Words by Andrea Fabry // Image by Lindsay Cournia

Still planning some fun in the sun this summer?  Want to keep your kids and yourself safe in the sunshine? Avoiding overexposure to the sun is one of the key ways to protect your skin’s health. Choosing a safe sunscreen is another. (Be sure to check out the watchdog group Environmental Working Group’s 2014 Guide to Sunscreens for help selecting a sunscreen without harmful chemicals.)

Even with the best of precautions sunburn still happens.  Consider having this DIY natural remedy on hand to reduce pain and promote quick healing. The recipe utilizes the therapeutic qualities of aloe vera—a plant so revered in ancient Egypt that historians say pharaohs kept aloe as a palace plant!

This recipe utilizes the gel from the plant along with Vitamin C powder. You can either extract the gel from your own plant or purchase aloe vera gel at your local health food store. Both are readily available online as well. Be sure to look for pure sources with minimal additives.

Sunburn Remedy

½ cup aloe vera gel

½ teaspoon Vitamin C powder

Optional: ½ teaspoon Vitamin E oil

Mix ingredients well using handheld blender or whisk. Pour into ice cube tray or mold. (I use heart-shaped silicone molds to offer a bit of love when I apply the remedy.)

Keep in freezer and apply directly onto burn.

The Vitamin C helps restore collagen to the skin. The aloe vera gel contains over 200 nourishing compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. Vitamin E oil adds antioxidant potency.

With these all natural bursts of soothing relief you’ll be ready for any sunburn that comes your way!