Try it, you'll like it, your own homemade Suntan Oil
To prepare your skin for an even tan, gently exfoliate your face and
body first.
We are all aware of the warming, uplifting and energizing effect on
the body and mind of the sun, especially living in areas of long
overcasts in the winter months. We can hardly wait to shed our clothes
in the spring and let the sun at our skin. The sun possesses measurable
health benefits, as it enhances the body's absorption of calcium and
stimulates the production of vitamin D. For this reason 15-30 minutes
(depending on skin type) of unprotected sun exposure daily can actually
be quite beneficial. However, the danger of too much sun should not be
taken lightly. The sun's UBA and UVB rays can cause the skin to dry and
age prematurely. Try making your own homemade suntan oil, made with natural
ingredients to compensate. See also
Sunscreen Lotion.
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Moneysaver Tip:
Use leftover suntan oil to condition your
hair: Apply a small amount to damp hair, cover with a shower cap and
allow oil to penetrate. Wash hair as usual. |
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Suntan Oil
Recipe
The lavender and calendula essential
oils in these suntan oils possess anti-inflammatory properties and
can help protect the skin from sunburn. Ylang-ylang oil has a sweet,
relaxing, tropical fragrance and patchouli oil can help to heal dry,
cracked skin.
For normal skin
2 tbsp. sesame oil
2 tbsp. wheat-germ oil
4 tsp. hazelnut oil
4 tsp. walnut oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
For dry skin
4 tsp. avocado oil
4 tsp. hazelnut oil
4 tbsp. sesame oil
4 tsp. walnut oil
4 tsp. wheat-germ oil
6 drops calendula essential oil
4 drops patchouli essential oil
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bottle. Cap and shake
the mixture thoroughly. It is important to shake the mixture well
before each use as well, since the oils will separate when allowed
to stand for long periods of time. Store the suntan oil in a cool,
dry place out of direct sunlight. |
Take Care!
- Natural suntan oils will keep for about 2-3 months.
Refrigerate for maximum freshness. Do not use oils that smell
rancid, as they have lost effectiveness.
- Do not add citrus essential oils to your suntan oil. They
can cause brown spots to develop after sunbathing that can last
for years or even a lifetime.
- Natural suntan oil is not waterproof, so be sure to reapply
after swimming.
- If you are fair-skinned, stay out of the sun between 10:30
a.m. and 4:00 P.M., when the sun's rays are strongest. Always
use sunscreen - not tanning oil - to protect your skin, and be
sure to reapply it often and thoroughly.
Before You Sunbathe
To remove dead skin cells and prepare your skin for an even tan,
gently exfoliate your face and body with finely ground almonds or
cornmeal mixed with oil and warm water.
 In addition, take
advantage of the sun's warmth and apply a deep-conditioning
protein hair pack (sold in health-food stores or drugstores). The
heat will help the conditioner penetrate the hair's cuticle,
leaving it soft, shiny and full of body.
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Application:
Apply suntan oil evenly and sparingly to clean,
exfoliated skin at least 30 minutes before sunbathing. The oil must
penetrate the upper layers of the skin for its protective properties
to be fully effective while you sunbathe. |
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Ingredient
Benefits:
Hazelnut oil nourishes: This fast-penetrating, extremely
light oil is one of the best oils for cosmetic use. It is high in
vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids, which nourish the skin.
Walnut oil provides a golden glow: This oil enhances tanning
while helping to protect the skin from UV damage. Walnut oil
contains numerous essential fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the
skin, which easily and rapidly absorbs the oil's thin consistency.
Avocado oil conditions and protects:
 Oil from the fleshy part
of the avocado is very beneficial for dry skin, as it contains high
levels of vitamins, lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids. Avocado
oil can be used as a light sunscreen and is good for long-term use,
since it does not spoil easily. Be sure to use only cold-pressed,
unrefined avocado oil.
Wheat-germ oil smoothes the skin: This light, golden-yellow
oil has large amounts of vitamin A, D and E, which help to smooth
the skin by protecting it from tiny dry lines and wrinkles, as well
as from loss of elasticity.
Sesame oil protects against harmful rays: Sesame oil,
obtained by pressing the seeds of the sesame plant, provides the
highest sun protection of all the natural oils. It is also very
effective for softening and smoothing the skin. Be sure to use only
cold-pressed, unrefined sesame oil, which has a fill, nutty aroma
and is dark in color.
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