Even if you don’t have a sunburn, this after-sun salve recipe is a summer necessity to re-hydrate and soothe sun-kissed skin. Apply it after a good scrub in the shower to remove sunscreen residue. Slather on this balm and your skin will drink in the oils and butters, dealing with sun-damaged skin while you sleep.
Related: treat a sunburn with natural aloe vera
The sun just keeps getting hotter, doesn’t it? A few weeks ago my nephews were caught out at an event longer than they expected to be and as a result of embracing the fun outdoor activities they brought home an unwelcome souvenir: sunburns. The heat radiated off their pink cheeks, shoulders, and noses and I could see how it was taking a toll on their energy. The next day they were heading off on vacation so I whipped up a batch of the after-sun salve that I use on my own skin all summer long.
Related: Sunscreen Lip Balm Recipe
Ingredients:
Makes 2 oz
- 3 tablespoons olive oil infused with calendula
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cocoa butter
- 1 teaspoon Shea butter
- 1 tablespoon grated beeswax
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel
Make it!
Melt the oils, butters, and beeswax in a double boiler or Turkish coffee pot. Use a medium heat and stir as the oils melt. Remove from heat just as all ingredients are liquid. Stir in essential oil. Allow to cool slightly and then add the aloe gel. Mix the gel in well with the rest and pour into a 2 oz container.
Apply the after sun-salve generously to sunburned skin and rub it in as well as you can (which I know can be difficult with a sunburn!). Apply again after waking in the morning or showering, until the sunburn has settled down. If you don’t have a sunburn but have spent a day in the sun, this lotion works well to keep exposed skin soft. Shower to remove any sunscreen and use the lotion each evening after a day of sun exposure.
See even more ways to beat the heat:
- Protect Your Lips with an All-Natural Sunscreen Lip Balm Recipe
- Healing After-Sun Lip Balm Recipe
- How to Use Aloe Vera as a Sunburn Remedy
And don’t forget to keep the garden safe in the summer sun as well!
I am concerned there is no preservative in this, when aloe is included. (Essential oils are not preservatives.)
Should this be used within 7 days or less and refrigerated?
Can I skip the coco butter???
Hi Camie, with a salve you can always swap ingredients to make it your own, it will just change the final product. The cocoa butter helps to keep it firmer at room temperature and melt on warm skin. It’s also very hydrating and soothing. feel free to play and make it your own though!
Hey, this looks great! How long do you think it will last? Should I store it in the fridge or just a cool dark place?
hi! The fridge is best. The formulation will last as long as the soonest expiry date on the ingredients. I would use it within a month though.
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Do you use store bought aloe Vera or actual aloe from a plant?
both. It depends on what I have available. Both are good. Fresh has stronger properties. The store bought product lasts longer.
I have an aloe plant. I would not want to harm it, so how would I “harvest” the gel and not hurt my plant? Hope this isn’t too silly of a question.
Hi Rosemary, harvest an outer leaf all the way at the base with a clean knife and the plant will heal.