There’s nothing better than a day in the sun. It’s no secret that sunshine is restorative, from the way it warms your skin to how it pulls your family outdoors to soak in God’s beautiful creation. Whether we’re gardening, splashing in the neighborhood pool, or spending a day at the races, sunshine is a gift. But, there is too much of a good thing, and if you’re anything like us, the sun can leave your skin feeling tight and a little crisp. That’s why I always keep a bottle of this cooling After Sun Spray on hand.
It’s soothing, refreshing, and totally natural. Because when you know better, you do better! And giving your skin what it needs to replenish after sun exposure is a smart way to honor the temple God gave you. Let’s dive into how this remedy works, why it matters, and of course, how to make it!
Table of Contents
The Importance of After Sun Care
Even if you’re using the cleanest mineral sunscreen, wearing your favorite sunhat, and drinking all the electrolytes, your skin can still take a hit after long hours in the sun. Many people avoid the sun, but natural sun exposure is great for vitamin D and your mood. Still, too much sun can dry out your skin, leaving it irritated, red, and itchy. After sun care is all about restoring your skin’s natural balance. You’ll need hydration, soothing, and a little TLC to bounce back, which is exactly what my After Sun Spray will do for you.
It’s one of the best after sun moisturizers that works overtime to protect your skin barrier from radical damage. This remedy provides instant relief while setting your skin up to look its best.
When I come inside after a long day of gardening or spending time with the kids, I always reach for this spray first. It’s a little self-care ritual that makes all the difference!
After Sun Spray Ingredients
After a long day in the sun, this cooling spray is one of my go-to remedies to refresh and restore. It’s made with clean, natural ingredients that soothe the skin and calm the senses. Let’s take a look at what’s inside.
Pure Aloe Vera Gel
This ingredient’s a classic for a reason! Aloe vera is nature’s miracle for hot, sun-kissed skin. It’s deeply hydrating and cooling to irritated skin, while accelerating the healing process.
Plus, it boosts collagen, giving your skin more elasticity and reversing the outer effects of sun damage. For best results, use pure aloe vera gel with no added dyes or preservatives. If you have an aloe plant at home, even better!
Unscented Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps calm inflammation and reduce redness. It also helps the spray absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.
Many after sun care remedies use alcohol and citric acid, which can actually cause skin irritation and sting delicate areas. Witch hazel is a gentle alternative that’s perfect for all skin types, including acne-prone, as it contains salicylic acid.
Look for an alcohol-free, unscented witch hazel to keep this After Sun Spray gentle and effective.
Lavender Essential Oil
There’s a reason lavender is a staple in our home, and it’s not just because it smells heavenly! It’s calming and soothing for skin that’s seen a bit too much sun, but it also promotes new skin cell growth and reduces redness. This means your skin can recover faster!
Lavender essential oil is among the most versatile and is a great addition to Anti-Aging Cream and Skin Healing Serum, our High Blood Pressure Inhaler, and Sleep Spray.
When I’m dealing with cranky littles, tired muscles, or just need a moment to breathe, lavender is my go-to. Adding it to this spray isn’t just a treat for your skin, it’s a gift for the body and soul.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect that feels amazing on hot, flushed skin. It’s invigorating, clarifying, and it can even help relieve headaches brought on by heat.
Peppermint also supports focus and can boost the entire family’s mood, which is much needed after a fun day at the beach. Just remember, a little goes a long way. Always dilute peppermint essential oil properly, especially if using on kiddos or sensitive skin.
Why Make Your Own Cooling Spray?
Most commercial after sun products are full of ingredients we don’t want anywhere near our bodies, including synthetic fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and preservatives like sodium benzoate that can irritate your skin.
When you make your own After Sun Spray, you control every single drop. It’s empowering to know exactly what you’re putting on your family’s skin. Plus, you get to choose clean key ingredients that nourish instead of harm.
But making your own after sun care isn’t just about safety, it’s also about being wise with your resources. You can tailor each bottle to your family’s preferences, adjust the strength depending on needs, and refill it anytime you need.
With this recipe, there’s no need to run to the store for overpriced bottles with mystery ingredients. And let’s be honest, this After Sun Spray smells amazing. We like to use it as a cooling mist after a day outdoors, but it’s also a great post-workout refresher.
This is hands-on homemaking with a purpose! Proverbs 31:17 says, “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” And friend, blending up your own body care products is a beautiful act of diligence and love. You’re showing up with wisdom, intention, and strength, and your family feels that care in every spritz.
After Sun Spray
Quantity
Ingredients
- ½ cup unscented witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Supplies
- 4-ounce glass spray bottle OR 2 (2-ounce) glass spray bottles*
Instructions
- Put the essential oil drops into the spray bottle and then top off with the rest of the ingredients.
- Shake to mix.
- Don’t forget to label the bottle!
Notes
How to Use This Recipe
After a day out in the sunshine, step inside and give your skin a treat. Spray it over your arms, legs, shoulders, or anywhere that got a little too much sun and gently pat it in. It’s not sticky and won’t stain your skin or clothes, like some store-bought products do.
If I know our family is going to have a heavy sun day at the beach, pool, or races, I’ll pop a bottle in the fridge before we head out so it’s extra chilled when we get home. It feels even better this way!
If you have kids who struggle to sleep in the heat, this is the perfect time to use After Sun Spray. The lavender will help relax their mind, and the peppermint will give their skin that cooling moment to help them unwind.
If your skin is already sunburned, be gentle. While our After Sun Spray won’t magically reverse a sunburn, it will support healing and provide comfort.
I recommend storing your After Sun Spray in a dark glass bottle OR away from the sunlight. This will keep the recipe potent and increase its longevity.
Remember that these natural body care products don’t include synthetic preservatives, so they expire sooner. Always do the “sniff” test. If it smells off, throw it out! And, be sure to shake well before each use, as some separation is to be expected.
A Healthy Approach to Summer Skincare
After-sun care is just one part of a healthy, radiant summer routine. Here are a few more ways to protect and nourish your skin naturally:
- Hydrate from the inside out. Drink plenty of water (our Detox Water is a summer must!) and eat water-rich foods like organic cucumber, leafy greens, and watermelon. Everyone’s hydration needs are different, so listen to your body and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
- Boost antioxidants. This is the perfect time of year to boost antioxidant intake, as many nutrient-rich foods are in season. Plus, it’s prime garden season, so load up on your favorite organic berries, herbs, and vegetables.
- Cool down with herbs. Embrace cooling herbs like chamomile and mint to support skin health and reduce irritation. You can use them in your favorite natural body care recipes, create a custom tea blend, or add them to Infused Water for a fun, seasonal beverage.
And remember, “He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.” (Psalm 104:19).
Taking time to care for your body and your loved ones is part of honoring the natural rhythms God created for our lives.
You don’t have to wait for a sunburn to give your skin the love it deserves. Make a batch of this After Sun Spray, stash it in the fridge, and reach for it anytime your skin needs a little revival.
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