WE LOVE THE SUN, BUT SOMETIMES WE GET BURNED

Summer is in full swing, and we’ve already gotten used to heatwaves. The temperatures are high, the city streets are scorching, and the beaches are fully populated. Wherever you are right now, you probably can’t avoid the energy of the Sun.

Although sun rays make us happy, and some of us can't wait for our skin to tan up, UV radiation is strong during the summer months and can damage our skin very easily. Ten minutes is enough for the sun and the skin to come to an agreement and produce enough vitamin D which is vital for our health, but anything more than that can lead to unwanted consequences.

Excessive exposure to the sun, especially without protection (creams with a sun protective factor, headgear or breathable and light clothing that covers as much of the body as possible) can have unpleasant, but also dangerous consequences. Redness, dryness of the skin, a feeling of tightness and increased body temperature are some of the milder ones. On the other end, there are more serious, but also potentially dangerous consequences –sunburn, skin blisters and peeling, a feeling of weakness and malaise, or even a migraine.

LET'S HELP OUR SKIN DURING THE SUMMER

Like nature, our body is resilient and suborn. After all, we are also part of nature, we can adapt to a lot of things. Although our body knows how to repair the damage caused by excessive sun exposure, sometimes it needs help. Especially when we overdo it with sunbathing and our skin experiences shock and damage. That’s the moment when it’s best to take matters into your own hands and help yourself so that your skin is cared for, soothed, and nourished in the best possible way.

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of sunbathing or avoid the sun when it is at its strongest, it is advisable to nourish and take additional care of your skin during the summertime. Essential oils are great helpers when it comes to skincare, especially if it is inflamed or damaged by sun exposure.

MAKE YOUR OWN AFTER-SUN SKINCARE OIL

Here’s a simple recipe for an oil that you can use for skincare after sun exposure, but also to "repair" the damage in case you overdo it with sunbathing and experience some of the unpleasant symptoms we have listed above.

You will need the following:

• glass bottle with lid
• 50 ml of aloe vera oil
• 10 drops of true lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

The manufacturing process is so simple that you might not even consider it a process. Pour all the ingredients into your glass bottle, close it and shake well to mix the carrier oil (aloe vera oil) and essential oils. Shake the bottle before each use. If your carrier oil is already in a glass bottle, simply pour the essential oils into it and make the process even easier and save time.

Aloe vera oil is our carrier of choice for this recipe, but you can also use almond, argan, jojoba or macadamia oil instead. We chose aloe vera because it is known for its nourishing and regenerative properties. It provides hydration, especially for dry and sensitive skin.

True lavender essential oil has a very soothing effect on irritated skin and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It will also reduce tension in the body and muscles. This essential oil is one of the few that can be applied undiluted to the skin. If certain parts of your body are most affected by the sun and its side effects, feel free to treat them with a few drops of undiluted true lavender oil. Quick fun fact: this is how the medicinal properties of true lavender were discovered – by applying it to a skin burn, which then healed very quickly. Also, this oil is very safe for children.

Peppermint essential oil brings its unique cooling sensation. After exposure to the sun, which can often prove to be very tiring, it will bring a sense of mental clarity, focus and provide a bit of extra energy. It will successfully battle a headache or pain in other parts of the body. It is also great for itchy skin which can be common after the sun, especially during the summer.

LET'S TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES WHILE NOT UNDERESTIMATING NATURAL FORCES

Nature is powerful, strong, and adaptable. That doesn't mean it's harmless, especially when it comes to the sun. Just as we respect nature, let us also respect the power of the sun's rays. When it comes to the summer sun, less is more. Although precious, the sun's rays can surprise us with their ferocity. Moderation is key – this is how we achieve balance with the current season. In cases where we slightly overestimate our capabilities, help from nature is available, as always.