After a sunny day at the beach or by the pool, your skin deserves some serious TLC. Prolonged sun exposure can leave it feeling dry, tight, or slightly burned, and that’s where a CBD-infused after-sun lotion comes in. Not only does CBD help calm irritation, but when blended with hydrating natural ingredients, it transforms into a cooling, restorative treatment that your skin will crave all summer long.
Why Choose CBD for Sun-Soaked Skin?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a powerful hemp-derived compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Applied topically, it helps reduce redness, cool irritation, and aid in repairing the skin barrier after UV exposure. Combined with other nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, CBD becomes the hero of a soothing post-sun recovery routine.
Gather Your Ingredients
Creating your own after-sun lotion doesn’t require expensive tools—just a few clean containers and simple ingredients found at most natural health stores:
- ½ cup aloe vera gel – Hydrates and cools overheated skin instantly.
- ¼ cup coconut oil – A natural emollient that restores moisture.
- 2 tablespoons shea butter – Helps soften rough, dry patches.
- 1 tablespoon almond or jojoba oil – Balances skin tone and enhances absorption.
- 15–20 drops CBD oil – A quality broad-spectrum oil between 300–500mg potency.
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional) – Promotes relaxation and soothes skin.
- 5 drops peppermint or eucalyptus oil (optional) – Adds a light cooling sensation.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Melt the base oils.
Combine the coconut oil and shea butter in a small bowl. Heat gently using a double boiler or microwave until fully melted, then stir to create a smooth mixture.
2. Add hydrating ingredients.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before whisking in the aloe vera gel and almond (or jojoba) oil. You should see the texture begin to thicken into a creamy consistency.
3. Blend in CBD and essential oils.
Add the CBD oil and any essential oils of your choice. Stir slowly to ensure the CBD disperses evenly without overheating.
4. Cool and store.
Pour your lotion into a clean jar or glass container. Once cooled, seal and refrigerate. This keeps the lotion fresh and provides a chilled, soothing application every time.
Pro Tips for a Custom Blend
- Boost recovery: Add a teaspoon of vitamin E oil for extra nourishment and antioxidant power.
- Lighter feel: Substitute coconut oil with fractionated coconut oil for quicker absorption.
- More cooling: Mix in a few drops of cucumber extract or pure rose water.
- Fragrance-free: Skip essential oils entirely for sensitive skin types.
How to Apply
After showering post-sun exposure, pat your skin dry and apply a generous layer of the lotion. Massage gently until absorbed, especially on sun-exposed areas like shoulders, arms, and legs. The blend will calm redness, rehydrate skin cells, and leave you feeling refreshed instead of parched.
A Naturally Restorative Finish
Making a CBD-infused after-sun lotion is a simple yet effective way to treat your skin naturally. It’s chemical-free, deeply hydrating, and packed with calming properties that help your skin bounce back from long days outdoors. With every cooling application, you’ll be reminded that self-care doesn’t need to come from a bottle on a store shelf—it can come from your own kitchen.
Learn how to make cannabis cocktails for your next summer event here.