Despite our best efforts not to catch too much sun, sometimes a little after sun care is needed.
This natural after sun recipe is quick and easy to make. It contains lovely carrier oils to soothe and replenish the skin and is also rich in antioxidants which help to reduce the damage done by free radicals following exposure to the sun. (Obviously, we always recommend wearing a high factor SPF and avoiding sun exposure at peak times.)
This recipe is for an oil-based balm, which is quick and easy to make and as it is anhydrous, it doesn’t require the use of preservatives. It is suitable for the face and body, although due to the content of beeswax some people may prefer to use on the body only.
Enjoy massaging it in after a day at the beach. Leaves skin smooth and soft.
Ingredients for Natural After Sun Balm
A handful of lovely vitamin-rich vegetable oils, shea butter and beeswax are all you need to create this balm.
Sesame oil– a light oil that is rich in oleic acid which means it has a moisturizing and regenerating effect on the skin. Sesame oil is reputed to contain natural protective factor against UVA rays and its vitamin E content makes it a great antioxidant.
Macerated carrot tissue oil – high in beta-carotene and vitamin E. Carotenoids give carrot tissue oil its dark red colour. Carotenoids are antioxidants and there is increasing evidence that carotenoids protect the skin against photo-oxidative damage. Carrot tissue oil is suitable for dry and rough skin, flaky skin, mature skin, solar and post-solar care. It has nourishing and revitalizing properties.
Wheat germ oil – the content of vitamin E in the form of α-tocopherol of wheat germ oil is one of the highest among vegetable oils. Wheat germ oil is recommended for use on mature and dry skin and due to its antioxidant properties, it is useful to prevent premature aging of the skin.
Shea butter – shea butter is moisturizing and enhances the skin’s elasticity and flexibility. It is useful to treat very dry and damaged skin. It acts as a shield against external aggressors such as cold, sun, salt water or wind.
Beeswax – useful due to its protective and occlusive properties and its ability to turn liquid oils into solid balms. Useful for dry, damaged or cracked skin.
Recipe/formula (for 100g)
50g sesame oil
10g carrot oil
10g wheat germ oil
20g shea butter
10g beeswax
How to make your After Sun Balm
- Weigh beeswax and shea butter.
- Create a bain marie or water bath and melt gently.
- Weigh your liquid oils (carrot, wheatgerm and sesame) and add to the butter and wax.
- Mix well. Remove from heat.
- Pour into your chosen packaging and allow to cool and solidify.
How to use and store
Massage your skin with the balm after a day at the beach or whenever you feel the need for extra hydration. You can also apply before going to sleep and let your body absorb the oils while you sleep. Wake up with softer, smoother skin!
Store the balm in a dry place, and do not let water come into contact with it. Apply with clean and dry hands. The shelf life is approximately six months.
Have fun!
References
Beta-carotene and other carotenoids as antioxidants, Paiva SA, Russell RM.
Antioxidant activity of carotenoids, Wilhelm Stahl, Helmut Sies.
Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation, Radava R. Korać and Kapil M. Khambholja.
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