Preventing Sun Damage

By Holly Dunbar, CMT, RH (AGH)

The warmth and lushness of Spring is here, and it beckons us to come and enjoy it outside. With the increase in time spent outdoors, now is the time to invest in a few natural products that will keep our skin healthy, and more youthful. A small supply of these natural products will be most appreciated when overexposure to the elements puts a strain on the vital organ that is our skin.

Aloe vera gel is a well-known sunburn remedy that offers instant cooling relief and also heals damaged cells. Aloe becomes a superb burn remedy when combined with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells, three properties that make it an all around excellent burn remedy for all kinds of burns, including sunburn. The combination of these two healing plants will ease the pain of the sunburn, and also lessen peeling and subsequent aging of the skin.

Cold-pressed sesame oil and coconut oil have an inherent sunscreen of about 4%, and are both nourishing skin oils to use as a moisturizer. Both originate from hot, humid areas, where they are utilized for skin care and cooking. Good quality oils of both these plants will have no odor, making them a good choice to mix with essential oils such as lavender for a moisturizer that can be used all over the body. Other essential oils that are known for reversing sun damage include geranium, palmarosa, carrot seed, helichrysum, and rose.

Hydrosols are excellent for hydrating the face throughout the day with a fine mister. Hydrosols are the by-product from distilling essential oils, which have micro droplets of essential oils and other constituents of the plant not present in the resulting essential oil. They help to balance the pH of the acid mantle of our skin, which is our first line of defense against invading pathogens. Bar soap destroys the beneficial microbes present in this acid mantle, and the skin will generate too much sebum in an attempt to reestablish this delicate barrier. Hydrosols such as rose and lavender are a refreshing pick-me-up, especially in hot weather.

Citrus oils applied to the skin should be used with caution prior to sun exposure as they can have a photo-sensitizing effect, and increase the chance of sunburn. Bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine all have the potential for hyper-pigmentation of the skin.

The skin is our largest organ, and serves many vital functions essential to our well being. Protecting the skin throughout the year will help preserve its ability to defend against pathogens, maintain proper body temperature, and provide telling clues to our overall health.