Since our family moved close to the beach a few years back, we’ve been spending a lot of time there. I’m all for healthy sun exposure, but I try to avoid getting sunburned. Even though I rarely burn now, when I do, I prefer using natural remedies to soothe the skin. These sunburn ice cubes, made with soothing ingredients, can help sunburns heal faster and offer quick relief!
Growing up Irish, I often piled on sunscreen or ended up with bad sunburns. But since I’ve changed my diet and started taking certain supplements, I’ve noticed I can handle the sun much better. That doesn’t mean I spend hours baking in it, though! Once I’ve had enough sun, I either cover up or find some shade. Sometimes, I use a bit of my homemade sunscreen. Moderate sun exposure is important for getting enough vitamin D, which has many benefits. While I’m not afraid of getting a bit of sun, I try my best not to burn. However, sunburns can still happen regardless of good intentions.
Over the years, I’ve created several cooling sprays and natural remedies to soothe sunburns. They don’t last long in the fridge and require mixing every time. One of my favorite quick remedies is fresh aloe vera because it’s easy and convenient. If you don’t have an aloe plant, these soothing ice cubes are a great alternative.
Let me explain why I chose herbal ice cubes. Although ice feels great on warm, sunburned skin, some health experts advise against it. They recommend cool showers and compresses instead. Ice reduces blood flow to the area and can slow down healing. By adding herbs that promote healing and increase blood flow, it balances the effects while providing cooling relief.
The primary ingredient in these herbal ice cubes is aloe vera gel. It’s common in many sunburn remedies and can be found in most stores. I prefer using aloe straight from the plant, but if you don’t have one, you can purchase aloe vera gel with natural preservatives. Aloe vera has salicylic acid and magnesium that help relieve pain. It also contains aloin, which offers mild UV protection. Aloe feels cooling on the skin, reduces inflammation, and moisturizes damaged areas.
Comfrey, known as “bone knit,” is remarkable for healing broken bones quickly. It’s also beneficial for sore joints and damaged skin. Comfrey aids tissue repair and helps form healthy skin cells. This herb reduces inflammation and soothes damaged skin.
Calendula is another gentle herb that I use in everything from baby care products to tea. It’s excellent for various skin issues like inflammation, cuts, burns, and rashes. Calendula helps cleanse lymphatic fluid and boosts blood circulation.
Lavender is a versatile herb that’s great for soothing skin. It helps disinfect wounds and ease pain. Lavender is often used for burns, helping the skin heal faster and calm itchiness. It also improves circulation, promoting quicker healing.
Marshmallow is another soothing herb in this recipe. It helps coat and cool irritated skin. You can use marshmallow roots, leaves, or flowers to calm inflammation.
Peppermint, the last ingredient in these ice cubes, is also essential in my DIY cooling spray. Rich in menthol, peppermint feels both warming and cooling. It’s a vasodilator that enhances circulation, which can generate warmth. However, when combined with cool ingredients, peppermint feels refreshing on the skin.
You don’t need to use every herb in the recipe, but I suggest including at least aloe vera, mint, and another soothing herb. Just make sure the herbs total about ? cup. Together, they effectively calm and soothe sunburned skin.
What’s your favorite sunburn remedy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
