Preventing Sunburn Inside and Out

We all enjoy a good picnic in the park or day lazing on the beach in the summertime. A little bit of sun is good for us, and even recommended. It may not make you impervious from harm or give you the power of flight, but sunlight is still super for increasing your levels of contentment and boosting the much-needed Vitamin D most of us lack. But what do you do when you want to spend more than 30 minutes in the great outdoors? Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Too much sunlight on your skin breaks down your skin cells. You can slow down that breakdown with a diet packed full of nutrition. The nutrients and antioxidants in food will mop up any cell damage and stimulate your cells to produce new healthy cells to replace the damaged ones. The most nutrient dense foods you can eat are dark leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, berries and citrus fruits, nuts, cocoa, avocados, coffee, tea, olive oil and coconut oil. A healthy diet won't completely protect you from the sun, but it will reduce the damage considerably and help you heal much faster.

Essential Oils
There are a lot of plant oils that naturally prevent sunscreen. Coconut oil is a good start, but add 5 to 10 drops of other oils to boost protection. Myrrh, lavender, helichrysum and red raspberry seed oil all block out a significant percentage of harmful radiation when applied to the skin. Mix essential oil with some coconut oil in a jar and apply every hour or two throughout your time outside.

Cover Up
Anyone who's ever experienced Farmer's Tan or a Phantom Watch knows that clothing will block out sun exposure. bring a swimsuit cover-up like a long-sleeved linen shirt, a hat or a long cotton dress to wear after a swim.

Have a Friend Watch Your Back
Many times you'll be burned way before you even feel it. Hang out with friends, and especially if you burn easy, let them know they can feel free to point it out when you're starting to look red so you can stop it in its tracks before it gets worse.

Soothe the Burn
As careful as you are, it's probably going to happen eventually. Cut a leaf of aloe or mash up a cucumber to cool raw skin, or cut a raw potato and apply directly where it hurts. Bonus points: put the potato in the fridge first. The starch will help soothe your skin. Oatmeal can be used similarly by applying to the skin or soaking in a bath of it. White vinegar will kill the pain too. Apply every 20 minutes to where it hurts the most.

Enjoy your summer fun, and until next time, keep it clean!

DIY: Body Scrub for Summer Skin

   It's summertime in Texas. Time for BBQs, swimming holes, and a whole lot more skin. Why not get yours summer ready with a homemade body scrub?! Just a few ingredients are all that you need for a wonderfully scented, luxurious exfoliating scrub that rivals the chemical laden store bought varieties.

   First gather your ingredients:

• 2 cups salt or sugar (epsom or sea salt/brown or regular sugar)
• 1 cup oil (grapeseed, avocado, almond, or jojoba work nicely)
• 8-10 drops of essential oil (Your favorite scent! I recommend lavender, peppermint, or lime! Or mix and match for a scent that is all your own!!)

   This recipe couldn't be more simple. Just pour the above ingredients into a bowl, stir to evenly distribute the oils, and then store in a jar or tupperware container. This should last for a couple of months without any problems. That is to say that you don't use it all before then. :)

   Sugar or salt scrubs also make great birthday and holiday gifts. I usually upcycle old spaghetti sauce jars, tie a bow or fancy ribbon around the top, and fill with my lovely scented concoctions! This scrub will also not only exfoliate your skin to perfection, it also leaves behind a moisturizing layer of oil and slight fragrance. I like it because the scent is not overbearing and harsh like most commercial brands. Plus, you made it yourself! Doesn't get much better than that! :)
  So say goodbye to winter scales and say hello to glowing, radiant, vacation ready skin!  Stay clean until we meet again!