Homemade After Sun Lotion Recipe with Aloe Vera

This Aloe vera lotion recipe is perfect for those days when you’ve been out in the sun or when your skin feels dry and needs some extra moisture. It’s easy to make and will leave your skin feeling cool, soft, and refreshed. 

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Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties, which makes it great for calming sunburns or simply giving your skin a boost of hydration. Let’s get started on making this simple aloe vera lotion recipe!

I love to make my own homemade lotion recipes at home vs using store-bought products. That way I can use natural products and know exactly what goes into them and the benefits of each ingredient. 

Summer in the Deep South can be rough. While it’s my absolute favorite season the sun is just brutal. I’ve been searching for an after-sun aloe vera lotion for a while. 

The problem with aloe gel is that it often contains fragrances, preservatives, and added color. All things I didn’t want to rub on my face and skin. 

This DIY aloe vera lotion recipe combines safer ingredients that are great for soothing the skin after you’ve had a little too much sun. It’s best to use alongside a natural tallow sunblock to keep your skin looking fresh and protected all summer long. 

Ingredients and their benefits 

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera comes from aloe vera plants and is amazing for your skin! It’s really good at helping wounds heal, especially from burns, ulcers, and any kind of irritation. When you apply aloe vera, it feels soothing and cool, which is perfect if your skin is feeling sore or itchy.

Plus, it helps keep your skin’s moisture locked in, so your skin stays soft and hydrated. Whether you have a sunburn or just want to keep your skin looking healthy, aloe vera is a great choice.

Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is awesome for your skin. It’s super hydrating, which means it helps keep your skin really soft and smooth. When you put a coconut oil lotion on your skin, it forms a barrier that protects it from getting dry or damaged. 

Plus, it has antioxidants, which fight off things that can make your skin age faster. Using coconut oil can make your skin feel great and look healthy!

Shea Butter 

Shea butter is amazing for your skin! It helps reduce swelling and redness in your face, making your skin look calm and smooth. Shea butter has lots of anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for taking care of your skin after being in the sun.

It’s super soothing and helps keep your skin soft and healthy. Using shea butter can make your skin feel and look fantastic!

Cocoa Butter 

Cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans, which are the same beans used to make chocolate. These beans are found inside cocoa pods that grow on cacao trees. To get cocoa butter, the beans are harvested, fermented, dried, roasted, and then pressed to release the rich, creamy butter. It also smells great! 

Cocoa butter is super moisturizing, making it great for both your skin and lips. It’s also packed with vitamin D and antioxidants, which help reduce signs of aging. 

If you have skin conditions like eczema, cocoa butter can be really soothing. Plus, it helps protect your skin from UV damage, so it’s like a natural shield against the sun. 

Sea Buckthorn Oil 

I can’t sing sea buckthorn oil’s praises enough in my skin care products. If you’ve never used it, you’re missing out! Check out natural oil cleanser for removing your makeup and retaining moisture. 

I’ve always had very acne-prone skin and have taken various medications for it over the years. Sea buckthorn oil is great for acne and will leave your skin with a “glowy” appearance. 

It’s antimicrobial and anti-fungal, which means it can help fight acne and keep your skin clear. It’s also very hydrating, so it keeps your skin soft and smooth.

Plus, it helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sea buckthorn oil can also firm your skin and help prevent aging, keeping your skin looking young and healthy. 

One thing to keep in mind is that it can stain your skin, so if you have lighter skin, you should use small amounts.  

Jojoba Oil 

Jojoba oil is like a superhero for your skin. After you’ve been out in the sun, it can really calm down sunburned skin, making it feel less sore and red. It’s also amazing at keeping your skin moisturized, so it feels soft and smooth. 

Jojoba oil forms this protective barrier on your skin, kind of like a shield, to keep moisture in and dirt out. That’s why it’s one of the most common carrier oils. Using jojoba oil can make your skin feel really cared for.

Lavender 

Lavender is great for your skin. It’s super soothing, which makes it perfect for helping your skin heal after sun exposure. 

If you have any redness or irritation, lavender can calm it down because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it smells amazing. 

Lime 

Lime essential oil is fantastic for your skin! It can help reduce aging spots, dark spots, and wrinkles, making your skin look brighter and younger. 

Lime oil also helps the other ingredients in your skincare products get absorbed better into your skin. This means your skin gets more benefits from everything you use. Plus, lime essential oil smells fresh and uplifting. 

Orange 

Orange essential oils make your skin look more radiant and glowing, giving it a healthy, fresh appearance. The oil smells amazing, like a burst of citrus, and it can brighten up your complexion. 

Ylang Ylang 

Ylang-ylang essential oil is great for helping your skin heal after being in the sun. It reduces inflammation and redness, which often happen after sun exposure. This oil is really soothing and can calm down any irritation your skin might have. Plus, it smells wonderful.

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Aloe Vera Lotion Recipe 

 To make your own lotion you’ll need: 

• Double boiler 
• Mixing bowl 
• Spatula 
• Measuring cups 
• Measuring spoons 
• Amber Glass Storage containers 

Ingredients 

• ½ cup Coconut oil 
• ¼ cup Shea Butter 
• ¼ cup Cocoa Butter 
• ¼ cup Jojoba oil 
• 1/4 cup Pure Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 tbsp Sea Buckthorn Oil 
• ¼ cup Beeswax 
• 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 
• 10 drops of Lime Essential Oil 
• 5 drops of Orange Essential Oil 
• 5 drops Ylang Ylang 

Directions 

Here’s how to make Homemade After Sun Lotion with Aloe Vera:

1. Boil water in a pot over medium heat. If you don’t have a double boiler, use a glass bowl placed over the pot, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bowl directly.
2. In the glass bowl, add 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of cocoa butter, and 1/4 cup of beeswax for stability. Also, add 1/4 cup of jojoba oil and 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel. Stir occasionally as the ingredients melt together.
3. Once all ingredients are melted, remove the bowl from the heat and stir well to ensure everything is combined.
4. Allow the melted oils to cool for a few minutes. It should thicken slightly but still be pourable.
5. Add your essential oils along with 1 tablespoon of Sea Buckthorn oil. Blend the oil mixture well. I like using an immersion blender for a creamy texture in your final product. A hand mixer would also work if you don’t have an immersion blender. 
6. Pour the lotion into clean amber jars or containers. Let it cool completely at room temperature. It will firm up but remain easily spreadable due to the oils.
7. Store your lotion in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality. It’s best applied in the evenings after sun exposure or whenever your skin needs extra moisture. It’s also safe to use on your entire body. 

Helpful Tips 

This creamy lotion isn’t a true solid. It’s meant to melt with the heat from your skin so it can be easily applied. If you want your lotion to be more firm increase the beeswax to ⅓ cup. 

If you have a lighter skin tone and find that the Sea Buckthorn oil stains your skin, decrease the amount in the recipe to 1 tsp. 

Leave the beeswax out of the oil completely if you prefer a soothing oil to a lotion. I sometimes prefer this to the solid consistency in the summer and the oil during the winter months.  

Melt the ingredients slowly for the best results. If you’re melting oils or butter, do it slowly over low heat to avoid overheating or burning them.

Aloe vera lotion recipe FAQs 

What are the benefits of using aloe vera lotion?

Aloe vera lotion is great for soothing sunburns, hydrating dry skin, and keeping your skin feeling cool and refreshed.

Can I use aloe vera lotion every day?

Yes, you can. Aloe vera is gentle on the skin and can be used daily to keep your skin moisturized and healthy.

How do I make homemade aloe vera lotion?

To make homemade aloe vera lotion, you can mix aloe vera gel with moisturizing oils like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. Blend them together and store them in a clean container.

Does aloe vera lotion help with acne?

Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce acne and calm irritated skin. It’s a good choice for most skin types even if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

How should I apply aloe vera lotion?

Apply a thin layer of aloe vera lotion to clean the skin. Gently massage it in until absorbed. Use it after sun exposure or whenever your skin needs some extra moisture.

Can aloe vera lotion help with scars?

Aloe vera is known for its ability to promote skin healing, which can help reduce the appearance of scars over time.

Is aloe vera lotion safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, aloe vera is generally safe for sensitive skin. However, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first if you have very sensitive skin or allergies.

How long does homemade aloe vera lotion last?

Homemade aloe vera lotion can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on how it’s stored and the freshness of the ingredients used.

Where should I store aloe vera lotion?

Store your aloe vera lotion in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve its effectiveness and shelf life.

Can I use aloe vera lotion on my face?

Yes, aloe vera lotion is gentle enough for use on the face. It can help moisturize and soothe sensitive facial skin.

Aloe Vera Lotion Recipe- Final Thoughts 

Making this DIY lotion recipe is a fun and great way to take care of your skin. Whether you’ve been out in the sun or just want to keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated, this homemade lotion is a great choice. 

With soothing aloe vera and nourishing oils like coconut and jojoba, your skin will thank you. Give it a try and see how smooth and refreshed your skin can feel!

If you enjoyed this natural lotion recipe, please share it! 

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