sunburn. By sunburn, we mean when the area goes pink or red.

Few studies have explored the benefits of essential oils for sunburn, but most have found that the oils need to be applied as soon as possible after sunburn to receive the benefits. They recommend that essential oils should not be applied to areas where the skin is very thin or near hormone-regulated organs, like the genitals, eyelids, mouth, and breasts.

Some reminders: Using oils for health conditions is considered complementary medicine and should be done with caution. Please look at our Essential oil-what you must know.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the production and marketing of essential oils, so there’s no guarantee of their quality. Check in the country you live in for government regulation of products. Don’t delay with medical treatment for moderate or severe sunburns. Symptoms that need medical attention from a doctor, include:

Significant blistering on your body
A sunburn that doesn’t heal after a few days
A high fever
Headaches
Unrelenting pain, chills, and weakness.

If the sunburn worsens, contact your doctor as it may become infected.

Have a look in your cupboard if you have any of the following 15 oils:

Vitamin E essential oil

Being an antioxidant, Vitamin E Oil will help fight free radicals caused by ultraviolet radiation, thereby soothing sunburns. It may help to thicken the outermost layer of the skin, absorbing UV rays. Applying this anti-inflammatory will improve the elasticity and health of your skin by reversing the signs of aging. As it moisturizes and soothes dry, flaky skin, it may help to relieve the burning and itching that results from a sunburn.

Vitamin C essential oil

Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C, may help reduce symptoms of sunburn and improve the healing time relating to it. It helps protect the skin from free radicals produced from exposure to UV rays and reinforces the action of sunscreen. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which aids the body in repairing tissue.

Peppermint essential oil Mentha piperita

Peppermint contains menthol that helps to calm and cool the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce redness and swelling. Other properties are its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic effects. These help promote healing, reduce itchiness in people with itchy skin, and people suffering from heat-related burns.

Peppermint is a vasoconstrictor that narrows inflamed blood vessels.

Lavender essential oil Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender oil reduces discomfort as it possesses a measurable analgesic effect that soothes. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help repair a burn. Its antimicrobial properties help lower the risk of fungal or bacterial infection. Lavender oil promotes skin health as well as helping reduce scars.

Tea Tree essential oil Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree oil is protective and soothing due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. It is also calming and reduces pain.

Geranium essential oil Pelargonium graveolens

Geranium essential oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help with skin conditions and can soothe irritated skin due to sunburn.

Chamomile, both Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis and German Chamomile Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita

Both these essential oils have similar health benefits but are made of different ingredients. Chamomile oil helps restore inflamed and irritated skin while reducing redness thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It has calming and soothing properties. Roman chamomile is also one of the safest and gentlest essential oils, making it perfect for use on children’s sensitive skin.

Eucalyptus essential oil Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus oil has cooling properties that can soothe your skin and calm your sunburn with its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Green tea essential oil Camellia Sinensis

This essential oil is an astringent and an antioxidant with several benefits. It protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) exposure and heals the skin after a sunburn. Green tea essential oil can penetrate the inner layers of the skin helping to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized, which is great for those who suffer from dry and flaky skin.

Marigold essential oil Tagetes minuta

Marigold essential oil may help your inflamed skin with its antioxidant, anti-microbial and antiseptic properties. It is also known to protect your skin from UV rays.

Patchouli essential oil Pogostemon Cablin

Patchouli oil has natural calming and soothing properties and helps relieve sunburn. These healing benefits are due to the oil’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and fungicidal properties.

Helichrysum essential oil Helichrysum italicum

Helichrysum oil is one of the most effective essential oils for sunburn, possessing antifungal properties and preventing the spread of infections. It has a neryl acetate constituent that helps the skin.

Spearmint essential oil Mentha spicata

Spearmint oil helps with sunburn with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. It also has menthol that has natural cooling properties and can offer relief and soothe sunburns. It’s also safe for children.

Sandalwood essential oil Santalum album

Sandalwood essential oil has cooling properties to calm irritated skin due to sunburn. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties.