Summer is a great time of year, but it’s also time for sun-drenched skin that has the potential to dry, peel, and flake. When the waterproof barrier on your skin’s surface is destroyed by overexposure to the sun, it noticeably loses moisture. But you can rectify that. Post sun skin soothers are your road to recovery. Now is the time to nourish your skin with two freshly scented all-natural DIY remedies you can make at home.
Hydrating face (and body) mist
If you’re not familiar with facial mists, you may be missing out. Facial mists are versatile liquids you mist onto your face (and body) via a spray bottle or atomizer to hydrate and soothe. Besides giving you an instant pick-me-up throughout the day, mists may be used over and under makeup, and even to dilute other skincare products. While you may have heard of thermal water spritz — a facial mist that consists purely of water at a higher mineral count — soothing facial mists contain additional hydrating ingredients.
Facial mists help moisturize your skin throughout the day, making them perfect post-sun soothers. And unlike cream moisturizer, a mist won’t mess up your makeup. In addition, if your skin is prone to sensitivity, a face mist can help reduce redness and calm irritated skin. However, avoid mists that contain irritants like alcohol and artificial fragrances. Instead, choose a formula with calming all-natural ingredients like rose water and aloe vera, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s an easy DIY face mist recipe that not only refreshes but also soothes and calms summer skin.
Rose Water and Sandalwood Hydrating Mist
Rosewater is refreshing and hydrating. Plus, it balances the skin’s pH and contains antibacterial properties. This recipe is made with distilled water. Distilled water is free from impurities and is the basis for many cosmetics and skincare products. Meanwhile, the addition of sandalwood oil is particularly helpful for promoting flawless, healthy-looking skin. Sandalwood oil is also uplifting and enhances mood.
Tools you’ll need:
- A small, sterilized-glass, spray bottle, or atomizer. You can typically find these online or at your local health food store. To sterilize your bottles wash them in hot soapy water — allow them to dry completely and spray with 70 percent Isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before filling.
- A glass measuring cup
- Saucepan with lid
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed rose petals
- 2 cups distilled water
- 5 to 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
Instructions:
- Add rose petals to a glass bowl.
- Meanwhile, pour distilled water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and pour over the rose petals.
- Cover the petals with a lid or plastic wrap and allow them to steep until the water has cooled completely.
- Next, strain the water from the petals into a two-cup glass measuring cup with a spout.
- Add sandalwood oil and mix thoroughly.
- Pour into one or two spray bottles.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Soothing Body Butter with Cocoa Butter and Peppermint
Body butter is basically a dense, concentrated lotion for the skin. It’s ideal for moisturizing and nourishing dry, chapped, or cracked sun-drenched skin.
Almond oil is the main ingredient in this body butter recipe. For centuries, almond oil has been used to treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Research suggests that the vitamin E in almond oil makes it an effective oil to prevent sun damage caused by UV exposure. As an added bonus, studies show that almond oil may also reduce scarring and reduce stretch marks.
Cocoa butter makes another wonderful addition to this recipe since it’s high fatty acid content hydrates and nourishes the skin and improves elasticity. Additionally, the fat in cocoa butter creates a protective barrier for the skin, keeping in moisture. Cocoa butter is also high in natural plant compounds called phytochemicals, according to studies. Phytochemicals help improve blood flow to the skin. In fact, cocoa butter may also slow down skin aging by defending against damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
This recipe also calls for peppermint oil. Beyond invigorating the senses, peppermint oil provides a cooling effect that soothes irritated and inflamed skin.
Tools you need:
- Dark or amber sterilize glass jar with lid
- A double boiler
- A hand mixer
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of almond oil
- 1/3 cup cocoa butter
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Add almond oil and cocoa butter into a double boiler and heat until melted.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
- Add peppermint essential oil.
- Using a hand mixer, whip until airy and buttery in texture.
- Transfer body butter into a clean and sterile glass jar.
- Store in a cool, dry area
There you have it. With a few simple, all-natural ingredients, you can make professional-style summer skin soothers at home. Enjoy!
-Susan Patterson