Yesterday, my family and I returned home from the beautiful Garden Island of Kaua'i, after a 10-day long vacation. Prior to leaving, I don't think I've ever needed a vacation more I my life... but now that I'm home, I feel like I never want to leave again! As wonderful, sunny and warm the trip was, travelling with children is no joke. If you've ever caught a red-eye flight with two whiny/crying/over-tired kids and two adults sharing three seats... then you know exactly what I'm talking about. There were some real positives, though... like on first day when I forgot to re-apply sunblock on my pastey, Canadian family and and everyone got super sun burnt! Wait, that part was pretty crappy and made me feel like the world's worst mother, but being able to soothe their pink skin with the homemade after-sun soothing spray, that I whipped up minutes before we left, made me feel like a champ! To be honest, I was kind of hoping that someone would get a bit too much sun so that I could test out my new concoction (swear I didn't do it on purpose), and I'm happy to say - success!!! This simple combo of aloe, witch hazel and lavender and peppermint essential oil was the perfect relief for out sensitive sun-burnt skin, and best of all, it's super quick and easy to make. In all seriousness, the trip was amazing and we made memories to last a lifetime.

About the Ingredients

Aloe Vera has been used for centuries for its skin soothing and moisturizing properties as it is reputed as being naturally rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12, C and E, essential fatty acids as well as amino acids and skin rejuvenating enzymes. Witch Hazel is a medicinal tincture created from the leaves, flowers and bark of the hamamelis tree, also known as Witch Hazel Shrub. Witch hazel contains procyanadins, resin, and flavonoids, all of which add to its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Fractionated Coconut Oil is the liquid form of coconut oil that has been fractionated by steam distillation to contain only the medium chain triglycerides, which gives this oil an indefinite shelf life and will provide the after-sun soothing spray light, moisturizing properties that won't clog pores. Lavender Essential Oil has a healing effect on burns and sunburns. Peppermint Essential Oil provides a dual-action warming/cooling sensation and is reputed to be beneficial for relieving itching, inflammation, sunburn and muscle ailments.

How to Make After-Sun Soothing Spray

What You'll Need

• 4 ounce Spray Bottle
• Measuring cup for mixing

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Juice
• 1/4 Cup Witch Hazel (preferrably alcohol free)
• 1 Tbsp Fractionated Coconut Oil (optional)
• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Used for healing burns)
• 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (Used for pain relief)