Sunburn Relief

During the hot summer months, the best way to protect your skin from sunburn is by applying sunscreen.
You can create your own natural sunscreen with

1. Begin by using ½ cup of Young Living’s V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex.
2. Add a combination of myrrh (4–5 drops), carrot seed (4–5 drops), and lavender (20 drops) essential oils.
3. Blend well and store in a dark-colored bottle.
4. To use: Liberally apply sunscreen over exposed areas.
5. Remember to reapply every couple of hours throughout the day, especially when participating in water activities.

Sometimes, however, sunburns happen. Young Living offers many products to help relieve sunburn*, including LavaDerm™ Cooling Mist.

LavaDerm’s pure and carefully chosen ingredients—aloe, lavender, spikenard, and trace minerals—work in concert to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of a sunburn. By having LavaDerm readily available, you can just point and spray to get sunburn relief* as quickly as possible.

You can also try using one of the following Young Living essential oils and do-it-yourself recipes for sunburn relief:

Lavender
Frankincense or Sacred Frankincense
Helichrysum
Rose
Melaleuca Alternifolia
Roman Chamomile

Without question, lavender is the best essential oil for sunburn relief*. If you are really sore, it is paramount that you get the heat out of the skin. Here is a simple and effective solution:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar
• Ice cubes
• Young Living Lavender essential oil
• Young Living Lavender Hand & Body Lotion

Directions:

1. Fill a sink or bath with cool water.
2. Add ice cubes to the water if you are able to tolerate the temperature.
3. Add 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar.
4. Immerse yourself for at least 10 minutes.
5. Gently pat your skin dry.
6. Apply undiluted Lavender essential over the burned area.
7. Once the oil is absorbed in the skin, apply Young Living’s Lavender Hand & Body Lotion .

Cautions:

1. Don’t apply too much Lavender essential oil. Simply cover the burned area.
2. Do not bathe with bubbles or use soap. This can dry out and irritate the skin.
3. Avoid actions that will worsen your symptoms, such as rubbing your skin dry with a towel.

Sunburn Relief for Children
Although parents typically protect their children from sunburns, many children do suffer from heat rash.
You can prevent heat rash by keeping your child’s skin dry and cool. It is also helpful to dress children in light clothing made from breathable fabric. When possible, expose your child’s skin to air. If you are unable to prevent heat rash, here is a do-it-yourself relief recipe for all ages:

Heat Rash Relief
Ingredients:

Children Ages 0-2

• ¼ cup baking soda
• 2 drops Lavender essential oil

Children Ages 3–7

• ½ cup baking soda
• 2 drops Lavender essential oil

Children Ages 8–10

• ½ cup baking soda
• 4 drops Lavender essential oil

Children Ages 11–18

• 1 cup baking soda
• 4 drops Lavender essential oil

Directions:

1. Mix Lavender essential oil and baking soda together.
2. Add mixture to a warm bath.
3. If bathing a baby, make sure that the water reaches the folds of the skin.
4. Once out of the bath, dry skin thoroughly and take care that your child’s folds of skin are kept dry.

Here are some practical tips on how to  soothe the effects of specific types of sunburns with essential oils:
 
Sunburned Eyelids Apply tea bags soaked in cool water to help reduce swelling and soreness*.

Soreness Chill Young Living Lavender Hand & Body Lotion in the refrigerator. It will counteract swelling and keep skin properly hydrated*. 

Dryness and Peeling of Skin Drink water and eat foods with high water content. A large watermelon wedge provides 9+ ounces of water, 1 cup of honeydew melon provides 5.4 ounces, and 1 cup of cantaloupe or beets provide 5.1 ounces.

Seek Medical Attention Take care if you experience nausea, chills, fever, faintness, extensive blistering, general weakness, patches of purple discoloration, or intense itching when sunburned. Finally, here are a few more sensible tips for you to think about:

• UV rays penetrate windows. Use care when sitting in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, especially with a baby.
• If your legs and feet are swollen, elevate them above your heart.
• If soreness is preventing a good night’s sleep, try sleeping on an air mattress.
• Take extra sun precautions when the sun is at its strongest (from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. or 11 a.m.–4 p.m. for those states participating in Daylight Savings Time).

We hope these recipes and tips help you safely navigate through the summer months. As always, we invite you to share your ideas or recipes in the comments.


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.