Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage
Comb a small amount of your regular sunscreen (SPF 30+) into your hair before spending a day at the beach or the pool. Creating a small layer of sunscreen not only protects hair from the damaging affects of UV rays, it also keeps chlorine and salt water from stripping your hair of its natural color and moisture.
A Natural Skin Toner
Mix 1 cup of purified water, 2 drops of lavender oil, and 1 drop of both rosewood and palmarosa oils. Stir or shake mixture and apply to skin with a sponge or cotton ball after cleansing skin. This therapeutic blend of essential oils draws excess sebum from pores, leading to beautiful, healthy skin.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
And do it the smart way. After prolonged sun exposure, slather the affected skin with moisturizer and cover with a warm, moist towel for at least 5 minutes. Keeping the lotion warm makes it work harder for you, keeping your skin moist, soft, and radiant.
Natural, Aromatherapy Hair Thickener
If you struggle with thin hair, place 2 to 3 drops of rosemary essential oil on your brush before brushing. Doing so encourages hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. And it smells intoxicating.
Strengthen Your Nails with Vitamin B
Take a vitamin B supplement every day. Clinical research shows that a daily dose of B vitamin can increase nail thickness and strength significantly (by more than 25%). Great news for nails weakened by summer exposure to salt, chlorine and UV rays.
Cool it on the Makeup!
Adding too much makeup (even just your regular winter makeup) can have the undesired affect of making you look older. You know what I’m talking about. Summer sun and color make much your makeup routine unnecessary. Take advantage of what nature gives you in the summer. Remember, when it’s warm outside, lighten up.
Wonderful Scented Lotion
Create your own natural scented lotions by playing around with essential oils and your regular non-scented lotion base. I recommend mixing 1 cup of lotion with 20 drops of geranium, 5 drops of ylang-ylang, and 5 drops of Roman Chamomile. The resulting lotion is healthy, all-natural, and has a fabulous stress-reducing aromatherapy scent.
Keep Your Complexion Clear
For people who are prone to acne, a hydrating toner can be used in place of moisturizer. It will keep your skin moist and healthy, but you will avoid that greasy feeling that often leads to breakouts. Some people recommend staying away from oil-based moisturizers, but remember that not all oils are created equally. Low-quality and man made oils like those found in some moisturizers lead to problems, but many natural oils, including olive oil, jojoba oil, and other natural essential oils will actually clear out skin and prevent breakouts.
Prevent Sunburn Skin Damage the Natural Way
Soothe your sunburned skin by heating a cup of regular oatmeal with a half-cup of milk (whole milk is best). Let the oatmeal mixture cool and then apply to your sunburned skin. The oatmeal draws the painful sensation away from the skin, while the milk exfoliates in a gentle, healthy way.
About the Author: Paisley Hansen is a health and wellness expert for LiveTRu.com and specializes in essential oils and other alternative health methods.