Since our family moved near the beach A few years ago, we find ourselves there a lot. While I'm all for healthy sun exposure, sunburn is ideally not 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 that help sunburn heal even faster and provide instant relief!
Being Irish, when I was younger I was used to slathering on sunscreen (or getting a bad burn). Since changing my diet and using specific supplements, however, I have noticed a huge improvement in how well I tolerate the sun. That doesn't mean I bake for hours at a time!
Once I've reached my limit, I'll either cover my skin or find some shade. I will rarely use some of the homemade sunscreens. Moderate and healthy sun exposure is important for getting enough vitamin D (which has a number of benefits of its own). Although I am not afraid of the sun, I am careful to try not to burn. However, sometimes, despite the best intentions, sunburns do happen.
Soothing ice cubes for sunburn
I have come up with several different cooling sprays and natural remedies over the years for it soothing sunburns. They only last so long in the fridge before they go bad. And while they are quick to make, I have to mix them up every time I need them. One of my favorite sunburn remedies is fresh aloe vera because it's quick and easy.
However, if you don't have your own aloe vera plant, these soothing cubes are the next best thing.
Before I dive into what each ingredient does, I want to clarify why I chose herbal ice cubes. Of course, ice feels good on warm, sunburned skin, but many health experts recommend against it. However, cold showers and compresses are recommended.
The idea is that ice acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing blood flow to the area and slowing healing time. Adding herbs that speed up healing and are vasodilator (increase blood flow) helps solve this issue. Plus it provides cooling relief.
Aloe Vera gel
The first ingredient in these herbal ice cubes is aloe vera gel. It's a staple in many sunburn remedies and you'll even find it in every drugstore and department store. I'm not talking about the bright green stuff full of harsh preservatives.
My favorite way to get aloe vera is directly from the plant. You can find details at how to harvest aloe vera yourself here. If you don't have an aloe plant, you can buy some aloe vera gel with natural preservatives.
Aloe vera has salicylic acid and magnesium that work together to relieve pain. It also contains aloin, which has mild UV protection properties. Aloe feels cooling on the skin, soothes inflammation and provides a smooth, slippery feel to hydrate damaged skin.
Comfrey
This amazing plant is called bone weaver for its amazing ability to heal broken bones so quickly. It is also good for sore joints and 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 a demulcent to help provide a protective barrier over the tissues.
Calendula
I use calendula in everything from baby care products to stretch marks salve to tea It is a gentle herb that is wonderful for all types of skin complaints. Soothes inflammation and helps with cuts, burns, rashes, sunburns and cuts. Calendula it also helps clean and move lymphatic fluids and improves blood circulation.
lavender
Similar to calendula, lavender is a mild and helpful herb for soothing the skin. You will find it in this exfoliating oatmeal skin cleansing and this refreshing lavender peach iced tea. While I often use the essential oil, lavender herb is also a staple in my medicine cabinet.
Lavender helps disinfect wounds and cuts 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 circulation in the skin to promote faster healing and better blood flow.
Marshmallow
Slippery Marshmallow is another skin soothing herb in this recipe. Covers and cools irritated skin while moisturizing. Marshmallow roots, leaves and flowers are all used to soothe inflammation. If you have some marshmallows growing in your yard, you can use the leaves and flowers for this recipe. Alternatively, roots are also a great option.
menthol
The final ingredient in these soothing sunburn ice cubes is peppermint. It is also the main ingredient in me DIY cooling spray. Peppermint is rich in menthol and has the unique ability to feel both warming and cooling at the same time. Mint is a vasodilator and stimulates circulation, which can cause a feeling of warmth. If mint is used along with cool or cold ingredients, then it feels cool on the skin.
I love using peppermint to help take the warmth out of a painful sunburn!
You don't have to use every single herb in this recipe, but I would recommend at least using aloe vera, peppermint, and one of the other soothing herbs. Just make sure your total plants add up to ? cup. They all work together to help soothe and calm sunburn damage.
Soothing ice cubes for sunburn
These cooling ice cubes contain soothing and skin-healing ingredients to help soothe sunburns.
Yield: 12 ice cube
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In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
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Add the herbs, cover and turn off the heat. Let it boil for 15 minutes.
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Strain the herbs and reserve the water. Some of the water may have evaporated, but you should drink at least 1 and 3/4 cups of tea. Place the herbal tea in the refrigerator to cool.
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Once the herbal tea is no longer hot, stir in the aloe vera gel.
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Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
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Rub into sunburned skin as needed to help cool and soothe.
- You can store the ice cubes for sunburn relief in a reusable silicone bag in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- These should last at least a year in the fridge.
What is your favorite sunburn remedy? Leave a comment and let us know!
