Summer Skin Safety

With the sunny season in full swing, it’s important to keep skin safe from ultraviolet rays. Annie Berthold-Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home, recommends a homemade natural sunscreen that effectively protects against solar radiation.

Better Basic Sunblock

2.5 ounces (70 mL) sesame oil
1.5 ounces (40 mL) cocoa butter
1/2 ounce (15 mL) beeswax
4 ounces (100 mL) distilled water
2 Tbsp (30 mL) zinc oxide (available from herbalists)
25 drops grapefruit seed extract (as a preservative, available from health food stores)

Melt the oils and beeswax in a double-boiler over medium heat. Remove from the heat, add the water and mix with an electric blender until thick and creamy. Add the zinc oxide and preservatives. Makes one cup. Preparation time: 30 minutes. Shelf life: six months. Storage: glass jar with screw top.

Summer-bare skin also creates the possibility of bug bites. Berthold-Bond suggests the following alternative to commercially-made repellents, which will make those pesky pests bug off!

The first choices of herbs and essential oils for mosquitoes are pennyroyal, lemon balm (citronella), thyme and lavender. Others include bergamot, cajeput, eucalyptus, rose geranium (works for ticks, too), myrhh, peppermint, rosemary, oil of clove, oil of nutmeg, feverfew, cinnamon stick and mint.

Insect Repellent for Mosquitoes

10 to 25 drops essential oil
2 Tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil

Combine ingredients in a glass jar; stir to blend. Dab a few drops on your skin or clothing, making certain to avoid your eyes. Makes about two tablespoons (30 mL).
Preparation time: a few minutes.
Shelf life: six months.
Storage: glass jar with a screw top.