Lavender essential oil and aloe vera are two easy to use home remedies that offer healing benefits for minor burns and skin irritation. With summer comes more time spent outside, and the risks of sunburn and skin irritation increase. Whether your skin is tingling from the kiss of the sun or feeling irritated from environmental or other causes, lavender essential oil and aloe vera are two rock star remedies for quick relief.

Science confirms that topical application of lavender essential oil decreases the effects of burns and irritation by increasing collagen production, as well as accelerating the healing process. Lavender has been used throughout history for this purpose, and today, you can easily find the essential oil in stores or online to keep in your medicine cabinet. Blending this essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or adding a few drops to a spray bottle containing one ounce each of water and apply this remedy directly onto the skin.

Aloe Vera is a great remedy for burns and skin irritation, and can be used directly from the plant. Keeping an aloe plant nearby provides a quick solution when someone touches a hot pan or has a rash. Break off a small leaf and apply some of the clear, cool, soothing gel directly onto your skin; as it absorbs, you will feel relief immediately. If you do not have an aloe plant, you can find aloe vera in stores as well. When shopping, make sure the product you choose contains a high percentage of aloe to ensure you are getting the benefits.

With these two home remedies, you should be all set for a summer filled with fun in the sun and outdoors!

Aloe Ice Cubes

2T Aloe Gel   12 drops lavender   Mix in a small bowl. Stir in ½ water, freeze in mini ice cube tray.