After Sun Care and Oil
The end of summer is nigh, but for many of us (mostly on the West Coast), our summer can extend into November! I have worn shorts to several Thanksgivings in the last several years! Nonetheless, as some of you may know, I tend to be in the sun, A LOT, especially during synchronized swimming season and I am pretty meticulous about my sun protection and after sun care routine.
Check out some of my favorite commercial products below that are zinc-based and don’t contain PEGs, Phthalates and Parabens.
Favorite Daily Mineral 30 SPF Sunscreen
Favorite Outdoor Mineral Body Sunscreen
Did you know?
People with darker complexions have greater difficulty producing vitamin D because melanin acts as an effective natural sunscreen, requiring longer sun exposure to produce an adequate daily allotment of Vitamin D, therefore also in need of adequate sun protection!
Mineral sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are highly effective in protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. They don’t require any complex chemical cocktails to make them safe and effective, so they can be a natural sun protection alternative that is good for you and the environment.
Seed oils assist in the protection from photoaging, containing fatty acids that can restore the pliability and elasticity to coarse, sun-drenched skin.
Source: The Green Beauty Guide
After Sun Care
As much as I love a good tan (I really do!) I am very much aware of some of the harmful effects that can come as a result of excess sun exposure (i.e. dryness, peeling, wrinkles!) which is why I go through great lengths to protect myself before and after being in the sun. I recently have started to concoct after sun blends to assist in the repair and hydration of my skin after being in the sun for awhile and decided, hey, why not infuse a nice seed oil with some soothing, anti-inflammatory and skin-rehabilitative herbs.
And Voila!
I infused an almond oil with lavender, chamomile, Green Tea, Calendula, Rose and Tulsi - highlighted with some peppermint and lavender essential oils. I have been blending it (in my nutribullet) with a little coconut oil and, if available, some fresh aloe vera gel or juice (you see me frequently on my Instagram cutting an aloe vera leaf and relieving it of its gel inside). Lather it on your body post shower (a little goes a long way!) and I even put some on my face, it absorbs really well!