Rescue Sun-Stressed Skin
Rescue Sun-Stressed Skin
How is your skin responding to the mini heatwave?
With the UK’s track record for unpredictable summer weather its understandable that so many people have wanted soak up some rays at every opportunity. It’s no wonder that some people are getting sunburnt with more of us spending time in our gardens and local parks.
Remember prevention is better than cure. Make sure you are using high level sun protection and re-apply, especially when you are perspiring a lot or having fun splashing around in a paddling pool or lucky enough to be by the sea!
Here is some advice to help you rescue sun-stressed skin if you do get caught out and to support your skin in the heat ….
#1 Always ensure you are drinking plenty of mineral water to hydrate your body and cells from the inside – it’s simple but fundamental! If you find this boring spice it up with fresh lemon, orange, grapefruit, mint leaves, cucumber. There are so many choices.
#2 Rescue sun-stressed skin by gently exfoliating dead skin cells away. This increases cell turnover, dead and older cells are removed and new ones can take their place.
N.B. *DO NOT do this if the skin is sunburnt because it will cause more damage and be very painful.*
Take a look at my last blog here: Beauty Unlocked: 5 Simple Fixes for a D-I-Y exfoliating recipe made using ingredients you most likely already have at home.
#3 Most importantly, restore your skin’s barrier function by re-hydrating and nourishing it with a good quality facial oil that contains high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Look carefully at the ingredients to ensure that your facial oil DOES NOT contain water. You want it to be a concentrated formula that is packed with active botanicals and plant oils. Take a look at our Rejuvenate and Calm facial oils which tick all these boxes. Mini sizes available.
#4 Essential oils of Lavender and Roman Chamomile are perfect for soothing sunburnt skin and you can apply Lavender oil undiluted to the skin. If you have some Aloe Vera gel you could add a couple of drops of Lavender oil to the gel in your palm and then rub together and apply to any sore areas.
#5 Use Lavender floral water as a soothing facial spritz. Keep it in the fridge for a cooling and soothing sensation and spray onto your face or body when needed. Floral waters – pure hydrolats – have some of the properties of the essential oils and are gentler and easy to use.
#6 Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise. Ideally moisturise your skin twice a day when you are spending more time in the sun to keep it hydrated. Look for moisturisers or body oils that contain high levels of butters and plant oils and not just ‘Parafinnum liquidum’, a petro-chemical which is a very cheap ingredient that actually has a drying effect on your skin.
You’d be surprised how many big brands use this as a cheap emollient. Remember a good moisturiser should positively transform your skin. If you are re-applying and re-applying and not noticing a difference consider trying something new.
Just Be Natural recommended products to rescue sun-stressed skin
Soothe Body Lotion is a highly moisturising lotion that sinks in nice and quickly. It contains skin softening Shea Butter and Olive oil, healing Calendula extract and locally sourced lavender oil. A perfect natural after sun lotion. 150ml £23.50
Restore Luxury Body Oil contains everything your skin needs to feel super soft, rejuvenated and nourished. Argan and Rosehip oils are very soothing for inflammation and rejuvenating. These coupled with Evening Primrose oil to improve skin tone, healing Calendula and natural Vitamin E antioxidant make a powerful combination! A body oil goes a long way and this will last you months. 100ml £29
Extra tip: This oil is very versatile and is great as an overnight hair treatment for nourished and shiny hair.
Lavender oil Aromatherapy’s most effective essential oil for sunburn: Lavender! 10ml £10
This lovely oil is excellent at gently moisturising your skin. It is easily absorbed into the skin because it mimics sebum and is an ideal unscented oil if you have very sensitive skin. It also works well as a carrier oil for other essential oils. You could add 2 drops of Lavender oil and 1 drop of Frankincense oil to a teaspoon / 5 ml of Jojoba oil to make a skin soothing and repairing blend for sunburnt skin. I love Jojoba because it’s not a heavy or greasy oil but lasts long enough for a little massage before nicely absorbing into your skin. 100ml £14
I hope that you find some of these tips useful and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or leave a comment below.
All the green links are clickable so if you would like more information about any of the products mentioned above just click!
Best wishes and stay safe.
Louisa