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July 31, 2024

BEST NATURAL BODY CARE AFTER A DAY IN THE SUN

BEST NATURAL BODY CARE AFTER A DAY IN THE SUN

Summer is a time for outdoor adventures, beach days, and soaking up the sun. While enjoying the sunshine is invigorating, it’s crucial to take proper care of your skin afterward. Sun exposure can leave your skin dry, irritated, and in need of some serious TLC. This guide will walk you through the best natural body care products to use after a day in the sun, how to adjust your routine if you happen to get sunburned, and some additional self-care tips to ensure you’re giving your skin the love it deserves.

Understanding Sun Exposure and Its Effects

Before diving into the best natural body care products, it's essential to understand how sun exposure affects your skin. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause both immediate and long-term damage to your skin. Immediate effects include sunburn, which is an inflammatory reaction that results in red, painful skin. Long-term exposure can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer. By understanding these effects, you can better appreciate the importance of proper after-sun care.

Regular Post-Sun Care Routine

  1. After-Sun Spray
An after-sun spray with ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, and chamomile can provide an instant cooling effect and soothe sun-exposed skin. Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, cucumber extract offers a refreshing feel, and chamomile helps to reduce redness and irritation.
ACTION
Apply a refreshing spray after coming indoors to immediately soothe and help heal affected skin, especially on the face. This step is crucial as it provides instant relief and begins the healing process right away.
  1. Cooling Gel
A cooling gel with menthol and aloe vera can provide relief to overheated skin and help reduce redness and discomfort. Menthol provides a cooling sensation that can alleviate the feeling of heat on the skin, while aloe vera deeply hydrates and repairs.
ACTION
Immediately after coming indoors, apply a cooling gel with menthol and aloe vera to overheated or irritated areas. The cooling effect of menthol combined with the soothing properties of aloe vera makes this step particularly effective in reducing redness and discomfort.
  1. Gentle Cleanser
A gentle face cleanser can help begin to detox and soothe skin prior to moisturizing. Opt for a cleanser that is mild, fragrance-free, and formulated for sensitive skin to avoid further irritation.
ACTION
Take a lukewarm shower using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to remove sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants from your skin without causing further irritation. Use a separate cleanser for your face and body to address the specific needs of each area.
  1. Body Scrub
After spending time outside, your skin might be layered with sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants. A gentle body scrub is perfect for removing these impurities, dead skin cells, and sticky products, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and smooth. Look for a scrub with natural exfoliants like sugar, salt, or ground coffee, combined with nourishing oils to maintain your skin’s hydration.
ACTION
While in the shower, use a gentle body scrub with natural exfoliants like sugar, salt, or ground coffee to remove dead skin cells and any remaining impurities. Rinse off thoroughly. Regular exfoliation not only cleanses but also promotes healthy skin renewal.
  1. Hydrating Face Mask
A hydrating face mask with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and green tea can help replenish moisture and calm irritated facial skin. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to retain moisture, while green tea offers antioxidant benefits that protect against further damage.
ACTION
After your shower, apply a hydrating face mask with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and green tea to replenish moisture and calm irritated facial skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off. This step ensures that your skin is rehydrated and soothed, counteracting the drying effects of sun exposure.
  1. Body Oil
Once you’ve exfoliated, applying a natural body oil can help lock in moisture and replenish your skin. Choose oils like coconut, jojoba, or argan, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. These oils can soothe and hydrate your skin, leaving it soft and radiant.
ACTION
Once you've exfoliated, apply a natural body oil like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil to damp skin. This helps lock in moisture and replenish your skin. Massage the oil into your skin gently. Using body oil on damp skin enhances its ability to retain moisture.
  1. Body Lotion
A hydrating body lotion is essential for restoring moisture and calming any minor irritation from sun exposure. Opt for lotions with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and chamomile, which have soothing and healing properties. Aloe vera, in particular, is known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, making it ideal for post-sun care. 
ACTION
After the body oil has absorbed slightly, apply a hydrating body lotion with ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and chamomile. This will provide an additional layer of moisture and soothe any minor irritation from sun exposure. Combining oil and lotion creates a powerful moisturizing duo that keeps your skin hydrated for longer.
  1. Lip Scrub
Your lips can easily become dry and chapped from sun exposure. A gentle lip scrub can help remove dead skin, leaving your lips smooth and ready for hydration.
ACTION
Use a gentle lip scrub with natural exfoliants like sugar and nourishing ingredients like honey and coconut oil to remove dead skin from your lips. Rinse off with warm water. Regular exfoliation of the lips ensures they remain soft and free from chapping.
  1. Lip Balm
A nourishing lip balm will keep lips soft and hydrated. Look for balms with natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to provide long-lasting moisture.
ACTION
Immediately after the lip scrub, apply a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to keep your lips soft and hydrated. Consistent use of lip balm helps to protect your lips from the harsh effects of the sun.


DIY Body Care Treatments After a Day in the Sun 

For those who enjoy creating their own skincare products, here are some easy DIY recipes:

  1. DIY Body Scrub
  • Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1 tablespoon honey
  • Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Use the scrub in the shower to gently exfoliate your skin. Rinse off with warm water. This homemade scrub combines exfoliation and hydration, leaving your skin feeling silky smooth.
  1. DIY Body Oil
  • Ingredients: 1/4 cup jojoba oil, 1/4 cup argan oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bottle. After showering, apply the oil to damp skin and massage in. The lavender essential oil adds a calming fragrance, making this body oil perfect for evening use.
  1. DIY Body Lotion
  • Ingredients: 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 1/4 cup shea butter, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 10 drops chamomile essential oil
  • Instructions: Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together, then let cool slightly. Mix in the aloe vera gel and chamomile essential oil. Store in a jar and apply to your skin as needed. This lotion provides deep hydration and a calming effect, perfect for use after a long day in the sun.
  1. DIY Lip Scrub
  • Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Gently scrub your lips with the mixture and rinse off with warm water. This simple yet effective scrub removes dead skin cells and nourishes your lips.
  1. DIY Lip Balm
  • Ingredients: 1 tablespoon beeswax, 1 tablespoon shea butter, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • Instructions: Melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil together. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint essential oil. Pour into lip balm containers and let cool. This balm provides lasting moisture and a refreshing peppermint scent.

Dealing with Sunburn

Sunburn requires a different approach as your skin is damaged and needs extra care to heal properly.

  1. Avoid Exfoliation

If you have a sunburn, skip the body scrub. Exfoliating sunburned skin can further irritate it and slow down the healing process. Instead, focus on gentle cleansing with a mild, fragrance-free soap or cleanser.

  1. Hydration is Key

Hydrating your skin becomes even more crucial when you’re sunburned. Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel or a cooling lotion with aloe vera as the primary ingredient. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the burn and reduce redness and swelling.

  1. Body Oil for Extra Moisture

Using body oil can also be beneficial for sunburned skin, but choose one with soothing properties, such as calendula or chamomile oil. These oils can help reduce inflammation and provide extra moisture without causing further irritation.

  1. Avoid Heat and Friction

Sunburned skin is extremely sensitive. Avoid hot showers or baths and try not to rub or scratch the affected areas. Pat your skin dry gently with a towel instead of rubbing it.

  1. Lip Care for Sunburned Lips

For sunburned lips, avoid scrubbing. Instead, apply a healing lip balm with ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and coconut oil. These can help soothe and repair the damaged skin.

DIY Body Care Treatments After Sunburn

For a more hands-on approach, try these DIY treatments:

  1. DIY Soothing Aloe Gel
  • Ingredients: Fresh aloe vera gel from the plant, 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • Instructions: Scoop out the gel from an aloe vera leaf and blend until smooth. Add the lavender essential oil. Apply generously to sunburned areas. This gel provides soothing relief and helps speed up the healing process.
  1. DIY Cooling Cucumber Mask
  • Ingredients: 1 cucumber, 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
  • Instructions: Blend the cucumber until smooth, then mix with yogurt. Apply the mixture to sunburned skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. This mask offers a cooling effect and helps reduce redness and inflammation.
  1. DIY Oatmeal Bath
  • Ingredients: 1 cup finely ground oatmeal
  • Instructions: Add the oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. This can help soothe and reduce inflammation from sunburn. The oatmeal creates a soothing bath that calms irritated skin.
  1. DIY Honey and Milk Compress
  • Ingredients: 1 cup cold milk, 2 tablespoons honey
  • Instructions: Mix the milk and honey together. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and apply to sunburned areas for 10-15 minutes. This compress helps hydrate and soothe burned skin.
  1. DIY Hydrating Avocado Mask
  • Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon honey
  • Instructions: Mash the avocado and mix with honey. Apply to sunburned skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. This mask provides deep hydration and helps repair damaged skin.

Additional Natural Body Care Tips

To further support your skin’s health, consider these tips:

  • Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water to help your skin stay hydrated and support the healing process. Proper hydration is essential for overall skin health.
  • Use Cool Compresses: Applying a cool, damp cloth to sunburned skin can help reduce heat and discomfort. This simple remedy can provide immediate relief.
  • Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear loose, breathable fabrics to avoid irritating sunburned skin. Comfortable clothing helps prevent further irritation and allows your skin to breathe.
  • Take an Oatmeal Bath: Oatmeal has soothing properties that can help relieve itching and inflammation. Add a cup of finely ground oatmeal to your bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. This traditional remedy is highly effective for calming sunburned skin.
  • Use Antioxidant-Rich Products: Products with ingredients like green tea extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E can help repair sun damage and protect your skin from further harm. Antioxidants play a crucial role in skin repair and protection.

Taking care of your skin after sun exposure is essential to maintain its health and appearance. Using natural body care products can provide the hydration, nourishment, and soothing effects your skin needs. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a fun day in the sun or managing the discomfort of a sunburn, these tips and product recommendations will help you keep your skin happy and healthy all summer long. Always remember to protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent damage in the first place and enjoy your time under the sun responsibly.

With these comprehensive tips and a variety of natural body care options, you can ensure your skin remains in top condition throughout the summer. Treat your skin with the care it deserves, and it will reward you with a radiant, healthy glow all season long.

Cindy Barberes is the founder of H. Honeycup, which is currently a member of the Conscious Beauty Collective. She encourages self-care, a giving community and prefers a relaxed culture which translates to her natural body care products. Cindy is also the Quality Control Manager at Raintree Laboratories where she developed, implemented, and maintains the Quality Control Program.

 H. Honeycup Natural Body Care