Sometimes, we forget to apply sunscreen before heading out. You’d think it would be a habit by now, but it happens. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed my skin is more sensitive to the sun, even when I do remember sunscreen. When my skin feels tender from sun exposure, I use an aloe spray to soothe it.

Aloe Vera is a type of succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves filled with a gel-like substance. This gel is packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which give it healing properties. Aloe Vera gel is commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. It offers many benefits, such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties, speeding up the healing of burns, improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, alleviating constipation, and healing mouth ulcers.

Here’s what you need to make your own soothing aloe spray:
– 1/2 cup Aloe Vera gel
– 1 oz of vitamin E (optional)
– 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
– 1/4 cup witch hazel
– 5 tablespoons of water
– Bowl and spoon
– Spray bottle

You can use fresh aloe pulp if you have it, but store-bought pure aloe gel works too. Aloe Vera gel is known for soothing pain from burns, especially sunburns, and it helps speed up skin healing due to its rich vitamin and mineral content.

I used vitamin E tablets I had at home. This ingredient is optional but helps moisturize the skin and aids in healing. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can also help prevent skin cancer from UV damage.

Witch hazel is another great ingredient that reduces pain and inflammation. It helps the skin heal and complements aloe well. Make sure to buy high-quality, organic witch hazel, as many store-bought versions are diluted with alcohol, which can dry out your skin.

For essential oils, the choice is up to you. I added lemon for a fresh citrus scent, but peppermint oil, with its cooling properties, would also be a good option.

Here’s how to make the spray:
1. Add vitamin E to Aloe: I used about 10 capsules, pierced each with a needle, and squeezed the contents into the aloe gel.
2. Add essential oil: This is for scent. I chose a citrus scent, but be mindful that citrus oils can increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation.
3. Add the liquids: Mix in the witch hazel and water. Stir to combine, using a fork to break up the gel if needed. If the mixture is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time. Pour it into your spray bottle. If it’s too thick for a funnel, a turkey baster or medicine syringe can help.

To use, spray the gel on any sun-damaged areas. Keeping the bottles in the fridge adds an extra cooling effect for bad sunburns. The gel will absorb into the skin without leaving a sticky residue.