Too much exposure to sunlight can damage the skin and cause sunburn, so use lavender oil to relieve sunburn.
Applying sunscreen every few hours is a must to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But the heat and sweat made me not want to reach for it again and again. I realized that was a mistake because I ended up with a sunburn. To soothe my stinging skin, I took cold baths and applied moisturizers with aloe vera. But that wasn’t enough to heal my sunburned skin. My mom told me to use essential oils to soothe my sunburn. She suggested I apply lavender oil to soothe my sunburn. I tried it and it reduced the pain and redness associated with sunburn. Here’s what experts say about using lavender oil for sunburn:
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Artificial sources like tanning beds can also cause sunburn, says dermatologist Dr. Neha Khullana. UVA is a wavelength of light that penetrates deeper into the skin and damages it over time. Meanwhile, UVB is a wavelength of light that penetrates more superficial layers of the skin and causes sunburn, experts explain. UV light basically damages skin cells, and your immune system responds by increasing blood flow to the affected area. This causes the inflammatory skin reaction known as sunburn.
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
Symptoms of sunburn include:
- Skin is red and soft, warm to the touch.
- Blisters.
- Severe reactions such as fever, chills, nausea, and skin rash.
- The skin peels off in sunburned areas.
How does lavender essential oil help with sunburn?
Experts say lavender essential oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and healing properties, and a study published in 2016 showed that lavender oil can promote the healing of skin tissue. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies According to a 2004 study published in the journal, this essential oil can help reduce redness, pain, and swelling. It can also be used by people with sensitive skin. Cell proliferation The journal found that lavender is one of the mildest plant essential oils.
How to use lavender oil for sunburn?
To use lavender oil for a sunburn:
- Add 4-5 drops of lavender oil to a cold bath.
- Soak your body for about 20 minutes.
If you don’t have access to a bathtub, Dr. Kraana suggests adding a few drops of essential oil to a bucket of cold water and applying it to the area with a soft cloth.
For mild pain relief, water alone is sufficient. However, for better results, dilute lavender essential oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil before applying it to the sunburned skin. This reduces irritation, promotes absorption, and provides more effective pain relief and soothing effects. You can mix 20 drops of lavender with 1 oz or 30 ml of carrier oil and apply it on the sunburned skin. Reapply to the affected area 2-3 times a day, but do a patch test first.
What are the side effects of lavender oil for sunburn?
Lavender oil is highly sedative, but the oil’s scent can irritate the nose if you’re sensitive to smells. Experts say it can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches. People with allergies, eczema, and dermatitis should also avoid using it to prevent reactions.
Overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause sunburn. Use lavender essential oil to relieve sunburn, but make sure to dilute it with water or a carrier oil like coconut oil to avoid irritating your skin.
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