When your skin has yet to see the sun

We are about to leave for a Disney Cruise in about a week. Because my family has been sitting at Gulf Shores, AL for 2 weeks, I am not entirely concerned about our precious skin. 

However. I have a slug of family members flying in from the ice and the snow-laden state of Illinois. We have already learned our own lessons about hanging in the southern sun, so we made up these gifts to hand over to our loved ones upon their arrival. 

Sunscreen. Critical for the Spring Breakers and sun soakers. We have utilized this recipe for our homemade sunscreen for a couple years now. We spend a LOT of time outside. We love it. I don't love, however, nursing burnt skin. As a redhead, I have managed through this every single summer of my life. But finally found an easy, super safe sunscreen for my little family.

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
1/4 cup beeswax
2 Tbsp zinc oxide
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2Tbsp shea butter
12 drops of Helichrysum

1. Add all ingredients except zinc oxide and essential oil in a glass mixing bowl. 
2. Fill a saucepan with 2 inches water and place over medium heat. Place a glass bowl in the saucepan.
3. Once ingredients are melted, remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 3 minutes. 
4. Add zinc oxide and essential oil; stir all. (Note: Zinc Oxide increase SPF factor.) 
5. Store in a cool place. 

This is the container I use to store ours. And happy sunning!

Now, if your anything like me, there are times you just simply don't realize how intense the sun can get. Or you are outside longer than expected. At the end of the day you can feel it. You know the pain is coming. And when you have a day like this! Here is what will help nourish your recovering skin. 

Aftersun Spray

16 oz glass spray bottle
1 cup + 1 Tbsp aloe vera juice
1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil (I use Trader Joe's)
8 drops lavender
5 drops melaleuca
8 drops roman chamomile

Pour into a stainless steel or glass spray bottle. 

~Kamille