5 Best Carrier Oils For Sunburn Protection And Relief

Discover the top 5 best carrier oils for sunburn protection and relief. Learn how natural oils like raspberry oil, wheat germ, and avocado oil can protect, soothe and heal sunburned skin.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Information and statements shown here are for educational and informational purposes only and are not to replace the advice of your healthcare professional. 

This post may include affiliate links. Please refer to our disclaimer for full disclosure. 

Natural Remedies for Sunburn Protection and Relief

Sunburn happens when your skin gets too much sun exposure. This can cause skin damage, pain, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. Using natural remedies for sunburn protection and relief is a good thing because they are gentle on your skin and often have fewer side effects than chemical products.

Natural remedies like carrier oils and essential oils have been used for centuries. They help soothe irritated skin, reduce pain, and speed up the healing process. They have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they can reduce swelling and redness. They also have antioxidant properties that help repair damaged skin cells and fight free radicals. Plus, they are full of vitamins like vitamin E and essential fatty acids that nourish and protect your skin.

What Carrier Oils Are and Why They Are Effective

Carrier oils are vegetable oils made from the fatty parts of plants, like the seeds, nuts, or kernels. Examples include olive oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil. These oils are used to dilute pure essential oils, which are very strong and can irritate your skin if used undiluted.

Carrier oils are effective for sunburn protection and relief because they have soothing properties that help calm irritated skin. They also have moisturizing properties that prevent dry skin and promote skin regeneration. Many carrier oils have antimicrobial properties, which means they can help prevent infection in damaged skin.

Using carrier oils mixed with your favorite essential oils, like lavender essential oil or tea tree oil, can enhance the benefits. These essential oils have additional properties, such as antiseptic and pain-relieving properties, making them great for sunburn relief. Before using any essential oil blend, it's important to do a patch test to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin.

In summary, natural remedies like carrier oils and essential oils are excellent for protecting your skin from sun damage and providing relief if you do get sunburned. They are gentle, nourishing, and effective, helping you take good care of your skin in a natural way.

The Role of Carrier Oils in Sunburn Relief

​

Explanation of What Carrier Oils Are

Carrier oils are special vegetable oils that come from plants, like their seeds or nuts. Some common examples of carrier oils are olive oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil. These oils are used to dilute pure essential oils, which are very strong and can irritate your skin if used directly. Carrier oils help to safely carry the essential oils onto your skin.

How Carrier Oils Work to Soothe and Heal Sunburned Skin

Carrier oils are great at soothing and healing sunburned skin. They have soothing properties that calm irritated skin and provide relief from pain. They also have moisturizing properties that keep your skin hydrated, preventing dry skin and peeling.

Many carrier oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they can reduce swelling and redness. For example, chamomile oil and avocado oil are good for reducing inflammation. Some carrier oils, like tea tree oil and lavender oil, also have antimicrobial properties, which means they can help prevent infections in the affected area.

Using carrier oils can speed up the healing process of your skin. They contain vitamins and antioxidants that help repair damaged skin cells and promote skin regeneration. For instance, olive oil is rich in vitamin E, which is great for skin health. Rosehip seed oil and carrot seed oil have antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and protect your skin from further sun damage.

Benefits of Using Carrier Oils Over Commercial Sunburn Creams

There are many benefits of using carrier oils instead of commercial sunburn creams. One of the biggest benefits is that carrier oils are natural remedies. They don’t have the harsh chemicals that some commercial creams have, which can be better for sensitive skin and reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Carrier oils also have multiple healing properties. For example, lavender essential oil has analgesic properties that help relieve pain, and peppermint oil has a cooling effect that can soothe tender skin. You can mix carrier oils with your favorite essential oils to make an essential oil blend that targets your specific needs.

Another benefit is that carrier oils can be used for other skin conditions too. They are versatile and can help with dry skin, itchy skin, and even first-degree burns. Plus, carrier oils like sweet almond oil and geranium oil have calming effects that can help soothe your skin.

Lastly, carrier oils are easy to use. You can apply them directly to the sunburned area using a soft cloth or your hands. Before using any carrier oil, it's a good idea to do a patch test to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin.

In summary, carrier oils are a natural and effective way to soothe and heal sunburned skin. They offer many benefits over commercial sunburn creams, making them a great choice for sunburn relief.

5 Best Carrier Oils for Sunburn Protection & Relief

​

Pre & During Sun

1. Raspberry Seed Oil

Benefits for Sunburn Protection

Raspberry seed oil is known for its natural sun protection factors (SPF) ranging from 28 to 50. It provides protection against both UVB and UVA rays. The oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

How to Apply Raspberry Seed Oil for Best Results

Before going out in the sun, apply a few drops of raspberry seed oil to your skin. Gently massage it into all the areas that will be exposed to the sun. Reapply every few hours for continuous protection.

Any Precautions or Considerations

While raspberry seed oil offers some sun protection, it should not replace your regular sunscreen. Use it alongside a sunscreen containing titanium dioxide for the best protection.

2. Wheatgerm Oil

Benefits for Sunburn Protection

Wheatgerm oil has an approximate SPF of 20 and provides good protection against UVB rays. It is rich in vitamin E, which helps protect your skin from sun damage. The oil also has antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and prevent skin damage.

How to Apply Wheatgerm Oil for Best Results

Apply wheatgerm oil to your skin before sun exposure. Use a soft cloth or your fingers to gently massage it into your skin. Its thick texture makes it a good base for other essential oils like lavender essential oil or tea tree oil.

Any Precautions or Considerations

Do a patch test before using wheatgerm oil to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin.

3. Avocado Oil

Benefits for Sunburn Protection

Avocado oil offers a natural SPF of around 4 to 15, providing some protection against UVB rays. It is packed with vitamins like vitamin E and C, which protect your skin from sun damage and promote skin health. The oil also has antioxidant properties that help repair damaged skin cells.

How to Apply Avocado Oil for Best Results

Before heading out in the sun, apply avocado oil to your skin. Gently rub it into the areas that will be exposed. Reapply as needed, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

Any Precautions or Considerations

Avocado oil is safe for most skin types, but it’s always good to do a patch test first to check for any skin irritation.

After-Sun

1. Hemp Seed Oil

Benefits for Sunburn Relief

Hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling. It also soothes irritated skin and promotes the healing process of sunburnt skin. Although it doesn't provide significant SPF, it's excellent for after-sun care.

How to Apply Hemp Seed Oil for Best Results

After sun exposure, apply hemp seed oil to the sunburned area. Massage it gently into the skin to help reduce pain and irritation. You can use it alone or mix it with other oils like lavender oil for extra soothing properties.

Any Precautions or Considerations

Hemp seed oil is generally safe, but make sure to use it on clean, dry skin for the best results.

2. Moringa Oil

Benefits for Sunburn Relief

Moringa oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help repair and rejuvenate sun-damaged skin. It has antimicrobial properties that prevent infection and promote skin regeneration. While not known for SPF, it's beneficial for healing after sun exposure.

How to Apply Moringa Oil for Best Results

Apply moringa oil to the affected area after sun exposure. Use a few drops and massage it gently into your skin. Its soothing properties will help reduce pain and speed up the healing process.

Any Precautions or Considerations

Moringa oil is suitable for most skin types, but always do a patch test to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Using these carrier oils can provide natural protection before and during sun exposure and offer soothing relief after sunburn. They help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected from sun damage.

DIY Sunburn Relief Recipes

Using the carrier oils mentioned earlier, here are some simple recipes to soothe and heal sunburnt skin.

1. Soothing Aloe Vera and Raspberry Seed Oil Gel

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of raspberry seed oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the aloe vera gel and raspberry seed oil.
2. Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.
3. Stir well until everything is combined.
4. Apply the gel to the affected area for a cooling effect and pain relief.

Storage Tips:

• Store the mixture in a clean, airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
• Use within 2 weeks.

2. Cooling Peppermint and Wheatgerm Oil Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of distilled water
• 2 tablespoons of wheatgerm oil
• 5 drops of peppermint oil
• 5 drops of chamomile oil

Instructions:

1. Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle.
2. Add the wheatgerm oil to the bottle.
3. Add 5 drops of peppermint oil and 5 drops of chamomile oil.
4. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients.
5. Spray the mixture onto the sunburned area for instant cooling and relief from skin irritation.

Storage Tips:

• Store the spray bottle in a cool, dark place.
• Shake well before each use.
• Use within 1 month.

3. Healing Avocado and Tea Tree Oil Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 5 drops of tea tree oil
• 5 drops of geranium oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the avocado oil and coconut oil.
2. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil and 5 drops of geranium oil to the mixture.
3. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
4. Apply the balm to the affected area to help with the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.

Storage Tips:

• Store the balm in a clean, airtight container.
• Keep it in a cool, dark place.
• Use within 2 weeks.

7 Best Homemade Herbal Skincare Recipes For Acne

4. Antioxidant Moringa and Carrot Seed Oil Lotion

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of moringa oil
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• 5 drops of carrot seed oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the moringa oil and aloe vera gel.
2. Add 5 drops of carrot seed oil to the mixture.
3. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
4. Apply the lotion to the sunburned area to help repair skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Storage Tips:

• Store the lotion in a clean, airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
• Use within 2 weeks.

5. Moisturizing Hemp Seed and Lavender Oil Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of hemp seed oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the hemp seed oil and coconut oil.
2. Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.
3. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
4. Apply the cream to the affected area to moisturize and soothe tender skin.

Storage Tips:

• Store the cream in a clean, airtight container.
• Keep it in a cool, dark place.
• Use within 2 weeks.

These DIY sunburn relief recipes combine the benefits of essential oils and carrier oils to provide natural remedies for sunburnt skin. They help soothe, heal, and protect your skin, making them a great addition to your skincare routine.

Conclusion

Using carrier oils for sunburn protection and relief offers numerous benefits. These natural remedies are gentle on sensitive skin, provide anti-inflammatory properties, and help in the healing process of sunburnt skin. Oils like raspberry seed, wheatgerm, avocado, moringa, and hemp seed are rich in vitamins and antioxidant properties, promoting overall skin health and preventing further skin damage. They also offer soothing and cooling effects, which are essential for tender and irritated skin.

By choosing natural remedies, you not only protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure but also nourish and heal it in a safe, chemical-free way. These oils are versatile and can be mixed with your favorite essential oils, like lavender oil and tea tree oil, to enhance their healing properties.