Monday, August 8, 2011

Sun Sense: Tanning Potions & After-Sun Relief - Part 2

Hello Everyone . . . humid and sticky today. Thank goodness we've had some much needed rain - unlike the mid-section of the country that is just shy of becoming the Sahara. I and my garden count our blessings! I didn't have a very good weekend, health-wise, that is . . . came down with that terrible, rather violent, stomach bug that has been floating around New England as of late. Husband inherited it last night. My prayers are with any of you who "catch" it. It's the worst stomach bug I've ever had - and I've had my fair share throughout my life. My herb friend "iced strong ginger tea" came to the rescue!

Anyway . . . on to today's topic: Part 2 of Tanning Potions and After-Sun Relief. I'm going to share with you one of my favorite recipes for conditioning your skin before, during, and after sun exposure. Hope it is to your liking!

Sunscreen Body Oil - Approximate SPF of 10

The ingredients of this oil combine to form a very hydrating, skin-nourishing blend. It pampers your skin prior to sun exposure and prepares it for environmental assault. Plus, if you find yourself suffering from sunburn; windburn; or an itchy rash from sea, sand, salt, or chlorine; this formula is ultra-soothing and aids in healing all irritations. NOTE: It is not a high SPF blend, so don't think it will substitute for a non-chemical high SPF sunscreen if that is what you need. If you are medium-to-fair skinned, then I recommend that you use this as a pre-and post-sun exposure skin conditioner, not as your primary sunscreen.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup jojoba oil
1/4 cup sesame oil, refined or unrefined - not the toasted variety! (note that the unrefined will have the deep aroma of sesame seeds and that scent will dominate the entire formula)
1/4 cup aloe vera juice - not gel (the gel is too lumpy to blend smoothly)
3 teaspoons vitamin E oil

Method:
Add all ingredients to a storage container such as an 8-ounce, plastic squeeze bottle. The aloe vera juice is water-based and will separate out (as if you were making an oil and vinegar salad dressing), so the formula must be vigorously shaken each time prior to usage.

No refrigeration is required if the product will be used within 2 weeks. If refrigerated, the oil-blend will keep for 4 to 6 months. The oil portion will thicken or harden when chilled but will liquefy when allowed to warm to room temperature.

Application Tips:
Apply to the entire body immediately before and repeatedly during sun exposure, and after. The base oils won't leave an oily film if massaged in thoroughly (unless too much is applied).


In the next blog, I will share another recipe that can be used to care for your sun-ravaged skin, but I also like to use it during the winter to preserve valuable moisture when my skin tends to get parched from dry, indoor heat. If you like the aroma of fresh coconuts, you're sure to love it! Until then . . . be well, be happy, and live life to the fullest!


NOTE: This blog is by Stephanie Tourles and was adapted from her book, Organic Body Care Recipes, Storey Publishing, 2007. The information is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.

1 comment:

  1. very nice...

    You have shared a very good stuff about Sunscreen Body Oil ... Application tips are very nice and useful..
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