DIY Aftersun - How To Make Your Own Natural Aftersun

Hello Summer Glow

Spring is here and summer is finally right around the corner. Soon we’ll be jetting off to warm beaches, finally getting that sand-between-the-toes feeling and lying back with a cocktail or two. Or the more ‘Insta vs Reality’ version - we’ll be battling winds in a rainy campsite in Cornwall and hoping for a break in the clouds!

Either way, hopefully at some point this summer you’ll see some glorious sunshine. Of course you need to remember to slap on the sunscreen before heading out, but we all get caught out now and again and our DIY after sun recipe will treat your skin to some well deserved hydration and cooling. No need to reach for the chemical laden after sun bottles on the chemist shelf, we’re here to help you do it the natural way with our amazing recipe for homemade after sun.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own after sun. You’ll love it and your skin with thank you!

DIY After Sun Ingredients

• 500g organic extra virgin coconut oil
• 200g aloe vera gel
• An electric whisk (or a hand held whisk if you're brave!)
• A bowl or jug

How To Make Your Own After Sun

1. First soften the coconut oil - if the weather is warm enough then it may be soft enough to whisk without heating, otherwise you will need to heat it gently - but don't melt it. If you do melt it, see the help section at the end.
2. Once the coconut oil is soft, start whisking! It will take a few minutes, but it will start to whip up like whipped cream or meringue.
3. Once the coconut oil is whipped, just add your aloe vera gel and whisk for another minute.
4. Congratulations! You've just made some amazing DIY after sun.

Andy’s Top Tips

Q. I accidentally melted all my coconut oil - what now?
Don't panic! Step away from the microwave! Put your bowl of melted coconut oil in the fridge or freezer until it has cooled enough to become slushy. It should then whip up nicely

Q. Can I add a fragrance to my DIY after sun?
Absolutely! We haven't included any in this natural after sun recipe, but you can add one of our essential oils to give your finished product a lovely scent. Just bear in mind, if your skin is sun-damaged it may not appreciate a scented product. 

Q. Can I customise this homemade after sun recipe?
Of course, I always keep our skincare recipes as simple as possible, just to give you an idea of how easy it is to create something beautiful using natural ingredients. However, you can make your DIY after sun as complicated as you like! My suggestions for additions would be: Red raspberry seed oil - absorbs easily into the skin and is full of antioxidants. Argan oil - I've yet to come across skin that doesn't like argan oil! Rosehip oil - If you intend to use the after sun on your face, I'd definitely choose rosehip oil. It rarely blocks pores and has good results for pretty much every skin type. If you're going to add a liquid oil to your homemade after sun recipe, I would suggest trying 50ml in this recipe and bringing the aloe vera gel quantity down to 100g. If it’s too liquid, keep it in the fridge. All the better when your skin needs an after sun!