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One of the many summertime challenges we face in natural horse care is the paradox posed by the dangers of excessive UV exposure versus UV protection that contains chemicals which may be almost as bad. This problem is particularly troublesome when you have a white-faced or full-on white horse with pink pigmentation, making them more prone to sunburn. So I put together some information on how to make your own natural sunscreen, as well as some natural sunburn remedies for horses (they work for humans too!).
Natural Sunburn Remedies For Horses And Humans
When looking for natural sunburn remedies, we simply need to take a look at history and what ancient peoples used very effectively for thousands of years. Several natural resources are noted throughout the historical record and are still in use today.
Aloe Vera – Peoples throughout the world have long used the multitude of medicinal benefits offered by the aloe vera plant. It is used as an aide to healing cuts, burns, as a skin moisturizer and even for sun protection. Many commercial skin products today contain aloe vera and it is a first line natural remedy for providing healing and pain relief to sunburned skin.
Myrrh – In addition to it's many references in the bible and use in religious ceremonies, Myrrh has a rich history in both Middle Eastern and Chinese medicine. Myrrh is a powerful anti-inflammatory and also analgesic. It's uses throughout the historical record range from the treatment of rheumatic conditions, as a healing tincture for wounds and for it's anti-cancer properties just to name a few. In addition, it has been used to help relieve minor skin inflammation and as a pain reliever, hence it's benefit as a natural sunburn remedy.
Lavender – Therapeutic grade lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty products. The Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used lavender in bathing and to aide in the treatment of many different skin conditions. The Romans even used it as an insect repellant. Lavender is a powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, tissue regenerator and has its own natural sunblocking properties. The healing benefits of lavender essential oil on severe burns was first documents by the French scientist Rene Gattefosse when he sustained 3rd degree burns in a laboratory accident and inadvertently dunked his arm in a vat of lavender essential oil that he thought was water. He experienced immediate pain relief and found after repeated applications of it his burns healed very quickly and left no scarring at all.
Chamomile (Roman) – Chamomile has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and for its ability to ease tension. Chamomile tea is still a very popular beverage even today due to it's sedative and relaxation benefits. Chamomile is also high in flavinoids which act as antioxidants and help protect the body against free radicals. It is often used to aide in the treatment of skin conditions like rashes, eczema and burns and a common component of many cosmetics.
Apple Cider Vinegar – While this seems counter-intuitive, believe it or not, I found multiple testimonials for the use of apple cider vinegar to relieve the pain and redness associated with sunburn. The apple cider vinegar works to draw out the heat and inflammation from the affected skin, providing quick pain relief, and can help keep secondary infections from setting into damaged tissues. It may even help reduce skin peeling.
Peppermint – This is one of my all-time favorite essential oils. It has so many different uses, but for the summer, it is a big hero in my book. It can be used for an immediate cool down during those hot summer days because menthol is the main active component of peppermint essential oil. When applied to the skin, it can provide instant cooling relief to sunburns and both anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits.
Natural Sunburn Recipies
Nan Martin's Sunburn Spritzer
1 oz. – purified water
2-4 drops – lavender essential oil
1 drop – helichrysum essential oil
1/2 tsp – pure organic aloe vera
Combine all ingredients in a dark colored glass spray bottle and shake well before applying to affected areas.
LavaDerm Cooling Mist Spray – Excellent product from Young Living to have handy for you or your horse. Contains lavender essential oil, aloe vera, and trace minerals that promote skin hydration.
ACV Cooling Soak
1 cup – purified water
2 drops – peppermint essential oil
2 tbsp – apple cider vinegar
Combine ingredients in a bowl, soak a wash cloth in the solution and place on the sunburned area to get good coverage. Repeat as needed. Alternatively, place in a spray bottle and spritz onto the affected areas.
Make Your Own Natural Sunscreen
When considering ingredients to add to a natural sunscreen mixture, there are many options available. Of all the recipes I found, the ingredients found most often are listed below and I've made a blend recommendation based on the ingredients with the highest potential benefit based on their individual properties. Adding antioxidants, like Vitamine E into the mix can help the bodies natural ability fight the development of free radicals, which are thought to increase the risk of skin cancers.
Essential Oils With Natural Sun Protection - Lavender, Helichrysum, Roman chamomile, Myrrh
Antioxidant Oils - Vitamin E, Wheat Germ, Jojoba, Avacado
Carrier Oils With Natural SPF Protection – Carrot Seed Oil (SPF 30); Wheat Germ (SPF 20); Sesame, Soy Bean, Shea butter, Coconut butter/oil, Jojoba, Avacado, V6, aloe vera gel (SPF 4-10)
Zinc Oxide (look for "micronized", NOT "nanosized") – Blocks UVA rays (cancer-causing) and UVB rays (skin damaging/burning), used in most commercial sunblocks
Modified From Frugally Sustainable's Natural Homemade Sunscreen
1 oz – Any of the above mentioned carrier oils (1st line recommendations – Aloe Vera, Carrot Seed, Wheat Germ; TIP: Orally feed 1 oz daily as a top dress on your horse's feed a combination of – Wheat Germ, Soybean, Flaxseed oils).
1 oz – Shea or Coconut butter (base to form a solid).
1 oz – Beeswax (waterproofing).
1 tsp – Vitamin E (natural antioxidant and skin reguvinator).
1/2 – 1 oz – Zinc Oxide powder (add more or less to achieve the desired level of sunscreen protection, 1 oz being >20 SPF). Be careful not to inhale powder! While not harmful when applied topically as an ingredient to a cream, can be harmful if the powder is inhaled into the lungs.
30 drops – Any combination of the above-mentioned naturally sunblocking essential oils (1st line recommendations – lavender, myrrh and peppermint for cooling). Avoid citrus oils which can cause photosensitivity.
Combine the carrier oil, butter, and beeswax into a double boiler. Heat at low temperature until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add essential oils, Vitamin E oil and zinc oxide power. Mix until the zinc oxide powder has been dissolved thoroughly. Pour into repurposed paste wormer tube, roll-on tube or other suitable container of your choice and allow to harden into a solid.
Super Quick Natural Sunscreen – 5-10 drops essential oil to 1 oz. carrier oil
Photosensitivity
Certain medical conditions, plants, medications and horse care products may cause photosensitivity, leading to dark spots on the skin, painful burns, and other harmful side effects. Here are some things to stay away from:
Plants – St. John's Wort, Alsike Clover, Vetch, Alfalfa and topical application of certain citrus-based essential oils and blends containing them may cause photosensitivity during sun exposure.
Fly and Grooming Sprays – Some fly sprays and grooming products may contain ingredients that can cause photosensitivity. Read the labels carefully for any contraindications before applying to your horse.
Medical Conditions/Medications – Conditions like liver disease can predispose your horse to photosensitivity and cause them to burn more easily than other horses despite coat color and skin pigmentation. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your horse might have an underlying medical condition. Natural supplements that can help support horses with liver disease are adding Citrus Fresh essential oil added to the drinking water. Helichrysum essential oil, Juva Cleanse and/or NingXia Red given orally. NingXia Red is packed with antioxidants and helps support the liver and the immune system.
The first line of defense to protecting oursevles and our horses from the harmful effects of the sun's rays is to have a healthy immune system. After all, cancers can effectively be considered our body's own immune system gone awry. So by nurturing the body's natural systems, making sure they are working as efficiently as possible, eliminating toxins whenever we can by partaking of real and antioxidant-rich foods, and using natural organic products free of man-made chemicals, we give our horses (and ourselves) the best possible chance of combating whatever nature (or man) throws at us.
The information discussed in this article is not meant to be construed as medical advice, nor should it be used to replace regular veterinary or medical care. Always consult a medical professional or your holistic veterinarian before starting any treatment plan for you or your horse.
I only advocate the use of therapeutic grade Young Living essential oils. Contact me directly or click here to learn how you can purchase Young Living products at wholesale pricing – no minimum monthly purchases or selling required. 
Lisa Carter is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist (CEMT), with multiple certifications from several different equine bodywork schools. She incorporates her knowledge and experience with Parelli Natural Horsemanship, equine bodywork and as a veterinary technician to provide her clients with the resources they need to make informed decisions for their horses. She encourages and facilitates network building between equine health care professionals, working together to find the best combination of therapies to meet the needs of the "whole horse".
Are you ready to get better results with your horse? Put your equine health care team to work so you and your horse can be doing what you were meant to. Click here to get started!
Natural Sunburn Remedies For Horses, Make Your Own Natural Sunscreen