DIY: Aloe And Calendula After Sun

A soothing treatment for sun-kissed skin

Whilst we should all be wearing SPF protection when outside in the sun, mistakes do happen: we get caught outside and from time to time we get sunburnt. If this happens, quickly whip up our DIY remedy to instantly soothe and cool inflamed skin whilst helping speed up the healing process. Our after sun only contains two ingredients - fresh aloe leaf juice and calendula oil - so it’s perfect for sensitive skin and sore spots.

Make in advance during the hottest weeks of summer and store in the fridge for any accidental burns - your skin will seriously thank you.  

aloe aftersun thejoyofplants

You Will Need:

  • 3-4 large freshly cut aloe vera leaves
  • 50ml calendula oil
  • Blender
  • Air-tight jar 

How To:

Step 1

Immediately after cutting your aloe leaves off of the plant, place them in a cup to drain out the yellow resin for around 10 minutes. The resin isn’t harmful but it does contain a natural latex which can be irritating to very sensitive skin.

Step 2

Once drained, very carefully cut your aloe vera leaves open to expose the inside. You can use a vegetable peeler to peel the leaf skin off of the top or use a knife to slice down one side and peel open that way.

Once open, take a spoon and scrape the gel from the leaves. It has a strange solid but jelly-like consistency with lots of goop around it, spoon as much as you can into a bowl or straight into your blender/food processor. 

Step 3

Add 100ml of calendula oil to the blender. We chose calendula oil as it’s known for it’s incredible ability to heal and soothe skin, but you can also use good quality sunflower oil, olive oil or jojoba oil. 

Step 4

Blend on high for 1-2 minutes. The mixture may become frothy but this is completely normal. Once fully blended pour the lotion into a jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks. The oil and aloe vera may separate but a quick shake before use will blend everything up again.

*Note - To extend the shelf life up to a month in the fridge you can add 3-4 drops of either vitamin E oil or rosemary essential oil as a natural, gentle preservative.

If you make this gorgeous after sun at home be sure to share a photo with us on FacebookInstagram or Twitter!