Nothing spoils a gorgeous summer day quite like realizing you’ve gotten a little too much sun. (Trust me, I know—thank you, strong Northern European genes!) You know that feeling: skin hot, tight, and tender.
My kids push the limits on this all the time, so I needed a quick, effective way to calm the burn—and of course, it had to be herbal. That’s where this homemade after-sun spray comes in.
This soothing blend combines the skin-loving power of St. John’s Wort, Calendula, Chamomile, and Lavender with the cooling hydration of aloe vera. It’s simple, natural, and so easy to make at home!
Why These Herbs?
- St. John’s Wort – Specifically Hypericum Perforatum. Supports skin recovery and calms nerve sensitivity.
- Calendula – Famous for reducing irritation and promoting healthy skin repair.
- Chamomile – A gentle skin soother that helps take down redness.
- Lavender – Adds light antiseptic properties and a calming aroma.
- Aloe Vera Juice – Locks in moisture and provides a cooling sensation.
DIY Post-Sunburn Spray Recipe
This recipe makes about 2 cups (500 mL) of spray.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp (2g) dried St. John’s Wort flowers
- 1 Tbsp (1g) dried Calendula petals
- 1 tsp (.5g) dried Chamomile flowers
- ½ tsp (.3g) dried Lavender buds
- 1 cup (250 mL) cool water
- 1 cup (250 mL) aloe vera juice (preferably preservative-free or with mild natural preservatives like citric acid)
Optional Additions
- 2–3 drops lavender essential oil for extra soothing (blend into a teaspoon of aloe first to disperse)
How to Make It
- Combine herbs in a heat-safe glass jar (not because you are heating it but because they are less breakable).
- Pour 1 cup cool or lukewarm water - no more than 110 °F (43 °C) - over the herbs (avoid boiling water—heat can damage delicate compounds*).
- Cover and steep for 30–60 minutes at room temperature.
- Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
- Add 1 cup aloe vera juice to the cooled infusion. Stir well.
- Pour into a clean spray bottle and refrigerate.
To Use
- Spray lightly on sun-kissed skin for a cooling effect.
- Apply as often as needed.
- Avoid eyes and broken skin.
Shelf Life
Because this recipe is water and aloe-based without preservatives, it’s highly perishable.
Store in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours. Make small batches for best freshness.
Photosensitivity Warning St. John’s Wort can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. After using this spray, avoid direct sun exposure on treated areas for 12–24 hours. (After a sunburn, staying out of the sun is wise anyway!)
*Why Not Boiling Water?
Boiling water can destroy the beneficial compounds in delicate herbs like St. John’s Wort and Chamomile. A cool or lukewarm infusion extracts what you need without damaging their soothing properties.
Want It to Last Longer?
If you’d like a version that lasts weeks instead of hours, you’ll need a broad-spectrum preservative like Leucidal Liquid, Optiphen, or Geogard ECT—and the correct usage rates. We’ll share a shelf-stable recipe soon!
Simple. Soothing. Herbal goodness for your summer skin.
Make a batch today and enjoy the cooling, calming power of plants!