Okay, let’s paint the scene: it’s summer, the sun is high, and my middle girl Desy is living her best sun-drenched life, responsibly, I might add. Girlfriend is religious about her sunscreen (she’s got the mineral SPF and wide-brimmed hat on lock), but every now and then… she overcommits to that golden glow. And let’s be real, who hasn’t been there?
The result? A little “oopsie” sunburn that leaves her skin pink, tight, and begging for TLC. That’s when mama steps in with my go-to remedy: this dreamy, skin-soothing DIY Chamomile and Oatmeal Sunburn Bath Soak.
It’s simple. It’s natural. It WORKS.
And honestly? It smells like calm in a cup. Or, in this case, a tub.
These days, my primary bath has basically turned into Desy’s summer spa zone. I’ll hear her splashing around in the tub, and I know she’s soaking up all that oat-chamomile love while her skin gets the relief it needs. It makes my natural-living heart so dang happy.
Why This Bath Soak Is the Ultimate Sunburn Soother
Let’s talk ingredients with benefits… because this soak isn’t just about feeling fancy. It’s built on a trifecta of healing goodness:
🌼 Chamomile – Anti-inflammatory, calming, and gentle enough for sensitive skin. It’s basically nature’s hug in flower form.
🌾 Oatmeal – Moisturizing, anti-itch, and packed with antioxidants. It coats the skin in a protective layer and helps calm redness FAST.
🧂 Baking Soda – This unsung hero helps restore your skin’s pH and takes the sting out of sunburn like a champ.
Bonus optional stars:
🛁 Epsom Salt for relaxing sore muscles
🌿 Aloe vera powder for an extra healing boost
💧 Essential Oils (I’ll get into my faves below!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather your healing potion kit… spa witch vibes, anyone?
- 1 cup rolled oats (organic if possible)
- ½ cup dried chamomile flowers (or 3–4 chamomile tea bags)
- ¼ cup baking soda
- Optional: ½ cup Epsom salt
- Optional: 1–2 tsp aloe vera powder (or a splash of pure aloe juice)
- 5–10 drops essential oils (see below)
- Muslin bag, old sock, or cheesecloth for bundling ingredients
How to Make It
- Grind your oats into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. This makes them easier to dissolve and more soothing for the skin.
- Mix together the ground oats, chamomile flowers, baking soda, and any optional add-ins.
- Add essential oils last (a few drops go a LONG way, be gentle if you’re using peppermint!).
- Scoop the mix into a muslin bag or wrap it in cheesecloth and tie it off. This keeps your tub from turning into oatmeal stew.
- Store in a jar with a cute label and you’ve got a sunburn soak ready whenever the sun gets a little too spicy.
How to Use It
Draw a lukewarm bath – not hot! Hot water = more irritation for burned skin.
Drop in your oatmeal-chamomile bundle and let it steep like a giant tea bag. Swish it around to release all the goodness.
Soak for 20–30 minutes while sipping iced tea and pretending you’re at a spa. I HIGHLY recommend a little relaxing playlist in the background.
When you’re done, pat your skin dry (don’t rub!) and follow up with some aloe gel or a lightweight natural lotion. Hydration is key, babe.
And yes… if you're Desy, this entire ritual happens in my tub. I’ve accepted that my bathroom is now a seasonal retreat center.
Best Essential Oils for Sunburn Relief
Let’s talk aromatherapy – Because your bath can heal your skin and your soul.
💜 Lavender – Calming, skin-regenerating, and smells like a hug
🌼 Roman Chamomile – Soothes inflammation and pairs beautifully with the chamomile tea
🌿 Peppermint – Cooling and refreshing, but go easy (1–2 drops max)
🌹 Helichrysum – A pricier one, but incredible for skin healing if you have it on hand!
You can blend your faves or keep it simple with one superstar oil. Just be sure to dilute in a carrier (like fractionated coconut oil) if you're not mixing them directly into the oatmeal blend.
Final Thoughts: Glow, Don’t Sizzle
This DIY Chamomile and Oatmeal Sunburn Bath Soak has been a game-changer in our home. It’s soothing, smells divine, and most importantly it WORKS. Whether you’ve overdone it in the garden, on the beach, or just missed a sunscreen spot (we’ve ALL been there), this soak helps bring your skin back to happy.
And the best part? You made it yourself. No harsh chemicals, no mystery ingredients—just good old-fashioned natural care. 💛
Have a favorite sunburn remedy or a tried-and-true essential oil blend you swear by? Share it in the comments below… I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
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