Summertime is the glorious season where we can all bask in the sun's warmth for a few months, watch the plants and our vegetable gardens grow while the bees and other creatures are busy gathering and storing food for the winter. Being able to spend time outdoors, preferably close to the water at a beach, pool, or alongside a cool river makes the summer months that much more enjoyable. With friends and family nearby, what more could one ask for? 

We all know that there are numerous benefits to spending time outdoors[1] such as increased physical activity, relieving stress, resetting our circadian rhythms and increasing vitamin D intake - all of which bring joy to our hearts and minds. 

However, as we know, spending time outdoors in the sun can be detrimental to our skin and it’s very important to use SPF sunscreen to block UVA rays and protect our skin, even when the day is cloudy. As the day's activities carry on, we may forget to reapply sunscreen and suffer the unfortunate effects of sunburn leaving us miserable for a few subsequent days with pain, tenderness and even itching. 

The subsequent days after a sunburn while the skin heals bring slow relief to the discomfort, pain, inflammation and itchiness. But this relief does not have to go unattended and natural relief can be immediate as Edens Garden strikes again with their new essential oil blend Sunburn Recovery. 

Understanding Sunburn And The Importance Of Proper Care

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or other artificial sources is the primary cause of sunburn.[2] The ultraviolet light that penetrates and causes damage to the skin is called UVA waves. As you may know from experience, sunburn symptoms include inflamed, hot skin with a burning sensation, pain and tenderness to the touch as well as potential itchiness while the skin heals or from hives or sun rash. 

Complications of sunburns that can arise are sometimes referred to as “photo-aging.” Photo-aging causes premature aging of the skin such as wrinkling, dry skin, freckles, discoloration and even precancerous or cancerous lesions. UVA rays can also weaken connective tissue and cause eye damage. Excessive sun exposure can also lead to dehydration and headaches.[3] 

Edens Garden plant-based essential oil blend Sunburn Recovery contains the best essential oils to help ease symptoms of inflamed sunburned skin. Lavender oil, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Geranium- Egyptian and Chamomile- Roman unite to comfort damaged skin by reducing redness, inflammation and pain, calming itchiness and cooling the skin - all while helping to speed up skin healing.  

For topical treatment, the benefits go further when combined in a DIY blend using rehydrating and cooling aloe vera gel and other cooling and hydrating carrier oils not only when used as general aftersun care but also offers healing effects for those times when the sun has gotten the best of us. 

When suffering from sunburns, it's highly recommended to drink fluids, especially water to stave off dehydration. Dehydration can bring on headaches and inhaling Sunburn Recovery with its combination of Lavender oil, Tea Tree oil and Peppermint oil can assist in the reduction of headache pain. 

The Soothing Power Of Lavender And Chamomile For Sunburn Relief

A deeper look into a few of the single oils in Sunburn Recovery shows a potent combination of the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal effects of Lavender- Bulgarian and Chamomile- Roman, making them noteworthy for soothing and calming sunburns. Studies have even shown that the inhalation of these two oils alone can reduce stress and anxiety levels.[4]

Their natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are fortuitous for the skin, not only for sunburn but for their ability to heal and relieve pain. They are well noted for their ability to promote skin regeneration and fight germs with their antiseptic properties which help to heal minor cuts and acne and comfort other irritated skin conditions.[5] 

The Cooling Effect Of Peppermint On Sunburned Skin

Peppermint has been used for thousands of years including in ancient Rome and Greece for digestive discomfort and other disorders.[6] In today's world of aromatherapy, Peppermint has gained widespread use topically for issues such as headaches, improving mental function, easing pain in muscles and joints and even relieving itchiness.[7]

When diluted and used topically, Peppermint oil offers the skin a cooling sensation that relieves the heat of sunburn. The main component of Peppermint is menthol.[8] This menthol constituent is responsible for the cooling feeling it gives when diluted properly and applied topically. Though it may feel like it, Peppermint does not actually reduce the skin's temperature. Instead, the components in Peppermint react with the electrical current in our nervous system that conveys temperature. 

Peppermint essential oil, when used diluted topically, also acts as an analgesic and can relieve itchiness. In studies of those who suffer from chronic pruritus (itchiness), it has been found that treating it topically with Peppermint is not only effective and low cost, but it is safe and less irritating without the side effects of many prescribed and OTC meds.[7]

As we discussed earlier, inhaling peppermint oil can quell general headaches as well as those that may arise from too much sun exposure. As a plus to its abilities, and on top of its antipruritic and analgesic properties, Peppermint has antiseptic properties that can also promote wound healing and its anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties to soothe bug bites and hives. There are some studies that have tested its potential to promote hair growth by stimulating blood flow when applied to the scalp.[9]  

Nourishing And Rehydrating Skin With Sunburn Recovery Essential Oil Blend

The star-worthy essential oils in Sunburn Recovery carry out in unison to pacify and alleviate the discomfort of sunburn. Below is a list of properties of each essential oil in the blend: 

• Lavender- Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia): Contains Linalool and Linalyl acetate known mostly for its ability to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. But this oil is also a known analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory, cooling; skin-regenerative (helps healing) not only for sunburn but its anti-bacterial properties are suitable for acne and minor cuts and scrapes.
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Two of its properties terpinen-4-ol and y-terpinene assist the body as an antihistamine (great for hives topically) and antipruritic (anti-itch). It is also naturally cooling to the skin and is a known anti-inflammatory.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita): As approached earlier in this blog, Peppermint's main component Menthol is supported by the constituent Menthene, both of which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cooling and anti-itch abilities. It is also beneficial in relieving headaches. 
• Geranium- Egyptian (Pelargonium graveolens): Geranium oil contains a combination of Citronellol, Geraniol and Neral which improve circulation to diminish inflammation and calm redness. Its many attributes also carry over to reduce pain, inflammation and have skin-regenerative qualities.
• Chamomile- Roman (Anthemis nobilis): This soothing oil, as you may know, is well known for its calming properties to the mind but topically it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It is a natural antibacterial and can help the skin regenerate when confronted with acne, minor cuts and sunburns. 

General Aftersun Care And Incorporating Sunburn Recovery Into Daily Routine

The natural properties of Aloe Vera gel allow for its soothing and moisturizing qualities that are cooling for hot and inflamed skin. Not only is it inexpensive, but it makes an ideal carrier to combine with essential oils for soothing the pain of minor sunburns that allows sunburned skin to retain moisture.[10]

Fortunately, there is some evidence that Aloe Vera can speed up healing from mild sunburn. Research points to the positive news that applying Aloe Vero topically may speed up sunburn and burn healing time as well as the suggestion that it may also reduce pain.[11,12] 

Other carrier oils recommended for use due to their emollient properties include Meadowfoam and Cucumber Seed oils. They both can help to seal in moisture and rehydrate damaged skin and when bolstered with the hydrating qualities of Aloe Vera gel and the astringent Witch Hazel, are effective sunburn soothers. Meadowfoam Seed carrier oil and Cucumber Seed carrier oil are also cooling to the skin and have beneficial comedogenic ratings of 0 and 1, respectively, making them excellent carriers even for sensitive skin. 

Sunburn Self-Care Ideas

1. Start by cooling the skin with a bath or shower. If taking a tepid bath, consider mixing 2 cups of Epsom Salt, ½ cup of Castile soap and ¼ cup of Baking soda with 6 drops of Sunburn Recovery. Mix the ingredients above in a glass or ceramic bowl. When the tub is full, add the salt blend and swirl around until it is dissolved. Sit in the water for 15 minutes. 
2. After bathing or showering, apply the healing, hydrating and moisturizing skin blend of ½ oz Aloe Vera gel, ½ oz Meadowfoam Seed oil or Cucumber Seed oil and 3% Sunburn Recovery essential oil blend (15-18 drops). Keep refrigerated to lengthen the product's life as well as for the coolness of the application.
3. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate and flush your system and keep circulation optimal to reduce inflammation.
4. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing that has tightly woven fabric to protect from further sunburn and skin irritation.

Notes: 

• This blend is not intended for use while in the sun as a sunscreen but is designed for use with daily topical aftersun care only. 
• Edens Garden advises against using essential oils internally. Never use essential oils in the eyes.
• Sunburn Recovery essential oil blend and other essential oils should never be used on or around babies and children under the age of 2. 

Customer Experiences And Testimonials

While this oil is new to Edens Garden lineup, there are a few reviews and testimonials from EG customers worth noting including one person who wrote that its “great to use for sunburn” and that users should remember that since this is an undiluted product, that “a little goes a long way” when blending into a carrier for topical use. Another goes a step further to mention that it's an excellent blend to use “diluted on minor cuts and scrapes.” 

One review noted the listed ingredients and realized that it “might also be the perfect thing for any minor skin irritation.” She also went on to say that “a little of this oil will give you at least temporary relief from any skin irritation or chafing” noting that some irritation they experienced “never returned.” As an added bonus it was added that “the aroma is very mild and pleasant - not at all medicinal or overpowering.” 

SOURCES:

1. Happier and Healthier: 5 Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors https://www.firelands.com/blog/happier-and-healthier-5-benefits-spending-time-outdoors
2. Sunburn: Symptoms and Causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922#:~:text=Sunburn%20is%20caused%20by%20too,to%20skin%20damage%20over%20time.
3. Can Hot Weather Give You a Headache? https://www.verywellhealth.com/heat-headache-5217629#:~:text=A%20heat%2Dinduced%20headache%20or,physical%20exertion%20in%20the%20heat
4. The Effects of Lavender and Chamomile Essential Oil Inhalation Aromatherapy On Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Older Community-Dwelling People: A Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33454232/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Inhalation%20aromatherapy%20with%20both,in%20community%2Ddwelling%20older%20adults.
5. 8 Essential Oils for Sunburn https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319745#eight-best-essential-oils-for-sunburn
6. Peppermint Oil https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
7. Effectiveness of Topical Peppermint Oil on Symptomatic Treatment of Chronic Pruritus https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5066694/
8. The Effect of Peppermint Oil on Symptomatic Treatment of Pruritus in Pregnant Women https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813175/#:~:text=Peppermint%20(Mentha%20piperita)%20is%20from,that%20is%20caused%20by%20histamine
9. Peppermint Oil: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil#benefits
10. Does Aloe Really Provide Sunburn Relief? https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/aloe-vera-gel-for-sunburn-relief#:~:text=Aloe%20vera%20is%20soothing%20and,mucopolysaccharides%20found%20in%20the%20plant
11. The Efficacy of Aloe Vera Used for Burn Wound Healing https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17499928/
12. Aloe Vera https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera#:~:text=Clinical%20research%20suggests%20topical%20application,%2C%20lichen%20planus%2C%20or%20psoriasis