How to Help Prevent and SOOTH Sunburns with Essential Oils!

So if you're anything like me, getting rid of chemical laden products has been a bit of a transition.

If you grew up like I did, the ingredient list on a bottle of lotion was nothing of importance.  And when it came to sunscreen,  as long as it was spf30 or more, we were good to go.

It's only been this past year that I've realized some of the effects that these chemicals can have on the health of our children and ourselves.  Not to mention the fact that most lotions sting Noelle's poor TSW skin like crazy.

I recently wrote a post that listed pretty much every toiletry item in our home and how we had switched out traditional toxic products for natural ones.

One of those products was sunscreen in which I linked to Wellness Mama's blog detailing her sunscreen recipe.  I hadn't had a chance to try her recipe yet so I linked to her for the info.

Well, it IS summer now and we chose a different route for sunscreen.   We used Young Living's Carrot Seed Essential Oil mixed with coconut oil.

Carrot seed oil has a natural spf of 35-40!! 

And coconut oil has an spf of 2-8. 

We also added lavender to ours which is great for the skin.

I was pretty skeptical about this, as I have never used a natural form of sunscreen before!  

But let me tell you, I usually burn within 45 minutes because I'm pretty fair skinned, and I was in the sun for a couple hours the other day and had NO burn!  

I have been using it on the kiddos as well and we have seen no sunburns on them either!

I'm pretty excited to be able to share this with you guys and say that we are using it with success.

There are many different recipes out there for sunscreen, but I will share what we used and then a couple other options for you to personalize your own sunscreen and help your heal if you're already burned!

What you'll need for my sunscreen:

• 2/3 Cup of organic unrefined coconut oil
• 25 drops of YL Carrot Seed Essential Oil
• 10 drops of YL Lavender Essential Oil

Whip these together with an electric mixer until fluffy and store in a glass container.

***If it's too warm, the coconut oil won't "fluff up."  You can put the mixture in the fridge for a few minutes to cool before mixing if necessary.

 

I know, it's a horrible picture...did I mention I'm NOT your average blog photographer?

Apply frequently when in the sun and/or water for a prolonged period of time!

This has worked really well for us so far, but here are some other options as well.

Remember the body butter I made a while back?  You can simply follow those instructions and add Carrot Seed and Lavender to it if you already know you like the texture of that one.

If you want to add some bulk to my first sunscreen recipe, here are two alternative recipes for you to try!

Alternative #1:

• 1/3 Cup organic cold pressed coconut oil
• 1/3 Cup organic unrefined shea butter
• 25 drops of YL Carrot Seed Essential Oil
• 10 drops of YL Lavender Essential Oil

To get a nice velvety cream, you'll want to first melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a mason jar set in boiling water on the stove.

Once it melts together, pour it into a separate mixing bowl to cool.

Once cooled, add your essential oils and whip with your electric mixer until creamy!

Want your cream to stay set up in the heat instead of liquifying so quickly?

Try this recipe.

Alternative #2:

• 1/3 Cup organic cold pressed coconut oil
• 1/3 Cup organic unrefined shea butter
• 1-5 TBSP beeswax (the more you add the firmer it will be)
• 25 drops of YL Carrot Seed Essential Oil
• 10 drops of YL Lavender Essential Oil

Follow the same instructions as the previous recipe! 

Other essential oil options that can be helpful if you have a sunburn:

• Helichrysm
• Myrrh
• Roman Chamomile

So, what if you went in the sun and did NOT use any sunscreen?  And stayed out too long?  And now you're burning up and your skin is red and hot to the touch?

Story of my life.

But I have found what helps!

Like I said, I sunburn very easily, and have already burned this year (prior to making my own sunscreen!).

Here's how I have eased my burns and prevented mine from peeling!

What you'll need:

• Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
• YL Lavender Essential Oil
• YL Frankincense Essential Oil (optional)
• YL Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)
• YL LavaDerm Cooling Mist(optional)
• Raw apple cider vinegar (optional)

Here is what I do for my sunburns:

As soon as I notice I'm burned, I apply Lavender UNdiluted directly to the sunburn.

Once it's absorbed some, I follow that with coconut oil to keep the skin moisturized.

I try and do this SEVERAL times a day when I'm burned. 

I alternate the Lavender and coconut oil regimen with YL's LavaDerm cooling mist.  This spray has Lavender and Spiknard oils along with Aloe and trace minerals.  It is cooling and very soothing to the skin!

Once I notice the redness has decreased, I make sure to at LEAST continue with the coconut oil for a week or so.  That way I keep the skin plenty moisturized and I don't peel!

Other options for relief:

• Frankincense is also great for the skin and will "drive" the lavender deeper into the tissue if layered on the skin after the lavender.

• Peppermint will seriously cool the skin!  Applying a small amount after lavender may help relieve the burn.

• Apple cider vinegar is wonderful for the skin as well.  I haven't tried this, but have heard LOTS of great things about soaking the skin in ACV and then letting it dry.  Follow with your essential oils and coconut oil. 

So there ya go!

I hope this helps keep you and your family FREE of sunburns this year!  Remember that natural remedies are very specific to each person's needs.  Make sure to test the recipe you choose and feel free to alter it as necessary!

I'm sure that if you've found this AFTER you've already been burned in the sun, the options I've listed will help you get rid of that sunburn FAST!

Let me know if you use any of my recipes and how they've worked for your family!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional.  I simply make decisions on how to care for and improve the health of my own family.  None of the statements on my blog have been evaluated by the FDA and any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This post also contains affiliate links to the company which I have personally used and recommend.  If you purchase through these links, I will receive a commission, however the cost to you remains the same!

  

How to Rid Your Home of Toxic Toiletry Products!

So, if you're anything like me, you have not always known about toxic chemicals.

To me, the term "toxic" reminded me only of the green ooze from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

I really didn't understand what was in the products AND foods I was using on a daily basis for myself, my husband, and my children.

To be completely honest, I STILL don't understand!  I haven't done vast amounts of research...yet.

I am learning, and learning quickly, that just about everything that I've used in the past should be given a second look to see if there are harmful ingredients included.

Now, if you're anything like me you also cannot AFFORD to purchase all natural organic toiletry products!!!  I really wish I could just buy up the entire skincare and haircare line from Young Living.  But with 3 kids at home and 1 still waiting for us in Congo, I needed a different solution.

So I've looked at many DIY websites and blogs, and also talked to other friends who have been on their natural/healthy journey a bit longer than I have.  

I have several places that I've used recipes from, so I'll try and consolidate them all here for you!  Save this post for future reference, and that way when you're ready to trade in your favorite moisturizer for something natural and non-toxic, you can look at the options that I've listed!

This post will only contain toiletry products....mainly for the hair, skin, and body.

I will also work on a post helping you to clean out some of your household sprays, cleaners, and air fresheners for a more healthy and non-toxic alternative!

Let's start out by listing some basics that you'll need to have on hand. 

This might seem lengthy.  But with these, you'll be able to whip up a lot of different products for your family and you'll have them on hand for many other uses as well.

update:  I already forgot that I didn't include Eye Makeup Remover!  That is now listed.

• Organic cold pressed UNREFINED Coconut Oil
• Organic UNREFINED Shea Butter
• Unrefined Beeswax
• Organic Almond Oil and/or Olive Oil
• Vitamin E oil
• Baking Soda
• Sea Salt
• Sugar
• Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
• Castile Soap (Already made or made from a bar like I do)
• Zinc Oxide
• Young Living Essential Oils (the Everyday Collection in the Starter Kit is a start, but SO many others will be useful!!)
•  update - I recently purchased Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap in "Baby Mild Unscented" and I see a stark difference between the store bought and the homemade liquid.  Dr. Bronner's is MUCH sudsier and leaves skin feeling squeaky clean...but also a little drier than the liquid made from a grated bar.  I like both, but that's the difference I've noted!

Products that we've purchased instead of made:

• Young Living Slique KidScentz Toothpaste
• Young Living Copaiba Vanilla Shampoo
• Young Living Thieves Foaming Hand soap (optional)
• Young Living KidScents shampoo

Ok.  If you have the above ingredients on hand, you'll pretty much have NO need to purchase any other toiletry products at the drug store.

Let's get started!

Shampoo and Conditioner
To make your own, you'll need:


Baking Soda
Apple Cider Vineger
Essential Oils

I have been going the "no-poo" route for a couple years now.

All you need for "shampoo" is baking soda and water.
  
I "condition" with diluted Apple Cider Vinegar with a few drops of Rosemary Essential oil added in for my scalp.  Melaleuca is great for the scalp as well. 

You can follow detailed instructions in an article that I wrote here.

Another option for homemade shampoo is here.

My Husband:  He has actually been using the kids' Young Living Shampoo with great results but we'll be switching to big boy shampoo next month ;) 

We are ordering Young Living's Vanilla Copaiba Shampoo for him!

He does not require conditioner.

Kids: They use the KidScentz shampoo.  It smells great, but not too frilly because it is only scented with essential oils.  We love it!
The girls really do not need conditioner after using the shampoo.


Dry Scalp Treatment:

Coconut Oil

Before your shower, part your hair and apply tiny amounts of coconut oil.  Just enough to stay on the scalp, not the hair.

Gently massage it into the scalp until it melts (if it's not yet melted).

Continue parting the hair until you've covered all areas that are dry.

You can do this when you get out of the shower as well!  Be careful not to get too much IN your hair.  That will make it greasy.

Dry Hair Treatment:

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
2 drops Essential Oil of your choice

Melt coconut oil in warm water or the microwave until liquid and warm.
Add essential oil

Using a cotton ball, apply the oil to the roots and then massage into the rest of the hair.
Wrap your hair in a warm towel and sleep on it. 

Wash as normal in the morning.
You may need to wash and rinse a little more than usual.

For a QUICK dry hair treatment, apply some melted coconut oil to wet hair in the shower.  It will be easier to rinse out if you aren't applying it to dry hair.

Shampoo and rinse and rinse as usual.


Body Wash:

Update - I failed to add WATER as an ingredient!

It's now fixed :)

To make your own, you'll need:
2/3 Cup Liquid Castile Soap
1/3 Cup Purified or Distilled Water (you can adjust this for however thick/thin/diluted you prefer your body wash)
1Tsp Vitamin E Oil
1Tbsp Almond Oil or Olive Oil (optional)
10 drops Essential Oils

It's pretty simple, just mix it together and you have your own body wash!

We like to use oils like Lavender for this.

If you're just switching from drug store body wash, you'll have to learn that homemade body wash does not lather nearly as much.  But it is still cleansing!!!

We use this for the kids as well! 

You can also add some raw honey to make it super luxurious!!!

Shaving Cream:

Coconut Oil

Thaaaat's pretty much it.

You can whip some up with an electric mixer until it has the consistency of frosting and then keep it in the shower...although it may become liquid as it gets warm.  But smother some on your legs before shaving!  

Be sure to really rinse your razor after...or swish it in a cup of warm water.

Facewash/scrub:

Young Living's Orange Blossom Facial Wash is a great option.

It's soap free so it doesn't strip natural oils from your face!

I haven't actually used a face "wash" for quite some time.  

I like to use scrubs.

Face Scrub:
This can also be used as a hand and body scrub!!!

2 parts Sugar
1 part  Coconut or Almond Oil
Essential Oils of your choice (10-20 drops will work if you're starting with 1 Cup of Sugar)

Eye Makeup Remover:
Coconut Oil

Just take a tiny bit...really, a very small amount of coconut oil and gently rub it over your closed eyelid and eyelashes.

Rub it underneath as well, and gently wipe away with a warm washcloth, or just a tissue!

It honestly works better than any of my makeup removers for my mascara!
  

Hand Soap:
We are using Thieves Foaming Hand Soap from Young Living, but when we run out, I'm refilling the containers with this recipe:

2-3 Tbsp Liquid Castile Soap
5-10 drops Thieves Essential Oil
3-4 drops Vitamin E oil (optional)
Filtered water

Just carefully pour the first 3 ingredients into your foaming soap dispenser and then fill with water! 


Facial Moisturizer:

3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
6-10 drops of Essential Oils of your choice

In a small glass jar, mix the coconut oil and essential oils together. 

DONE!

For a really nice texture, whip the coconut oil first with an electric mixer, then add the oils and store in the jar.

Right now, mine has Frankincense and Lavender in it!

After washing your face, apply a very small amount to your face with your fingers. 

Be sure to start slowly.  A little bit of coconut oil goes a long way as it melts!

This may take a little longer to soak into the skin than your normal moisturizer. But that's probably because it doesn't have a base of WATER!  Check your lotions...many times, the first ingredient is.  These that we're making are more concentrated.

As long as I give mine several minutes to sink in, I have no problem applying my makeup after.  And it IS NOT greasy!

Lotion:

Take a look at these tutorials that I've already made for Whipped Body Butter and Lotion Bars.

Both are wonderful and super moisturizing.  

You'll need:

Coconut Oil
Shea Butter
Beeswax (for the bars)
Essential Oils of your choice

Either one is fabulous and great for dry skin!  I have found that since I've stopped using normal bottled lotion, my skin isn't as parched after a shower!  Might be because I'm not using my old body wash either ;)
 
As with the facial moisturizer, you'll need to allow time for it to soak into your skin.  It will feel greasy at first, but don't worry!  It'll soak in!

We use these the whipped body butter on all the kiddos!

The lotion bars are so convenient because they melt as you rub on the skin.  

We love both!


Deodorant:

Wellness Mama also helped me with this one.

6 Tbsp coconut oil
4 Tbsp baking soda
4 Tbsp corn starch
10-20 drops of Essential Oils of your choice

For my deodorant, I used Orange essential oil.  It smells sooooo good!

For my husband's, I added Idaho Blue Spruce and Idaho Balsam Fir.

It smells like a lumberjack!  It actually had a tiny bit of my orange left in it, so it really smells yummy!

This recipe is enough to fill 2 normal sized empty deodorant containers.

***Update*** After using this deodorant for a couple weeks, I realized I have a sensitivity to the baking soda.  It's normal to go through a "detox" after using anti-perspirant for so many years, but I had severe skin irritation.  So if you find that your underarms are really irritated with no relief, you may have a sensitivity as well.  I have since switched to straight essential oil!  I put a drop of Purification under each arm every day and that does the trick :)  Kills the odor causing bacteria! 

Hair Spray:

1 Cup filtered water
4 Tsp sugar
5-10 drops essential oils of your choice

We haven't done this one yet either, but I know people who have!

It's SO simple.

Heat up the water on the stove to boiling.

Add your sugar and stir it until it's dissolved.

Let it cool, and add your essential oils.

Put it in a glass spray bottle!  

DONE!

Liquid Hand Sanitizer:

Filtered Water
1/4 Tsp Epsom salts
20 drops Thieves Essential Oil
2oz glass spray bottle

This is how I make mine.

I mix the essential oil with the Epsom salts in a glass spray bottle and fill it with water!

DONE!

There's other recipes for hand sanitizer that have a texture more like your traditional sanitizer.  You can read one here.

But I don't have aloe vera gel yet, so I uses what I have!
 
Toothpaste:

The kiddos use Young Living's KidScents Slique toothpaste...that stuff is YUMMY!

Here's what Chris and I use:

1/4 Cup coconut oil
1 Tbsp Baking Soda
1 Tsp Stevia 
15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

We've changed this recipe up a couple times.  Feel free to adapt it to your liking!

Just mix the baking soda really well with the coconut oil.  You can use a fork if the coconut oil is real firm.

Then mix in the Stevia and add your oils!

You can definitely use other essential oils in this...we just like minty toothpaste!

We put ours in an empty baby food jar.  You can scrape some out using your toothbrush, or use a tiny spoon or knife to get it out.

I LOVE this stuff.  My teeth feel SO much smoother after brushing than when I was using other brands of toothpaste!

Sunscreen:

We haven't made this one yet.  But I'm ordering the zinc oxide so that we can!
I love Wellness Mama's blog and this is her recipe.

You'll need:
almond oil
coconut oil
beeswax
zinc oxide
essential oils
Vitamin E Oil (optional)
Shea Butter (optional)

Head on over to her blog for instructions!
 
Diaper Rash Cream

4 Tbsp coconut oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil or Gently Baby Essential Oil

We've had great results using this diaper rash cream!!!

You can have this mixed ahead of time to keep in the diaper bag, or like me...if you haven't gotten to doing that yet, you can put a 1/4 tsp coconut oil in the palm of your hand, put 1-2 drops of Lavender (or Gentle Baby) on top and mix it with a finger from your other hand until it's melted.  Then use that finger to apply it to baby's bum!

Phew!

I THINK that about covers most everything that we threw out of our medicine cabinets!!

As I make more tutorials or change recipes, I'll be sure to update this post.

To purchase any products from Young Living, contact me or read this post.  It tells you how to sign up for yourself to receive 24% off retail prices!

UPDATE:  Be sure to read my new post about getting rid of your toxic cleaning supplies!


Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional.  I simply make decisions on how to care for and improve the health of my own family.  None of the statements on my blog have been evaluated by the FDA and any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This post also contains affiliate links to the company which I have personally used and recommend.  If you purchase through these links, I will receive a commission, however the cost to you remains the same!