Your skin's needs can vary with the seasons, changing from dry and flaky in winter to oily and rashy in summer. By adjusting your skin care to the season you can counterbalance the effects of these external factors and prevent them from damaging your skin.
Summer Skin Care
During summer your skin can suffer from both excess oiliness and dehydration. Summer sun and heat can increase the production of sebum (the skin's own natural oil) leading to increased oiliness even in dry or mature skin types. At the same time, excess sweating (your body's mechanism for keeping cool) and indoor air-conditioning systems can rob your skin of moisture and lead to dehydration. If you have sensitive skin, extremes of heat can also make your skin red and irritated.
Adjust your skincare routine by wearing lighter, non-greasy day creams (but don't forget your SPF) and also lighter night creams or lotions. There are essential oils that you can add to the mix that help to cool, soothe, hydrate and nourish your skin during the summer heat.
Peppermint Cleanser: this cleansing blend works for all skin types to cool, deep cleanse, prevent impurities and clarify skin. Blend 30ml jojoba oil with 6 drops each peppermint, palmarosa and tea tree oils. Use to cleanse your skin nightly. The peppermint oil will leave your skin feeling cool after a long, hot day. For sensitive skin, patch test this blend first, if you have a reaction, such as skin irritation, substitute the essential oils for soothing and anti-inflammatory chamomile (12 drops only).
Cooling And Hydrating Night Lotion: blend 30ml unfragranced non-greasy base lotion (available from an aromatherapy supplier) with 12 drops each myrrh and frankincense oils. Myrrh oil has a cooling effect on skin, while both oils are hydrating and nourishing. These oils should be suitable for all skin types, although sensitive skins should patch test first.
Aloe Vera Facial Serum for Sunburn
Traditionally called the 'burn plant', aloe vera has been used for centuries to soothe and heal skin burn and wounds. The healing gel in the leaves of the plant also contains hyaluronic acid, also produced by your body, which encourages regeneration through the growth of new skin cells. This makes aloe vera a good anti-aging product.
To make a simple skincare serum with anti-aging and skin-healing properties, blend 30ml aloe vera gel with 60ml carrier oil (preferable a viscous oil such as jojoba or olive oils). Use an electric whisk to blend the gel and oil thoroughly, until a white mixture is formed. Now select two essential oils and add six drops of each, for example, lavender and tea tree will suit most skin types and aid in skin healing and regeneration. Blend into the mixture and transfer to a dark glass jar.
Apply generously to sunburned skin and allow to soak in. This treatment is best used overnight as it can leave a slightly sticky residue, which can be rinsed off in the morning.
Your aloe vera facial serum should be stored in a cool dark place and has a shelf life of one month.
Further reading:
- Patricia Davis, Aromatherapy, an A-Z, 2004, London, Random House.
