Herbal Sunscreen Soothing ice cubes

Since our family moved to the beach a few years ago, we can be found there often. While I’m all for healthy sun exposure, sunscreen is ideally not one of them. I rarely burn now, but when I do, I like to use natural remedies to soothe the area. These sunscreen ice cubes contain skin-softening ingredients that ensure that sunburn heals even faster and provides quick relief!

As an Irishman, I was used to slathering on sunscreen (or getting a bad sunburn) when I was younger. Since changing my diet and taking specific supplements, I have noticed a huge improvement in how well I tolerate the sun. However, that doesn’t mean I bake for hours on end!

Once I reach my limit, I cover my skin or find some shade. Rarely do I use some of my homemade sunscreen. Moderate, healthy sun exposure is important for getting enough vitamin D (which has a host of benefits). Although I’m not afraid to get some sun, I am careful not to get sunburned. However, sometimes despite the best intentions, sunburn happens.

Sunscreen Soothing ice cubes

I’ve come up with several cooling sprays and natural remedies over the years to soothe sunburns. However, they only last so long in the refrigerator before they spoil. And while they are quick to make, I still have to mix them up every time I need them. One of my favorite sunscreens 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 best alternative.

Before I get 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 advise against it. However, cool 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 healing and are vasodilators (increase blood flow) will help solve this problem. Moreover, it provides cooling.

Aloe Vera gel

The first ingredient in these herbal ice cubes is aloe vera gel. It is a key ingredient in many sunburn remedies and you can even find it in every drugstore and major supermarket. However, I’m not talking about the bright green stuff full of harsh preservatives.

My favorite way to obtain aloe vera is straight from the plant. Here you can find more information on how to harvest your own aloe vera. 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 protective properties. Aloe feels cooling on the skin, calms inflammation and provides a smooth, slick feeling to hydrate damaged skin.

Comfrey

This wonder plant has been nicknamed Bone Knit because of its amazing ability to heal broken bones so quickly. It is also good for painful 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 an emollient that helps form a protective barrier over tissues.

Calendula

I use calendula in everything from baby care products to stretch mark ointment to tea. It is a gentle herb that works well for all kinds of skin complaints. It soothes inflammation and helps with cuts, burns, rashes, sunburns and lacerations. Calendula also helps cleanse and move lymphatic fluid and improves blood circulation.

Lavender

Like calendula, lavender is a gentle and skin-soothing herb. You’ll find it in this exfoliating oatmeal skin scrub and this refreshing lavender peach iced tea. Although I use the essential oil often, 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 for burns to help the skin heal faster and soothe itching. Lavender also stimulates circulation to the skin to promote faster healing and better circulation.

Marshmallow

Smooth marshmallow is another skin-soothing herb in this recipe. It covers and cools irritated skin while moisturizing it. Marshmallow roots, leaves and flowers are all used to calm inflammation. If you have marshmallows growing in your garden, you can use the leaves and flowers for this recipe. Otherwise, the carrots are also a good option.

Peppermint

The final ingredient in these soothing ice cubes for sunburn is peppermint. It’s also the key ingredient in my DIY cooling spray. Peppermint is rich in menthol and has the unique ability to feel warming and cooling at the same time. Mint is a vasodilator and stimulates circulation, which can cause a warming sensation. However, when mint is used with cool or cold ingredients, it feels cooling on the skin.

I love using mint to take the heat out of a painful sunburn!

You don’t have to use every herb in this recipe, but I would recommend using at least aloe vera, mint, and one of the other soothing herbs. Just make sure that your total number of herbs adds up ? cup. They all work together to help soothe and soothe sunburn damage.

What’s your favorite sunburn remedy? Leave a comment and let us know!