Can Lavender Oil Help Sunburn?

More than just an element of bubble baths, scented soaps and wedding bouquets, lavender works well as a skin-soothing agent after overexposure to the sun. Though you should always apply SPF protection prior to spending time outdoors, sunburns can happen even with the best intentions. If you're pink, puffy and sore, look to lavender oil to find relief.

Lavender isn't just pretty -- using its oil can help your skin look and feel its best. (Image: DJ_38/iStock/Getty Images)

The Lowdown on Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it well-suited for natural skin-care use. Unlike many similar essential oils and plant extracts, it's safe to apply directly to small areas of the skin without diluting it with water. Apart from the immediate cooling relief it provides, lavender oil promotes new skin growth, improving the healing process. For a skin-calming compress, add a few drops of lavender oil to a cold, damp washcloth. After cooling and rinsing the burn thoroughly for 5 minutes, rub the lavender oil on the affected area very gently. For an intensified cooling effect, add a couple of drops of lavender oil to aloe gel.