Cold burns (frostbite) Thermal burns (scalds) Sunburn Chemical burns (from solvents or acids) Electrical burns
First-degree burns (minor burns) affect only the top or outer layer of the skin. You typically experience pain and redness but no blisters or permanent damage. Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer and the layer underneath (dermis). With these burns, you experience bright red and swollen skin that can appear shiny or wet. Blistering usually occurs. Third-degree burns destroy two entire layers of your skin and can appear black or brown, or even white. This type of severe burn usually involves little pain due to nerve damage and require urgent medical attention. While there are effective home remedies to treat minor burns, anything more serious will need medical advice and supervision to ensure maximum healing while preventing infection or complications. As far as natural options go for minor burns essential oils, appear to be an effective option with great healing potential. Top MC Blends Pick Best Essential Oils for Skin Burns
Essential Oils As A Natural Remedy
Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated plant compounds extracted from different sources such as tree bark and resin, plant leaves, roots, stems, flowers, nuts, seeds, and even fruit. The therapeutic application of EOs is referred to as aromatherapy. Thanks to their multi-faceted healing properties, the use of essential oils can be traced back hundreds of years and throughout various medicinal traditions such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, EOs are widely used in the food and skin care industries. Research shows EOs can be effective at:
Boosting immunity Decreasing stress and anxiety Improve Improving sleep Relieving pain and discomfort Soothing eczema and other skin conditions Treating colds, coughs, sinus infections, and sore throats Addressing allergy symptoms Soothing headaches and migraines
Because of their many medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic, many EOs work well for accelerating the healing of skin burns. Many EOs like lavender and chamomile are gentle enough to use on your babies and children provided they’re older than six months.
The 4 Best Essential Oils for Burn Relief & Skin Healing
Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender essential oil is a potent pain reliever with antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This helps keep burnt skin clean and lowers the risk of infection. Its main active components, linalool and linalyl acetate can reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing while reducing scarring. (1) Lavender essential oil is gentle for most sensitive skin types.
MC Top Pick
No contraindications are known. Don’t use in the first trimester of pregnancy. Don’t use it on infants under three months of age. Discontinue use if you experience an allergic reaction.
Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita)
Since peppermint essential oil acts as a local anesthetic, it’s a solid choice for pain relief. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and thanks to its main active compound, menthol, it offers a cooling sensation that can be soothing for burns. It’s also antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic.
MC Top Pick
Babies and children under 6 years old Pregnant and breastfeeding mamas If you have high blood pressure May cause skin irritation (perform a patch test) Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes
Chamomile oil (Matricaria chamomilla, Chamaemelum nobile)
Chamomile oil is soothing to the skin and helps lessen redness and swelling because it’s an anti-inflammatory. It’s gentle enough for most sensitive skin types and can help heal and nourish skin cells as they regenerate. It can help lessen pain while speeding up the healing process.
MC Top Pick
No contraindications are known. Don’t use in the first trimester of pregnancy. Don’t use it on infants under three months of age. Discontinue use if you experience an allergic reaction.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree is a potent antiseptic and antimicrobial, and it can keep your burn area clean. It helps accelerate wound healing and can help minimize the appearance of scars. Tea tree is strong and should never be applied directly to the skin without diluting a carrier oil. It may irritate sensitive skin types.
MC Top Pick
Babies under 6 months old Toxic if ingested (topical use only) May cause skin irritation (perform a patch test) Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes
Other EOs that can be helpful for burn healing are:
Frankincense essential oil Helichrysum essential oil Geranium essential oil Oregano essential oil
Safety Concerns
Be sure to research contraindications and dosage for each essential oil before using it on yourself or your children – many essential oils are considered unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas, as well as dangerous for babies and young children. When used mindfully and with care, EOs usually offer little to no side effects. When you use them safely, EOs can be an effective home remedy for many child-related conditions. You can use them as a first-step defense with your babies before turning to harsher medicines. Always choose a 100% certified organic, undiluted, pure essential oil because this ensures you’re getting the highest healing benefits. Using high-grade EOs can also protect you against potentially harmful chemicals and solvents. When using EOs topically, such as with skin burns, always dilute them with a carrier oil. Don’t apply neat oils directly on injured skin; this can cause skin irritation and potential adverse reactions, particularly if you have sensitive skin. For adults and non-pregnant women, stick to 2-3 drops of EO per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Always perform a patch test on a non-affected area before topically applying an EO to burns or injured skin. Wait 24 hours to check there’s no reaction or skin irritation. If you experience any adverse side effects or irritation to an oil, stop using it immediately. Ensure you check with your healthcare provider or pediatrician before using any oils if you or your child have a serious medical condition, known allergies, or are taking medication. While EOs may help treat minor burns, anything more serious will need medical attention to ensure maximum healing while preventing infection or complications.
How To Use EOs for Burns
The best way to use EOs for burns is to apply topically. As mentioned, always use a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil before applying EOs to the burned area. Stick with a ratio of 1-2 drop of EO per teaspoon of carrier oil. You can mix the oils and EOs to create a healing salve or lotion.
Make This DIY Soothing Burn Treatment Spray To Help Skin Heal
1/2 cup of aloe vera gel or juice 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil or olive oil 1 tablespoon of Vitamin E oil 4 drops of lavender oil 4 drops of Roman or German chamomile oil 4 drops of peppermint oil 4 drops of tea tree oil
Mix the aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and coconut or olive oil in a bowl and whisk or use an electric mixer on low speed for about 1 minute to thoroughly combine. Add the mixture, vitamin E oil, and essential oils together in a non-BPA plastic spray bottle (dark glass is best.) Give it a good shake. Keep the bottle in the fridge, and it’ll last 5-7 days. Spray on the affected area at least twice daily, although you’ll want to spray the affected area(s) multiple times a day for best results. The coolness from the fridge and the peppermint can provide extra relief.
Kid-Safe Version:
6-24 months:
1/2 cup of aloe vera gel or juice 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil or olive oil 1 tablespoon of Vitamin E oil 2 drops of lavender oil 2 drops of Roman or German chamomile oil 2 drops of tea tree oil
2-6 years:
1/2 cup of aloe vera gel or juice 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil or olive oil 1 tablespoon of Vitamin E oil 4 drops of lavender oil 4 drops of Roman or German chamomile oil 4 drops of tea tree oil
