Beauty Tip ~ Sunblock & Sunburn Soothers!

I love summer, don't you? I love the family get-togethers, working in the garden, playing softball or volleyball on cool evenings, having a nice cup of sweet tea on hot afternoons, riding horses every chance I get, eating cold watermelon..... But the one thing I don't love about summer is the sunburn! So today I thought I'd share with you some tips for preventing and soothing those nasty burns.

Obviously a simple solution to getting a sunburn would be to put on sunscreen from your local Wal-Mart, but if you want an alternative to slathering cancer causing chemicals all over your body, here's a few ideas.

1. Zinc Oxide. This can be found at the drugstore. Make sure you use U.S.P grade for cosmetic use. Zinc Oxide is a classic sunblock that has been used for a really long time. That's what my mom uses. I always hated going to the beach with a bright white nose :-)

Here's a simple recipe to make a less greasy sunblock:

1 Tablespoon Zinc Oxide

1 1/2 teaspoons light sesame oil ( many oils have protective qualities, but a lighter oil like Sesame, Jojoba, or even Olive Oil help to make this less greasy)

1 tablespoon water ( or rosewater for a pretty scent )

Mix together the zinc oxide and sesame oil. Heat the mixture gently, and stir well to mix. You can do this in the microwave on High or in a double boiler on your stove.

Remove from heat and slowly add the rosewater, stirring thoroughly. Allow to cool completely, and store in a clean container with a tight fitting lid.

2. If you don't sunburn easily, you could try just using a suntan oil to keep your skin from drying out and getting damaged. Olive oil, Jojoba oil, Castor oil, Sesame oil and Cocoa Butter are all excellent for this.

3. Broad brim hats are excellent for protecting your face from too much sun, and they can be really cute! :-)

My mom loves to wear them, and although that's not really my style, I used to have one that was really cute and I wore it all the time.

Now if you do get a sunburn, all is not lost. There are many natural soothers that will help your skin to heal.

Witch Hazel

Apple Cider Vinegar (mixed with water, 1 tablespoon per 1 cup water)

Cucumber juice (very cooling and refreshing)

White Wine

Buttermilk

Cornstarch

These are all excellent for taking the heat out of your burn. My family uses Apple Cider Vinegar and it takes the sting away immediately (although I don't recommend using this on a blistering burn- it may cause it to sting more).

You can apply these soothers in a couple different ways.

1. Using thin fabric that will cling when wet, such as cheesecloth, silk, or gauze, dip the cloth into the liquid and wrap around your sunburn. You may have to repeat as the fabric dries. Remember to use a good lotion after these cures, as they can be drying to the skin.

2. Add 1 to 2 cups of sunburn soother to your bath water. Make sure the water is tepid, not hot. Moisturize your skin well after the bath to replace lost moisture.

3. Apply sunburn soother directly on the skin with a spray bottle. Do not rub the solution into the skin. Let dry and repeat as necessary after the solution has dried. Moisturize your skin well with a rich body lotion.

So protect your skin without the chemicals, and enjoy your summer!!!!!!! :-)