3 Essential Oils for Sunburns

Hristian Ivanov

23 October 2025 • 5 min. read

In this article, we introduce you to the best essential (and carrier) oils to soothe and nourish your skin after sunburn.

Summer means long walks in the park, fun by the pool, and countless hours spent outdoors. Prolonged exposure to the scorching sun can seriously damage your skin, making it prone to various irritations such as dryness, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, or allergies.

Here, you will learn some practical tips on how to deal with the adverse effects of excessive sun exposure. Some essential and carrier oils can partially, if not fully, address the various skin issues associated with too much sun.

What are the most common problems related to sunburn?

Dry skin

Hot sun can deplete your skin, making it dry or even flaky. Dehydrated skin appears dull and is often accompanied by itching and constant tightness. Unfortunately, UV rays can disrupt the hydrolipid barrier and drain the skin’s natural water reservoir.

Sunburn

UV rays can seriously damage your skin. In fact, sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It usually affects the outermost layer of the skin, and depending on the severity of the damage, the skin may begin to peel.

Wrinkles and premature aging

Excessive sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin damage and wrinkle formation. UV radiation decreases skin moisture and elasticity. UV rays stimulate the production of free radicals in the skin, which in turn damage elastin fibers, contributing to wrinkles and premature aging of facial skin.

Hyperpigmentation

As a result of overexposure to the sun, the skin increases melanin production. Extra melanin makes your skin appear darker. Dark spots may appear on the face as well as on the body.

Keep in mind…

Medications such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim can increase your skin’s photosensitivity. You should avoid sun exposure if you are taking any of these drugs.

Some essential oils, such as bergamot oil, can also increase photosensitivity and lead to sunburn and hyperpigmentation. Avoid essential oils from lemon, lime, and angelica as well.

What you need to know about sunburn?

Your skin type determines your susceptibility to sunburn. People with fair skin are at the highest risk. Still, anyone is at risk of sunburn if they spend long periods in the sun.

Even without sunburn, prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. The sun causes cellular damage, which can lead to cancer.

Check the UV index before going outdoors. Sun intensity varies depending on the season, time of day, and geographic location. A high UV index means unprotected skin will burn faster.

Be careful even when the sun isn’t shining. Up to 80 percent of UV rays can pass through clouds. (Source: SkinCancer.org)

The best essential oils for sunburn:

Let’s dive into how to soothe sun-damaged skin using essential and carrier oils.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It can help relieve symptoms such as pain, redness, or swelling while reducing the risk of skin infections.

Lavender oil soothes the skin and has a cooling effect on red, inflamed skin. It is considered gentle and safe for topical application. Diluted in almond or hemp oil, it regenerates damaged skin cells.

How to use lavender oil for sun-damaged skin: Mix 5 drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of aloe gel. You can also add ten drops to your bath and relax for 20 minutes.

Chamomile essential oil

German and Roman chamomile soothe sun-irritated skin. German chamomile oil is rich in chamazulene, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps heal and restore damaged skin tissue.

Chamomile oil also has a spasmolytic effect and can relieve muscle spasms. Applied to sunburned skin (properly diluted in a carrier oil), chamomile essential oil can reduce discomfort and redness.

Helichrysum essential oil

Helichrysum essential oil is expensive to produce but worth every drop. The oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and can heal wounds and irritated skin. Neryl acetate, a key component of helichrysum oil, helps reduce the appearance of scars and pores.

Carrier oils for dry skin

Here are some carrier oils that can hydrate and soften your inflamed skin. The best carrier oils for dry and flaky skin are:

Sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic. It absorbs quickly and instantly nourishes reddened skin. Regular use is believed to support epidermal renewal and helps address dark spots on the face.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil contains antioxidants that improve skin texture and even out skin tone. Vitamin C is well known for its brightening effect on hyperpigmentation. Omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids make rosehip oil ideal for dry skin.

Hemp oil

Hemp oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, which combat skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can nourish and moisturize the face and body without clogging pores. It helps restore the skin’s hydrolipid barrier.

How to properly apply essential oils

To enjoy the healing benefits of essential oils, you must dilute them well in a carrier oil.

1% solution
Recommended for frequent use on the face.

10 ml / 2 teaspoons (carrier oil) = 2 drops (essential oil)
30 ml / 1.5 tablespoons (carrier oil) = 6 drops (essential oil)

2% solution
Recommended for use on the body.

10 ml / 2 teaspoons (carrier oil) = 4 drops (essential oil)
30 ml / 1.5 tablespoons (carrier oil) = 12 drops (essential oil)

Keep in mind that undiluted essential oils can trigger allergic reactions.

Other precautions when using essential oils:

Use essential oils on the skin with caution.
Absorption is higher when your skin is damaged.
Test diluted essential oils before use.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.
Do not ingest essential oils without explicit guidance from a doctor or expert.