Flickr: Olga Khomitsevich

Lavender Soap is the Secret to Soothing Sunburns

If you've ever gotten a wicked sunburn, you know that it can be tough to find the exact right skincare aid to help heal it. We're here to tell you that lavender soap is an excellent option, whether it's a natural lavender bar of soap you buy on Etsy or a homemade soap with natural ingredients you make yourself. Lather up and reap the benefits!

Videos by Wide Open Country

What is Lavender Soap?

Lavender soap is a soap bar with lavender essential oil in it. Sometimes, lavender buds are placed on top of the soap in natural soap making, but soap recipes aren't as likely to have dried lavender buds embedded in the bar itself because they don't always hold up as nicely.

Does it Have Health Benefits?

Experts say that lavender essential oil has health benefits, meaning that lavender soap (which contains that oil) should, too. This oil can reduce anxiety, help with pain relief, and alleviate skin conditions such as psoriasis. You can also add lavender oil to a carrier oil for sunburn relief. Essential oils are extremely strong and should usually be combined with carrier oils before being applied directly to the skin. Carrier oils can include olive oil, coconut oil, and even sunflower oil.

"Lavender also provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties," Bath Bomb Boot Camp claims. It notes that using handmade soap "can help people suffering from skin conditions such as mild burns, scabies, and dermatitis." It also has antiseptic properties.

This soap can also help treat acne, eczema, and inflammation. If you have a sensitive skin type or dry skin, you can find a bar on Amazon or at your local store. If you're looking to avoid preservatives or colorants and prolong shelf life, you can DIY it and make this soap yourself with a soap mold and a soap base like lye, glycerin, shea butter, or goat's milk. Pour soaps are as easy to put together as any kitchen recipe, meaning you can make the fancy goat's milk soap you see sold for a high price in your local grocery store, and even include your favorite extracts like peppermint or lavender.

If you're looking for gift ideas for Mother's Day or simply want to try something new for your skin routine, moisturizing soap is a great option. It'll be right at home in the cabinet next to the cocoa butter and lemongrass lotion!

Watch: How to Make Homemade Car Wash Soap in 3 Steps