Have you ever suffered from a sunburn? Most people have experienced sunburns despite all the precautions taken and sunscreen used. The discomfort and burning feeling from the burn can be so miserable and energy-zapping. These DIY aloe vera cubes can help!

I had a really fun trip to the lake with my family that unfortunately led to some mishaps and ultimately sunburns. These sunburn soothers worked great!

First, my teen son forgot to apply the sunscreen to the top of his feet.

Second, my teenage daughter applied the sunscreen when she still had her shorts on, then went into the sun with only her bathing suit on.

Third, I applied sunscreen to my youngest son all over except directly under his eyes because I was trying to avoid getting the sunscreen in his eyes. Plus he had a hat and sunglasses on, but when he was in the water enjoying the lake, he took them off.

Needless to say, there were sunburned feet, thighs, and under eyes. Ughhh...it just makes me cringe and I feel like a terrible mom for them getting burnt. This was our first summer outing of the year, so I better bring my A-game next time. Hopefully, my shared experience will save another from getting sunburnt.

Aloe Vera Gel for Sunburns

Aloe vera is a well-known natural remedy for treating sunburns, minor burns, and for bringing moisture to the skin and hair. Aloe vera gel has always been my go-to for any sunburn (along with lavender essential oil). I love applying it after a day in the sun, it is super soothing and moisturizing to the body.

If you are not familiar with bottled aloe vera gel, you will more than likely have this question after you purchase it:

Why is my aloe vera gel watery?

True aloe vera gel isn't green or thick like the store-bought "green gels" you will see on the shelves. Look at the ingredients, many times those versions have additives. True aloe from inside the plant leaves is actually a clear color.

When removed from the plant and blended it makes a thin, watery liquid gel. Not the typical hair gel consistency that most people expect when they hear the term "gel".

When buying, search for a natural version that is over 99% aloe vera, there is usually a small amount of preservative, that is why it is not 100%. Don't buy green aloe from the store, if you don't want to make it from scratch, here is my favorite brand that works great.

How to Make Aloe Vera Gel

You will need to cut a leaf off an aloe vera plant. Once you harvest your aloe leaf from your houseplant or garden, you will need to slice the inner gel from the outer green leaf. Cut the outer skin off until you have the slabs of clear gel. Add the clear gel to a food processor and give it a few gentle pulses to change it into a liquid gel state.

Can you freeze aloe vera gel?

Yes, aloe vera gel freezes well in ice cube form. Freezing is a great way to preserve your harvest and to have readily available frozen cubes to treat burns and soothe skin irritations, thanks to its healing properties.

Since these take some time to freeze, you will want to make them before the need for them arises. I like to keep a completed batch in the freezer. Thankfully I did because I ended up needing them last week for more than just sunburns.

Here is the silicone ice cube tray I use to make my aloe vera soothers in:

How To Use Aloe Vera Gel Cubes

Here are some genius ways to incorporate aloe gel cubes into your beauty and wellness routine for great benefits.

1. Aloe Vera For Sunburn

Cool the burn and soothe the skin with one of the aloe vera cubes. Slowly rub the aloe cube over the sunburned area to reduce the heat and pain. Use a washcloth to catch any excess liquid as it melts. Repeat as needed. Follow up with a layer of the sunburn gel recipe from above.

2. Aloe Ice Cubes For Bug Bite

Soothe the itching and pain of a bug bite by placing the aloe vera gel cube directly over the bug bite area. Leave in place for several minutes. Use a washcloth to catch any excess liquid. If you do not need the whole cube, place it back into freeze with the washcloth and then reapply if pain or itching reoccurs. Follow up with essential oils, here is a favorite bug bite roller recipe.

3. Aloe Vera Gel For Acne

Pimples can be painful and look unsightly. Help soothe the pain and inflammation with one of the soothing cubes. Apply directly to the inflamed area on the face for several minutes, repeat as necessary.

4. Aloe For Dry, Itchy Skin

Moisturize dry skin with a soothing cube. Just rub a cube over the area that needs moisturizing and allow to air dry, repeat as needed.

5. Aloe Vera Ice For Razor Burn

The sting and hideous spots left behind from razor burn can be terrible. Grab an aloe soother and apply it to the affected area after shaving. It is also perfect for healing shaving nicks too! Allow the area to air dry.

6. Aloe For Minor Skin Burn

Cubes are great for kitchen emergencies. Immediately apply cold running water over the area with the minor burn. Then place the aloe vera soother over the affected area. Follow up with lavender essential oil roll on.

What are the Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel for Skin?

Aloe Vera gel is a great natural skin care product. The gel extracted from Aloe Vera leaves has many benefits for our skin and it can help us with various skin problems.

The benefits of Aloe Vera Gel for skin are:

• It is moisturizing, which makes it useful for dry skin
• It can help to soothe skin that is irritated or inflamed
• It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the redness and swelling of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
• It can help to promote healing of the skin from burns and cuts
• It can keep your skin healthy by boosting its natural defenses

Aloe Vera Gel with Lavender Essential Oil

I love to DIY but I know that not everyone does, if you want a done for you option, Plant Therapy offers an Aloe Vera Jelly with Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender Aloe Vera Jelly is gentle and hydrating for all skin types. It penetrates deeply to soothe dry, itchy skin. You can buy it here.

Their new formula has more to it than just the Aloe Vera we know and love. This jelly has added benefits because they have used several botanical extracts such as Horsetail, Wild Geranium and Gotu Kola.

The Lavender Aloe Vera Jelly is designed to nourish your largest organ, the skin. This Aloe Vera Jelly contains Lavender Essential Oil at 1% to allow you to enjoy the skin-supporting and calming benefits.

More Way to Use Essential Oils for Summer

While these DIY aloe vera cubes can be used year round, they are a must for summer. Essential oils are a popular way to keep cool in the summer. They can be used in many different ways to help you stay healthy, refreshed, and cool. Here are more ways to use essential oils this summer.

Lime Essential Oil and Sun Safety

If you're like me, you're always interested in learning about new essential oils. And if you're not familiar with distilled lime essential oil, then today's your lucky day! Steam Distilled Lime Essential Oil is different from Lime Essential Oil that is Cold Pressed. Find out how to avoid sun damage when using lime oil this summer.

Diffuser Blends for Summertime

Looking for a way to enjoy essential oils during the hot summer days? Why not try using an essential oil diffuser? In addition to helping you stay calm and cool, essential oil diffusers can also provide a host of other health benefits. Here are some of our favorite essential oil blends for summertime. Enjoy!

Summer Essential Oil Recipes

This summer, use essential oils to make yourself feel good and enjoy the season. With a variety of essential oils, you can create your own blends and recipes to suit your mood or needs. These recipes are perfect for summer because they use ingredients that are readily available and easy to find. Learn more about making your own summer essential oil recipes.

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