Use & Care · 5 comments ·

Sunburn: What Helps, What Doesn't & How to Prevent It

The SelesTeres Journal · Use & Care
By Nina, founder of SelesTeres · Originally published May 7, 2023 · Full-length edition

Editorial cover for Sunburn: What Helps, What Doesn't & How to Prevent It

The quick answer

Sunburn is UV injury, not a cosmetic concern that handmade soap or essential oils can treat. Move out of the sun, follow dermatology guidance for gentle cooling and moisturizing, and seek medical help for severe symptoms. Prevention requires real sun protection.

5 Minute Read
The warmth of the sun is a wonderful sensation, but it can also be harmful if we do not protect our skin properly. Sunburn is a common skin issue that many people face, and it can be a painful and unpleasant experience. While the best way to avoid sunburn is to use a good quality sunscreen, it is also possible to soothe and heal sunburn with natural ingredients such as those found in handmade body butter. In this article, we will discuss the natural ingredients that can help and prevent sunburn, and how to use them in handmade body butter.

What Causes Sunburn?

Sunburn is caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, while UVB rays cause more immediate damage. When the skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, the skin cells become damaged, leading to redness, pain, and eventually peeling.

Natural Ingredients That Help Sunburn

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a well-known natural ingredient that has been used for centuries to soothe and heal burns and other skin issues. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn.


Calendula: Calendula is another natural ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sunburn relief. It is also known for its ability to soothe and heal damaged skin.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate sunburned skin. It is also rich in antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from further damage.

Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. It is also known for its ability to soothe and calm the mind, helping to reduce stress levels.


Natural Ingredients That Prevent Sunburn

Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from UV damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Red raspberry seed oil is a natural sunscreen that can help to protect the skin from UV damage. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Carrot Seed Oil: Carrot seed oil is another natural sunscreen that can help to protect the skin from UV damage. It is also rich in antioxidants that can help to reduce the signs of aging.
Sunburn can be a painful and uncomfortable experience, but it's also preventable with proper sun protection and care. While using sunscreen is essential, it's not always enough, especially if you're spending long hours in the sun. That's where natural skincare products can come in handy. We offer natural body-care products for cleansing and moisturizing. They do not prevent or treat sunburn; broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade remain essential.

Our natural soap and natural body butter are made from natural ingredients, which can be gentle and nourishing for the skin. Our products do not contain any harmful chemicals, parabens, or synthetic fragrances that can be irritating and damaging to the skin. Our natural soap is a perfect alternative to conventional soap bars that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased vulnerability to sunburn.

Our natural body butter is rich in nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, which can help soothe and moisturize sunburnt skin. Our natural lip butter is also a great addition to your sun protection routine, as it can help protect your lips from sun damage while keeping them soft and moisturized.

One of the key ingredients in our natural skincare products is shea butter. Shea butter is an excellent source of vitamins A and E, which can help protect the skin from sun damage and free radicals. It also contains cinnamic acid, which provides a small amount of sun protection.

Another ingredient that is known for its sun protection properties is coconut oil. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that can help protect the skin from harmful UV rays. It also has a high vitamin E content, which is essential for maintaining healthy and protected skin.

In addition to our natural skincare products, it's also important to take other sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoiding the sun during peak hours. If you do get sunburnt, it's essential to take immediate action to prevent further damage and soothe your skin.

Applying body butter to intact skin after sun exposure may offer moisturizing comfort, but our body butter is not a treatment for sunburn. We also recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your skin heal faster.

In conclusion, natural body-care products from our store can complement a regular moisturizing routine, but they cannot prevent or treat sunburn. Our natural soap, body butter, and lip butter are made from nourishing ingredients that can help protect and moisturize your skin. While these products cannot replace sunscreen, they can be a great addition to your sun protection routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to sunburns.

Find your all-natural soap & skincare products in my store. Have you bought one of my products? Snap a photo of your new skincare routine and tag me! I’d love to see how my products are benefiting your life. (Social links below).

Thank you for reading my article. Please leave your thoughts or comments in the section below.

Love Always, Nina...

Questions you may still have

Can handmade soap heal sunburn?

No. It is a cosmetic cleanser, not a sunburn treatment.

Do essential oils repair UV damage?

Their presence in a cosmetic is not proof of that outcome, and fragrance may irritate sunburned skin.

What sunscreen should I choose?

The AAD recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, plus shade and clothing.

When should I seek medical care?

Seek care for extensive blisters, severe symptoms or other concerns; a clinician can assess the injury.

Continue reading

Explore more SelesTeres rituals

Curated complements to this article—6 products across cleansing, skincare and home where relevant. Swipe to discover more; these are cosmetic and lifestyle products, not treatments for medical conditions.

For general education and inspiration only. SelesTeres products are cosmetics and lifestyle items, not medical treatments. Individual responses and sensitivities vary by person and formulation. If you have a health concern, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

5 comments

  • Devshree

    I’ve been searching for reliable sunburn prevention and relief advice, and Nina’s Pure Joy blog post has all the answers. It’s informative, well-researched, and offers a holistic approach to keeping our skin safe in the sun.

  • Evie

    The tips and advice offered demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of skin protection. It’s reassuring to know that their brand is focused on keeping our skin healthy and vibrant

  • Muneeba Sehar

    Being someone with really sensitive skin, I know the problems that I’ve to deal with due to sun burn. I feel irritated and itchy… for instant soothing I use aloe vera to feel better.

  • Joy

    I appreciate that you mention the prevention side as well. Even in the spring you can get a bad sunburn, as my family learned the hard way. Aloe Vera was great, but you can’t leave it on forever.

  • Nikki

    I knew about aloe Vera, but not the prevention piece. That’s great! My children and I live at the pool on the weekends, so prevention would be very helpful. I’ve never bought any sort of seed oil except grapefruit, so I’ll have to try these.

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