After Sun Essential Oil Moisturizing Spray
1/4 cup witch hazel
1/2 cup aloe vera gel
1 tsp. vitamin E
1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Shake well before each use Spray liberally on sunburned / dry areas
Witch hazel, also called winterbloom, is a flowering shrub native to the forest margins, woodlands and stream banks of eastern North America. It is characterized by its fragrant, gold-colored flowers. Witch hazel is a potent anti-inflammatory that can help soothe itching.
Aloe vera
is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries. Aloe Vera helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker. Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel.
Vitamin E
is both a nutrient and antioxidant, and the oil in its purest form is extremely versatile. Known as tocopherol, it has a light brown/reddish hue. Vitamin E is a nutrient to the skin. Vitamin E oil provides the skin with necessary moisture as well as antioxidants for intense healing.
Fractionated coconut oil
is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and making it an absolutely saturated oil. This saturation gives it a very, very long shelf life and greatly increased stability. Fractionating raises the comparative concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, thus giving it more of antioxidant and disinfecting effect. Coconut oil penetrates deeply, nourishes, moisturises, and softens.
Lavender
(lavandula angustifolia) is the most versatile of all essential oils. Most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body, therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for the skin. Lavender oil is calming, relaxing and balancing – physically and emotionally.
Peppermint
oil is derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant or Mentha pipertita. Peppermint oil can be used externally in order to provide relief from pain. It is believed that the presence of calcium antagonism in peppermint oil helps remove pain from affected areas. It is also cooling in nature. It is frequently called a “refrigerant”, meaning that it can provide an intensely cold sensation to any affected area.