A skin savior, aloe vera gel, comes to the rescue after a monster sunburn. A natural, holistic approach to after sun skin care. I’ll be teaching you an easy two-ingredient recipe resulting in your own homemade moisturizing cream.
This cactus like plant contains a gel inside its spiky leaves that contains loads of medicinal properties people have been using for thousands of years. Aloe vera gel can be used for consumption or topical use. The main reason people consume the gel is for the antioxidants, vitamins, and the digestive relief it provides. External uses include; treating a variety of skin conditions, burns, psoriasis, frostbite, cold sores, etc.
I should mention if your burn is severe you should consult a doctor before applying aloe. However, if your sunburn is mild let’s dive right in! We will be creating a paste from the gel and coconut oil.
Step 1: Have your aloe vera plant handy. If you do not have the plant you can buy the leaves at the supermarket or purchase pure aloe vera gel.
Step 2: Cut the leaf from the base of the plant.
Step 3: Remove the thorny edges of the leaf by slicing the edges. Then cut the leaf open down the middle. You will see the clear aloe vera gel.
Step 4: Using a spoon, scoop out the gooey substance from the leaves into a bowl.
Step 5: Transfer gel into blender with 1 tbsp of coconut oil and blend to smooth consistency.
Once your final product resembles that of a paste you can bottle it up in a jar and store it in the fridge for up to one month. With no added coloring, preservatives, or perfumes this paste has a short shelf life so use accordingly. To treat a sunburn, remove gel from the fridge, the gel is most healing and soothing to skin when cold. Spread a layer over affected areas. Apply a few times a day to sunburned area.
Taylor Goggin is tropical gardener in Florida who gained her skills in cooperative agriculture while work-trading with a World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program on the Hawaiian Islands. She now grows papaya, banana, avocado, fig, tomatoes, and medicinal herbs to make into inventive plant-based recipes. Connect with Taylor on Instagram, and read all of her MOTHER EARTH NEWS posts here.
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