Longer days, warmer weather and summer vacation all mean fun in the sun—just don’t get burned! Even with preventive care like a variety of sunscreens available in our healthy living department, it’s all too easy to take your tan a little too far and wind up sun-kissed and then some. When that happens, try these easy DIY solutions to help cool and soothe sunburnt skin.

Yogurt Cooling Mask: Plain yogurt is cooling and contains natural lactic acid that helps gently exfoliate dead skin without scrubbing, which can do even more damage to sunburnt skin.

Ingredients:
1 cup full fat Greek yogurt
5 drops lavender essential oil*

Preparation:
Mix well and spread on skin. Let dry slightly and then gently wash off.

*A note about essential oils: If you’re a big DIY-er, use caution when applying your concoctions to your skin in the summer. Many citrus essential oils contain photosensitive compounds and will make your skin much more likely to burn or discolor. These include, but are not limited to, bergamot, lime, lemon and orange. Keep that DIY spirit, but better safe than sunburnt!

Antioxidant Tea Spray: Green tea isn’t just to drink—it also makes a great, cooling after-sun spray. Simply brew plain, unsweetened green tea, let it cool, then pour into a spray bottle and mist on your skin after a long day in the sun. You can also add a small handful of mint leaves before steeping for an extra refreshing sip or spray.

If you’re out and about and DIY projects aren’t an option, try packing Alba Botanica’s Medicated Cooling Aloe Burn Relief Spray. Menthol, aloe vera and extracts of green tea and cucumber provide relief, and the spray bottle makes it extra easy to use.

Once the initial sunburn has started to fade, keep your skin healthy and moisturized with a good lotion. Kiss My Face Olive & Aloe Body Lotion utilizes olive oil and aloe vera, two summer skin all-stars. Acure’s Ultra Hydrating Body Lotion will also keep skin soft with evening primrose oil and cocoa butter. 

Drop by our healthy living department for even more summer skincare options and DIY inspiration, and remember, our healthy living specialists are always happy to help!