Sun worshipers, rejoice! The first day of summer, June 21, has arrived. Many people look forward to summer activities like beach days, hikes, and vacations after the lengthy Winter season and unpredictably spring weather. A natural source of vitamin D, the sun’s warmth and vibrancy enhance mood. The beautiful sunshine, however, comes with risks. Sunburns may result from UVA and UVB rays. In addition to hurting, sun-induced skin damage can result in peeling, dryness, early aging, discoloration, and even skin cancer.
Mosquito bites are yet another unfavorable summertime side effect, and they come with their own set of discomfort and potential health risks.
The essentials for the hot season are sunscreen and insect repellents. Despite being widely available on drugstore shelves, these products contain harsh chemicals that absorb into the skin. These chemicals may cause irritation, reactions, and other health issues. Since ancient times, people have used essential oils and carrier oils to protect themselves from the elements. You can shield your family from insect bites, sun damage, and even get cooling relief from a heat wave with just a few basic, natural ingredients!
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SUMMERTIME
Essential Oils possess antioxidant and astringent properties that can soothe the skin after sun exposure, protecting the skin from harmful rays, and repelling insects. The following Essential Oils can be included in homemade mineral sunscreen, mixed into a safe bug repellent spray, or diffused to keep insects at bay.
Lavender Essential Oil: A reputed antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, Lavender possesses active ingredients that promote recovery from sunburn. It also possesses a small SPF of 6, making it a beneficial ingredient in natural sunscreen recipes.
Peppermint Essential Oil: A cooling and penetrating essential oils with a high menthol content, peppermint is effective for cooling the skin after exposure to the sun for an extended period of time. Peppermint is an astringent and insect-repelling properties.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: Known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory qualities, Tea Tree Oil repels mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges as well as to reduce the appearance and irritation of existing bug bites.
Mosquitoes are naturally repulsed by citronella scent, which is present in citronella essential oil. Additionally, it has antifungal qualities that stop bacteria and harmful fungi.
Sandalwood Essential Oil: After spending all day in the sun, sandalwood’s soothing properties cool the skin and lessen inflammation.
Orange Essential Oil: This citrus oil’s vibrant aroma blends exquisitely with other complimentary oils to create a diffuser blend with a summery feel. Orange oil may repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Eucalyptus essential oil: Similar to citronella, eucalyptus essential oil is a well-known natural insect repellent used since the 1940s.
ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR RESISTING THE SUMMER HEAT
1. 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside, apply enough sunscreen.
Give your sunscreen enough time to absorb into your skin before heading outside to swim, play sports, or go on a hike so that it can provide the most protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply makeup to areas that are simple to overlook, such as the tops of the feet, the scalp, and the ears.
2. Reapply sunscreen every 40 to 80 minutes, particularly if you’re swimming or exercising
When swimming or engaging in other activities that make you sweat a lot, sunscreen will disappear sooner. Throughout the day, reapply to ensure continued security.
3. Sip water
The body will dehydrate faster with increased sun exposure. Maintaining adequate hydration levels will keep you healthy and energized for all summer activities while preventing overheating and illness.
4. Wear clothing and hats for protection.
The amount of UVA and UVB rays absorbed by the skin can be decreased by wearing breathable clothing that covers your face, shoulders, and legs.