QUICK SUMMARY
What is the best natural after sun spray? A great natural after sun spray uses soothing, hydrating ingredients like pure aloe vera gel, alcohol-free witch hazel, lavender essential oil, and peppermint essential oil to cool, refresh, and comfort skin after time outdoors.
This homemade after sun spray is light, non-greasy, easy to keep in your beach bag or refrigerator, and free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and harsh preservatives found in many commercial after sun products.
Use it after gardening, swimming, pool days, beach trips, races, cookouts, or workouts whenever your skin feels hot, dry, tight, or overexposed. Shake well, mist lightly, and pat into the skin for a refreshing summer skincare ritual.
Sunshine is a gift, and summer memories are worth making.
But wise stewardship means giving your skin what it needs before, during, and after time outdoors.
This After Sun Spray is simple, refreshing, and full of skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, lavender, and peppermint. It cools, hydrates, and helps your skin feel loved after gardening, swimming, beach days, workouts, and outdoor adventures.
Keep a bottle in the fridge. Pack a mini spray in your bag. Make it part of your family’s summer rhythm.
Natural living is not about fear of the sun. It is about honoring God’s design, listening to your body, and choosing clean, nourishing tools that help your family thrive.
Table of Contents
The Importance of After Sun Care
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 such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you’re anything like us, the sun can leave your skin feeling tight, dry, hot, 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! Giving your skin what it needs to replenish after sun exposure is a smart way to honor the temple God gave you.
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 outdoors.
Many people avoid the sun completely, but natural sun exposure supports healthy vitamin D rhythms and can lift your mood. Still, too much sun can dry out your skin, leaving it irritated, red, tight, and itchy.
After sun care is all about restoring your skin’s natural balance.
You need hydration, soothing, and a little TLC to bounce back, which is exactly what my After Sun Spray helps provide.
This is one of the best natural after sun moisturizers because it works overtime to refresh the skin and support the skin barrier after outdoor exposure. This remedy provides instant cooling comfort while helping your skin look and feel its best.
Whether you spend minutes or hours in the sun, it’s a good idea to make this After Sun Spray part of your healthy summer routine.
To make this easy, pack a bottle in your beach bag or keep it in the refrigerator so you can apply it as soon as you come in from the outdoors.
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 is a classic for a reason!
Aloe vera is nature’s miracle for hot, sun-kissed skin. It is deeply hydrating and cooling to irritated skin, and research has explored aloe’s role in wound healing, collagen support, and skin recovery. (1)
Plus, aloe may help support the skin’s elasticity and comfort after environmental stress.
For best results, use pure aloe vera gel with no added dyes or unnecessary preservatives.
If you have an aloe plant at home, even better!
Unscented Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps calm the skin and reduce the appearance of redness.
It also helps the spray absorb quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.
Many after sun care remedies use alcohol, synthetic preservatives, or harsh acidic ingredients that can sting delicate skin. Witch hazel is a gentler alternative, especially when you choose an alcohol-free, unscented option.
Witch hazel has a long history of topical use and contains plant compounds that have been studied for skin-soothing effects. (2)
Application: Choose alcohol-free witch hazel for this recipe. Alcohol can make already-dry, sun-stressed skin feel tighter and more irritated.
Lavender Essential Oil
There’s a reason lavender is a staple in our home, and it’s not just because it smells heavenly!
Lavender essential oil is calming and soothing for skin that has seen a little too much sun. It also helps create a peaceful aroma that makes after sun care feel like a whole-body reset.
Lavender has been studied for skin repair and wound-healing activity, making it a beautiful addition to after sun skincare when properly diluted. (3)
Lavender essential oil is among the most versatile oils and is a great addition to our Anti-Aging Cream, Skin Healing Serum, 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 can help refresh your senses after heat exposure. Peppermint’s natural menthol content is what gives it that famous cooling sensation.
Peppermint also supports focus and can help boost the entire family’s mood, which is much needed after a full day at the beach, pool, or ball field.
Just remember, a little goes a long way.
Always dilute peppermint essential oil properly, especially when using it around children or sensitive skin. Avoid the eyes, face, and broken 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, harsh preservatives, dyes, and alcohol-based formulas that can irritate the 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 your needs, and refill it anytime.
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!
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
— Proverbs 31:17
Friend, blending up your own body care products is a beautiful act of diligence and love.
You are showing up with wisdom, intention, and strength, and your family can feel that care in every spray.
After Sun Spray Recipe
This recipe comes together in minutes and stores beautifully in a dark glass spray bottle.
Keep one at home and make a mini version for your pool bag, beach tote, or purse.
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!
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, then 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 helps create a calm bedtime mood, and the peppermint gives their skin that cooling moment to help them unwind.
Use extra caution with young children and sensitive skin. For little ones, reduce the peppermint or leave it out and use lavender only.
If your skin is already sunburned, be gentle.
While our After Sun Spray won’t magically reverse a sunburn, it can support comfort and provide a cooling, refreshing feel.
Application Tips:
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray lightly and pat into the skin.
- Avoid the eyes, face, mucous membranes, and broken skin.
- Do not apply peppermint-heavy blends to very young children.
- Store in the refrigerator for extra cooling relief.
- Use a dark glass bottle or store away from sunlight.
- Discard if the smell, texture, or appearance changes.
Remember that natural body care products do not include strong synthetic preservatives, so they expire sooner.
Always do the sniff test. If it smells off, throw it out.
Some separation is expected, so shake well before each use.
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 and consider adding electrolytes after heavy sweating.
Our Detox Water is a summer must!
Eat water-rich foods like organic cucumber, leafy greens, berries, citrus, and watermelon. Everyone’s hydration needs are different, so listen to your body and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water.
Boost Antioxidants
This is the perfect time of year to boost antioxidant intake because so many nutrient-rich foods are in season.
Plus, it’s prime garden season!
Load up on organic berries, herbs, greens, colorful vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods to help your body handle oxidative stress from outdoor living. Research has explored how antioxidants help protect skin from UV-related oxidative damage. (4)
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.
Use Sun Wisdom
Sunshine is good, but burning is not.
Use shade, mineral sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing when you will be outside for longer periods. Give your body sunlight wisely, and avoid pushing your skin past its limit.
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.
After Sun Spray FAQs
What is after sun spray used for?
After sun spray is used to cool, hydrate, and comfort skin after time outdoors. It is especially helpful when skin feels hot, dry, tight, or overexposed from sun, heat, wind, or outdoor activity.
Can I use aloe vera after sun exposure?
Yes. Aloe vera is one of the most popular natural after sun ingredients because it is cooling, hydrating, and soothing for sun-stressed skin. Aloe has also been studied for skin repair and wound-healing support. (1)
Can I put peppermint essential oil on sunburn?
Peppermint essential oil must be properly diluted and used cautiously. It can feel cooling, but it may irritate very sensitive or damaged skin. Avoid broken skin, the face, eyes, and young children. When in doubt, reduce the peppermint or leave it out.
Is lavender essential oil good for after sun care?
Lavender essential oil is a beautiful after sun ingredient because it is calming to the senses and soothing to the skin when diluted. Research has also explored lavender’s role in skin repair. (3)
Should I refrigerate after sun spray?
You do not have to refrigerate it, but it feels amazing when chilled. Refrigeration may also help extend freshness since homemade body care products do not contain strong synthetic preservatives.
How long does homemade after sun spray last?
Because this is a natural recipe, make it in small batches and use it promptly. Store it in a dark glass bottle away from heat and sunlight, or keep it in the refrigerator. Discard it if it smells off or changes texture.
Can I use this after sun spray on kids?
Yes, with adjustments. Use extra caution with peppermint essential oil around children. For young kids or sensitive skin, reduce the peppermint or leave it out and use lavender only.
Can I use this spray on my face?
It is best to avoid the face because peppermint can irritate eyes and delicate skin. Spray into your hands first if applying near the neck or chest, and keep away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
Will after sun spray prevent peeling?
After sun spray can help hydrate and soothe the skin, which may support a healthier-looking recovery. However, if the skin has been burned, peeling may still occur as part of the body’s repair process.
Is this the same as sunscreen?
No. After Sun Spray is not sunscreen and does not protect against UV rays. Use it after sun exposure, and use sun-safe habits outdoors.
Resources & References
- Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2008;53(4):163-166. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2883372/
- Thring TSA, Hili P, Naughton DP. Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and antioxidant activities of extracts from 21 plants. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2009;9:27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25003428/
- Mori HM, Kawanami H, Kawahata H, Aoki M. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;16:144. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28088806/
- Rinnerthaler M, Bischof J, Streubel MK, Trost A, Richter K. Oxidative stress in aging human skin. Biomolecules. 2015;5(2):545-589. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11845955/
- McKay DL, Blumberg JB. The role of tea in human health: An update. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2002;21(1):1-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12112282/
