Extra exposure to the elements is a given when taking in the delights of summer breezes and warm weather activities. Essential oils can help with sunburn and skin damaged by to much wind and harsh elements.

Start by using enriching carrier oils, like coconut or avocado oil, which have some natural SPF factors, while cocoa butter and aloe vera gel can sooth the heat on sun damaged skin. In addition, using certain essential oils can aid in the repair of damage from overexposed skin.

• Palmarosa (Cymbopogon marini) is used extensively in skin care due to

its hydrating and antiseptic properties. It can help balance sebum

production for all types of skin. Most importantly, it is presumed to

stimulate cellular regeneration for damaged skin.

 

• Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) is recognized as one of the most revitalizing essential oils for the skin, mostly due to its nourishing and purifying effects on the liver, which manifests itself in skin quality. This cellular regenerative ability for both the skin and liver provides the ultimate nourishment for any multitude of poor skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rashes and wrinkles).

• Rock Rose (Cistus ladaniferus) is renowned for its skin healing abilities, particularly when the skin is chronically affected with eczema or psoriasis. Its astringent and antiseptic properties are well documented and it’s highly recommended for acne and oily skin, but also aids when over exposure to sun damage.

• Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) has been used by the perfume industry for hundreds of years for its earthy exotic fragrance. But in addition to smelling lovely, it contains moisturizing properties that are healing to the skin, especially for scars and sore cracked wounds. It also has cooling effects and thus is wonderful for an after sun lotion or oil.