In my opinion, 10 to 20 minutes of sun exposure each day, (without sunscreen) before 10:30 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., is good for your physical health as well as your emotional well being. It just feels good to have the sun beating down on you; you can feel the suns warmth penetrating all the way to the bone. There are many that disagree with me, but I feel that with such light exposure to the sun, the benefits outweigh any possible harm.
However, if you are going to be in the sun for a longer period of time, by all means apply a good sunscreen. This is especially important if you are going to be on or near water, or even relaxing on a sandy beach. Water and sand can reflect the suns powerful rays, further increasing the chances of overexposure and skin damage. I always wear a sunscreen with at least SPF-15. You may need an even stronger one, depending on your skin type. If you want to preserve the beauty of your skin for years to come and help prevent skin cancer, do not spend excess time in the sun, unprotected.
Light to moderate exposure to the sun makes us feel good, it helps the body manufacture vitamin D, gives us energy after a long, cold winter, it warms the soul and leaves a rosy-golden glow upon the skin. On the other side, overexposure dries our skin, causes wrinkles, blotching, and premature aging, and increasingly, could lead to skin cancer.
DURING AND AFTER SUN BODY LOTION:
4-Tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel
2-Tablespoons of Chamomile, Comfrey, Fennel tea
2-Tablespoons of Anhydrous Lanolin (you may get at the drug store)
¾-cup Grapeseed or Apricot Kernel Oil
1-Tsp Borax
1-Tablespoon Beeswax
1-Tablespoon Cocoa Butter
15 drops of essential oil of sandalwood or carrot seed.
In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat or in a double boiler, combine the lanolin, oil (except essential oil) beeswax, and cocoa butter, and heat just until wax is melted. In another saucepan, warm the aloe vera gel and herb tea. Slow stir the borax in until dissolved. Remove both pans from the heat. Slowly pour the borax mixture into the wax/oil mixture while stirring constantly with your whisk. Stir occasionally while it cools. When almost cool, add essential oil and stir again to mix. Store. Use approximately 3 tablespoons per use. Discard after 30 days. Remember that this does not provide sun protection.
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