Summer can be a great time for outdoor fun in the sun. But when you expose your skin to the elements, it can sometimes be a painful experience. Sunscreens, bug repellents and sunburn-soothing remedies are important to keep in your summer arsenal to combat these pains. So, why not use what you have in your kitchen to create some DIY skin-saving concoctions that will protect your skin and keep those pesky bugs at bay.
DIY Sunscreen
Whether you’re out in the sun for a few minutes or a few hours, your skin needs protection. Children are especially at risk for developing sunburns because their skin is much more sensitive. One of the best ways to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation is to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure, according to the Federal Drug Administration.
Here’s a recipe for DIY sunscreen that uses shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to create a water-resistant lotion that will keep you protected and enjoying the outdoors. The FDA recommends applying sunscreen on any exposed part of your body, being careful to cover sensitive areas like the ears, nose and the back of the neck.
DIY Sunburn Relief
If you didn’t use sunscreen or didn’t use it correctly, you could be facing the pain and sting of a sunburn. Look Good Naturally created a DIY sunburn-soothing remedy that might help combat some of the painful effects of being out in the sun too long. All it takes is a clean washcloth, some raw apple cider vinegar and some organic coconut oil. Users have even commented that it helps to take the heat away and leave a nice suntan glow.
While this remedy can soothe a mild sunburn, it may not help if you’ve been severely sunburned. If you have blistering that covers a large portion of your body, have a high fever, extreme pain, confusion, nausea or chills, you should consult your doctor immediately.
DIY Bug Repellent
The fun of camping, hiking, biking and swimming during the sunny summer months can be interrupted when pesky insects come into the picture. And with the threat of dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, it’s hard to enjoy our summer fun. Bug repellent can be a great way to keep the bugs from bugging you and your family. If you’d like to create an all-natural repellent with items in your cabinets at home, then round up some distilled water, witch hazel and some essential oils and you will help to protect your loved ones from those six-legged pests.
And if you’d rather skip the spray and wear your repellent another way, then try this DIY mosquito repelling bracelet. They’re stylish, easy to make and are good for multiple uses.
Whether you’re in the pool, on the beach or on the hiking trail, you can protect your skin and keep bugs away without buying more products.
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Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
