Herbal Sunburn Soothing Ice Cubes

My family and I have been going there often since we moved near the beach a few years ago. I'm all for healthy sun exposure, but ideally sunburn isn't part of it. I rarely burn now, but when I do, I like to use natural remedies to soothe the area. These sunburn ice cubes use skin-soothing ingredients to help heal sunburn faster and provide fast relief!

Being Irish, I was used to slathering on sunscreen (or getting a bad sunburn) as a kid. Since changing my diet and using certain supplements, I have noticed a significant improvement in how well I tolerate sunlight. That doesn’t mean I bake for hours at a time!

When you reach your limit, you will cover your skin or seek out shade. I rarely use homemade sunscreen. A moderate amount of healthy sunlight exposure is important for getting enough vitamin D (which has many benefits in itself). I'm not afraid of being in the sun, but I'm careful not to get burned. But sometimes, despite our best intentions, sunburn occurs.

Ice cubes to soothe sunburn

Over the years, I've come up with several cooling sprays and natural remedies to soothe sunburn. But it stays in the refrigerator for only so long before it goes bad. And although it's quick to make, you'll have to mix it up as needed. One of my favorite sunburn remedies is quick and easy fresh aloe vera.

But if you don't have your own aloe vera plant, these soothing cubes are the next best option.

Before we get into what each ingredient does, I want to clarify why I chose herbal ice cubes. Obviously ice feels great on warm, sun-kissed skin, but many health experts recommend against using it. However, cool showers and compresses are recommended.

The idea is that the ice acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing blood flow to the area and slowing healing time. Adding herbs that speed healing and dilate blood vessels (increase blood flow) can help address that problem. Additionally, it provides cooling relief.

aloe vera gel

The first ingredient in this herbal ice is aloe vera gel. It is a key ingredient in many sunburn treatments and can be found in any drugstore or supermarket. But I'm not talking about the bright green stuff full of harsh preservatives.

My favorite way to consume aloe vera is straight from the plant. You can learn more about how to harvest your own aloe vera here. If you don't have an aloe plant, you can buy aloe vera gel, which contains natural preservatives.

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and magnesium, which work together to relieve pain. It also contains Aloin, which has mild UV protection properties. Aloe provides a cooling sensation to the skin, soothes inflammation, provides a smooth and slippery feel, and moisturizes damaged skin.

comfrey

This wonder plant is nicknamed bone knitter due to its amazing ability to heal broken bones very quickly. It is also good for sore joints or damaged skin. Comfrey stimulates tissue repair and helps the body form healthy skin cells. This herb also soothes inflammation and helps soothe and heal damaged skin. Like marshmallow root, it is an emollient that helps provide a protective barrier to tissues.

calendula

I use calendula in everything from baby care products to stretch mark ointment to tea. It is a gentle herb that is excellent for all types of skin conditions. It soothes inflammation and helps with cuts, burns, rashes, sunburns and cuts. Calendula also helps purify and move lymph fluid and improves blood circulation.

lavender

Like calendula, lavender is a gentle and versatile herb that helps soothe the skin. You'll find it in our exfoliating oatmeal skin scrub and refreshing lavender peach iced tea. I use essential oils often, but lavender herb is also a staple in my medicine cabinet.

Lavender helps disinfect cuts and wounds and acts as an analgesic to soothe pain. It is often used on burns to help the skin heal faster and soothe itching. Lavender also stimulates skin circulation, promoting faster healing and better blood flow.

marshmallow

Slippery marshmallow is another skin-soothing herb in this recipe. It moisturizes and cools irritated skin. Marshmallow root, leaves, and flowers are all used to soothe inflammation. If you have marshmallows growing in your yard, you can use the leaves and flowers in this recipe. Otherwise, roots are also a great choice.

mint

The final ingredient in ice to soothe sunburned skin is peppermint. This is also a key ingredient in my DIY cooling spray. Peppermint is rich in menthol, which gives it the unique ability to make you feel warm and cool at the same time. Mint is a vasodilator and can stimulate blood circulation, giving you a warm feeling. However, when mint is used with cold or cold ingredients, it creates a cooling sensation on the skin.

I love using mint to relieve the warmth from painful sunburns!

You don't have to use every herb in this recipe, but I recommend using at least one of the following: aloe vera, mint, and other soothing herbs. Make sure the total hub sum is: cup. They all work together to help calm and soothe sun damage.

What is the treatment for sunburn? Let us know by leaving a comment!