It’s my favourite time of the year. The world is a riot of greenery and fragrant blossoms and everything feels a little bit more hopeful. I am loving the longer days and I am enjoying basking in the sunshine whenever I get the chance, especially if getting out in wild nature is involved!
Sunshine makes my skin hungry. At this time of year, I find myself reaching for lighter moisturisers that sink in that little bit quicker. While I enjoy using oils on my skin all year around, they are particularly beneficial during the warmer months, when my skin just seems to drink them in. My top two choices for summer are coconut oil and cocoa and almond body butter. They really suit skin that has spent some time outdoors, whether you’ve been on a windswept hike or if you are feeling a little sun-kissed from gardening. Cocoa butter and coconut oil are brilliant summer skin foods and will leave your skin feeling soft and nourished, without any stickiness or heaviness.
Here is my go-to list of summer skincare oils and butters…
Organic Coconut Oil – sun kissed skin and coconut oil are a match made in skincare heaven. Light, readily absorbed and non-greasy, summer skin loves this oil. Try our natural cococnut oil, or our deliciously scented version.
Raspberry Oil is believed to have it’s own natural SPF. It isn’t possible to determine the exact level of sun protection of a plant oil, but raspberry oil is believed to have an SPF of 20+. However, there is no SPF guarantee and it does not negate the need for suncream. I like to use this oil in the summertime because it is brimming with goodness and skin-friendly vitamins and fatty acids. Raspberry oil is a lovely oil that will help to soothe, ease and protect damaged skin. A few drops makes a lovely facial oil. Always choose cold pressed, unrefined raspberry oil for maximum nourishment.
Organic Cocoa Butter is a wonderful body moisturiser for skin exposed to the weather. If you spend lots of time outdoors, say hiking or boating, cocoa butter is excellent. Solid at room temperature, simply warm a little of this butter in the palm of your hand and apply wherever you need it, head to toe. If you prefer it in a tin, try this one.
If you’ve caught too much sun, try adding some healing Lavender or Chamomile essential oil to your moisturiser to reduce damage and speed up healing. Aloe vera gel and natural yoghurt will help to cool down hot, angry, red skin. Make sure you cool the skin first before applying a moisturiser.
Organic Rosewater is fantastic for taking the heat out of sunburn and reducing inflammation. Simply spritz over the area to cool the skin, or refrigerate and add to a cotton flannel.
There are other things you can do to protect yourself from the rays, including covering up and seeking shade at the hottest times of the day. Do keep in mind that it is still possible to burn in the shade however, and that UV rays can penetrate lighter clothing. Stay safe in the sun! Use sun cream and enjoy nature’s oils for after sun care.
Please note: We must stress that oils and natural ingredients do not come with a guaranteed SPF – but studies reveal that some oils do possess their own natural SPF. The guidelines have not been determined scientifically. A guaranteed SPF can only be provided by ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. There are some good natural sun creams on the market, including those made by Badger Balm, Aubrey Organics and Lavera.
Have you tried using oils to help nourish your sunkissed skin? Do you have a favourite?
Wishing you a wonderful, nature inspired summer.
Thanks for reading,
Lindsey x