We are almost through with summer now, and perhaps this blog could have come a bit sooner, but we still have many more days of potential sunburn ahead! Recently, my husband and I took a vacation to the shore. The sun was gorgeous and appreciated, but also very powerful. We both got some sunburn despite our efforts to use sunscreen. Thankfully we brought aloe gel with us- a must on any outdoor vacation. Aloe is wonderful! At home we keep our tube of gel in the refrigerator so it’s nice and cold. Our aloe plant is big and healthy and happy and I loathe to break it apart, so we just buy the gel. One thing we did not bring to the beach was lavender oil.
Lavender is an amazing essential oil that has the ability to soothe, induce relaxation, and also heal burned skin. Last year I accidentally poured some boiling water over my hand. Upon hearing this, Nikki ran to the oil cabinet and grabbed the lavender. She put some on my hand and the next day you wouldn't know anything happened. I had no redness and no pain. I was very impressed!
Needless to say, it also works very well on sunburn. Some people use only lavender for this purpose. And while you are at the beach, or out in nature catching some rays and chilling out, the smell of it helps you to relax. What could be better! It can be used in its undiluted form. Tea tree oil and lavender oil are the only two that are to be used straight - a carrier oil is always recommended for other oils. You may also mix the lavender oil in a carrier like almond, jojoba, grape seed, or whatever you choose! Now go get some sun but don't let the sun get you!
 

Also, if you live in Pittsburgh and discover you really enjoy the healing properties of lavender essential oil you may want to try the Lavender-Mint Aromatherapy Massage with Soothing Mineral Foot Soak