Summer Sunburn Soothing Skin Serum

I absolutely adore summer—the sun, the adventures, the warm days spent tubing down a cool Florida spring, and of course, the blissful enjoyment of an ice-cold margarita in the sand. It’s pure sunshine-induced joy. But as much as I love summer, there’s one thing I don’t love: sun damage.

Being a ginger, I know firsthand how sun exposure can be a real issue. While many joke that we were made from fire and brimstone (and, yes, we may have a fiery temper), the truth is that we simply can’t handle prolonged sun exposure. Just a few minutes under the UV rays, and my skin starts to burn. We may have fiery spirits, but our skin is incredibly sensitive. That’s why I set out to create a Summer Sunburn Soothing Serum—a way to prepare and protect people like me from the sun’s harsh rays.

When I started developing this DIY sunburn serum, my goal was twofold: First, to create a formula that would help rejuvenate skin after sun exposure, and second, to prepare the skin for a day out in the sun. I wanted to pack it with the vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy skin cells, and I truly believe I found the perfect combination. I began using this serum the day before heading into the sun to help prep my skin, as well as before applying sunscreen. While everyone’s skin is different, this has worked wonders for me.

After a long day in the sun, once I’ve washed off the sand from all those… unspeakable areas, I apply another coat of this serum to soothe and repair my skin.

Key Ingredients & Their Benefits:

Rose Water

Rich in vitamin E and powerful anti-inflammatory properties, rose water serves as an ideal base for this serum. Vitamin E is known for its moisturizing qualities, which help reduce pain from UV exposure while promoting skin repair.

Aloe

Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and cooling effects, especially after sun exposure. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, aloe is excellent for relieving burns and promoting skin healing, making it a must-have for this serum.

Vitamin C

I believe in using skincare ingredients that are packed with nutrients. Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps fight free radicals and supports the skin’s natural repair processes. It’s found in high concentrations in ingredients like sweet orange and rose hip essential oils. It’s always been a staple in my DIY skincare recipes, and now it can be a secret of yours, too.

Essential Oils:

• Germanium – This oil has incredible anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin.
• Peppermint – Known for its cooling and vasoconstrictive properties, peppermint oil can help reduce swelling and pain. It also tightens the skin and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and sun damage over time.
• Tea Tree Oil – An instant relief agent for burns, tea tree oil may help reduce blistering and peeling. However, it’s essential to use it in moderation—no more than 5 drops—because too much can cause irritation. Always dilute it with distilled water before applying.

I truly hope this DIY Summer Sunburn Soothing Serum works as well for you as it does for me. If you have any questions or want to share your experience, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below.

Remember, while this serum is a great addition to your skincare routine, it should never replace proper sun protection like sunscreen and UV-protective clothing. Stay safe, stay protected, and enjoy your summer while keeping your skin healthy and glowing!

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Summer Sunburn Soothing Serum

This DIY serum is a soothing, natural way to protect and repair your skin from sun exposure. Made with rose water, aloe gel, vitamin C, and essential oils, it helps prevent sun damage, provides hydration, and supports skin recovery after a day in the sun.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Yield: 1 spray bottle

Equipment

• Glass Container (e.g., Mason Jar) For mixing the ingredients.
• Whisk To blend the ingredients together, especially to dissolve the vitamin C powder and emulsify the oils.
• 8 oz Spray Bottle For easy application of the serum once it’s mixed.
• Measuring Spoons For accurate measurement of the vegetable glycerine and essential oils.
• Measuring Cups For measuring the rose water and aloe gel.

Materials

• 6 oz rose water
• 2 oz aloe gel
• 1 tablespoon vitamin C powder
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil

Instructions

• Mix Base Ingredients: In a glass container (a mason jar works well), combine rose water, aloe gel, and vitamin C powder. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until the vitamin C powder is fully dissolved and no longer visible.
• Add Essential Oils and Glycerine: Add the vegetable glycerine, geranium essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and tea tree oil to the mixture. Whisk for 2 minutes to ensure the oils emulsify with the glycerine.
• Transfer to Spray Bottle: Pour the serum into an 8 oz spray bottle for easy application.

Notes

Disclaimer:

By using this Summer Sunburn Soothing Serum, you acknowledge and agree that John Palmer Payne or it’s affiliates hold no responsibility for any adverse reactions, skin irritation, or ill effects that may arise from its use. This product is made with natural ingredients, but individual sensitivities may vary. It is recommended to do a patch test before applying to larger areas of skin. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Additionally, this serum does not replace proper skin protection such as UV-protective clothing or sunscreen. Always practice safe sun exposure by using appropriate protective measures, including sunscreen, to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Use at your own risk.