The Best Non-Toxic After Sun Spray: Our Overnight Sunburn Transformation
The Natural After-Sun Spray That Helped Calm My Daughter's Sunburn Overnight
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When Summer Fun Turns Into Sunburn
As much as we love spending time outside, and with how dark my girls get in the Summer, I wasn’t prepared for sunburn first thing Summer break.
That's exactly what happened to my daughter.
After just a couple hours in the sun, she came inside with a sunburn. Her skin felt hot, tight, and uncomfortable. Like most moms, my first instinct was to find something that would help soothe her skin naturally.
I’ve never been a fan of reaching for conventional after-sun products filled with synthetic fragrances, dyes, and questionable ingredients that don’t even work, in my opinion. I typically reach for the aloe plant. While I love an aloe plant, it takes a little time to see the healing and of course I wanted to help my baby as quick as possible. So this time, I made my favorite non-toxic after-sun spray using simple ingredients I trust.
The results are amazing!
Before
After One Night
While everyone's skin responds differently, we noticed a dramatic reduction in redness and discomfort by the next morning.
Here's exactly what I used.
My Favorite Non-Toxic After-Sun Spray Recipe:
Ingredients
2 ounces pure aloe vera gel
2 ounces distilled water
1 tablespoon witch hazel
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil
Supplies
4-ounce glass spray bottle
Small funnel
Directions
Add aloe vera gel to your spray bottle.
Pour in distilled water and witch hazel.
Add essential oils.
Shake well before each use.
Spray generously on affected areas as needed.
Store in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
Why These Ingredients Work
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for centuries to help soothe irritated skin. It contains naturally occurring compounds that provide cooling hydration and help support the skin's natural recovery process.
Benefits include:
Cooling relief
Moisture support
Reduced skin tightness
Gentle hydration
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils for skin support. It is often used to calm irritated skin and promote comfort after sun exposure.
Many people love lavender because it is:
Gentle
Calming
Soothing
Kid-friendly when properly diluted
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint provides an immediate cooling sensation that can feel incredibly refreshing on overheated skin.
Benefits include:
Cooling sensation
Refreshing aroma
Helps skin feel less hot
Note: Always dilute peppermint properly and avoid use around the face of young children.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is one of my favorite oils for skin support. It has been valued for centuries and is often included in skincare routines due to its soothing properties.
Benefits include:
Supports healthy-looking skin
Promotes skin recovery
Complements other skin-supportive oils
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel helps create a refreshing spray while providing additional soothing support for irritated skin.
Why I Avoid Conventional After-Sun Products
Many popular after-sun lotions contain:
Artificial fragrances
Synthetic preservatives
Petroleum-derived ingredients
Artificial dyes
While not every conventional product is problematic, I prefer using ingredients that are simple, natural, recognizable, and easy to research.
When I'm caring for my family's skin, fewer ingredients is often my goal.
Additional Natural Tips for Sunburn Relief
Along with this spray, I also focus on:
Hydration
Sun exposure can contribute to dehydration.
I encourage:
Water
Coconut water
Electrolyte-rich drinks
Cool Compresses when needed
A cool washcloth can provide immediate comfort.
Avoid ice directly on the skin, as it may increase irritation.
Rest
The body does a tremendous amount of repair work while we sleep.
That overnight recovery period is one reason I was so impressed by the difference we saw the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this spray on children?
Yes! Always research essential oil safety for your child's age and dilute appropriately. This spray is diluted making it safe for your kids skin too!
How often can I apply it?
As needed. We typically apply every few hours during the first day.
Can I leave out peppermint?
Absolutely. If you're making this for younger children or those with sensitive skin, you can omit peppermint and increase lavender slightly.
The Essential Oils I Trust
Not all essential oils are created equal.
Purity matters.
Many oils on the market are diluted, adulterated, or contain undisclosed ingredients.
I was a die hard Young Living fan and distributor years ago. I loved their transparency and the purity of their product. However, the price tag was a lot. Then, I discovered DoTerra which seemed to be more popular in Ohio. Both of these brands are great and known for their purity. As you can see in the photo, I still have a little left in my collection. lol
Then I found Revive. They’re committed to purity, and are transparent in their sourcing and testing, which is what I loved about Young Living and DoTerra. They also have so many blends similar to Young Living and DoTerra making it easy to find swaps.
You can purchase here and get $10 off your first order.
Final Thoughts
Seeing my daughter's skin go from bright red and uncomfortable to noticeably calmer by the next morning reminded me why I love having natural remedies on hand.
No product can erase a sunburn instantly, and prevention is always the best approach. But when accidents happen, having a simple, non-toxic option ready to go can make a big difference.
If you decide to try this recipe, I'd love to hear about your experience.
And if you're looking to build a natural home wellness toolkit, be sure to check out the essential oils and ingredients I personally use and trust below.