Since our family relocated to the beach a few years back, we frequently spend time there. I support healthy sun exposure but prefer to avoid sunburns as part of that. I rarely burn now, but if I do, I rely on natural remedies to provide quick relief and acceleration of healing. These sunburn ice cubes incorporate skin-soothing ingredients that promote faster healing while offering immediate comfort.
Being of Irish descent, I grew up applying sunscreen liberally (or occasionally getting a severe sunburn). However, after altering my diet and incorporating specific supplements, I’ve significantly improved my sun tolerance. This doesn’t imply baking in the sun for hours, though!
Once I’ve had enough exposure, I cover up or retreat to the shade. On rare occasions, I use my homemade sunscreen. Moderate, healthy sun exposure is crucial for adequate vitamin D, known for its various health benefits. While I embrace some sun, I make efforts to avoid burning. Despite the best intentions, sometimes sunburns occur.
Sunburn-Soothing Ice Cubes
Over the years, I’ve developed an array of cooling sprays and natural remedies for alleviating sunburns. Though they last a while in the refrigerator, they eventually spoil. And while easy to prepare, I find myself needing to make them frequently. One of my preferred sunburn treatments is fresh aloe vera, due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
But if you don’t have an aloe vera plant handy, these soothing ice cubes are an excellent alternative.
Before diving into the benefits of each ingredient, let’s discuss why I chose herbal ice cubes. Naturally, ice can feel great on warm, sunburned skin, but many health experts advise against it. Cool showers and compresses are preferred.
The issue with ice is that it acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing blood flow to the area and potentially slowing healing. Introducing herbs that promote healing and are vasodilators (enhancing blood flow) helps address this concern, all while delivering cooling relief.
Aloe Vera Gel
The first component of these herbal ice cubes is aloe vera gel. It is a staple in countless sunburn remedies and is readily available at most drugstores and large retail stores. However, I’m not referring to the bright green gels containing harsh preservatives.
My preferred method is to use aloe vera directly from the plant. You can learn how to harvest aloe vera here. If you lack an aloe plant, you can purchase aloe vera gel with natural preservatives.
Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and magnesium, which work together to ease pain. It also includes aloin, offering mild UV ray protection. Aloe delivers a cooling sensation to the skin, reduces inflammation, and hydrates damaged skin with its smooth, slippery texture.
Comfrey
This remarkable plant, also known as bone knit, is renowned for rapidly healing broken bones. It also benefits sore joints and damaged skin. Comfrey stimulates tissue repair and aids in forming healthy skin cells. Like marshmallow root, it acts as a demulcent, creating a protective layer over tissues to calm inflammation and heal damaged skin.
Calendula
I utilize calendula in a variety of products, from baby care items to stretch mark salves, and even teas. This gentle herb is suitable for various skin issues, soothing inflammation, aiding in the treatment of cuts, burns, rashes, sunburns, and more. Calendula also aids in lymphatic movement and enhances blood circulation.
Lavender
Similar to calendula, lavender is a gentle, versatile skin-soothing herb. It is featured in products like exfoliating oatmeal skin scrubs and refreshing lavender peach iced teas. While I often use its essential oil form, lavender herb is an essential part of my medicine cabinet.
Lavender helps disinfect wounds and cuts while acting as a pain reliever (analgesic). It is commonly used for burns to expedite skin healing and relieve itchiness. Lavender also stimulates circulation to the skin, promoting quicker healing and improved blood flow.
Marshmallow
Slippery marshmallow is another skin-soothing herb included in this recipe. It soothes and cools irritated skin through its moisturizing properties. Marshmallow roots, leaves, and flowers are used to alleviate inflammation. If you have marshmallow in your yard, you can use its leaves and flowers for this purpose, although roots are also an excellent option.
Peppermint
The last key ingredient in these sunburn-soothing ice cubes is peppermint. It is the main component in my DIY cooling spray. Peppermint is rich in menthol and can uniquely provide both warming and cooling sensations. Mint acts as a vasodilator and fosters circulation, which can create a warming effect. However, when combined with cold elements, it feels cooling on the skin.
I find mint indispensable for helping to alleviate the heat of a painful sunburn.
You don’t need to include every single herb in this recipe, but I recommend using at least aloe vera, mint, and one other soothing herb. Ensure that your chosen herbs total approximately a cup. Together, they effectively calm and heal sunburned skin.
Sunburn Soothing Ice Cubes Recipe
These refreshing ice cubes feature ingredients that soothe and heal the skin, helping to cool sunburns.
Prep Time: 3 mins
Active Time: 15 mins
Cooling Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs 48 mins
Yield: 12 ice cubes
Author: Katie Wells
- In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the herbs, cover with a lid, and turn off the heat. Let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the herbs and retain the water. Some water may evaporate, but you should have at least 1 and 3/4 cups of herbal tea. Place the tea in the refrigerator to cool.
- Once the herbal tea has cooled down, mix in the aloe vera gel.
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
- Apply the ice cubes to sunburned skin as needed for cooling and soothing relief.
- You can store your sunburn-soothing ice cubes in a reusable silicone bag in the freezer until needed.
- These should last for at least a year when stored in the freezer.
What’s your preferred remedy for sunburns? Let us know in the comments!
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