We can finally feel the summer approaching in the longer, warmer days here in Montana and we are so ready! Personally, we can't wait to plant the garden, go on some hikes, and visit Flathead Lake on the weekends.
All these activities put us in the long-awaited sunshine, which usually means (much to our chagrin) a sunburn. But before we get too far into the pain points of sunburn, we do want to emphasize why it's important to get into the sun!
Benefits of Sun Exposure
Regular sun exposure on the skin (5-15 minutes) is attributed to the release of serotonin. This hormone is responsible for lifting mood, providing focus and works in conjunction with melatonin for better sleep. The sun also causes your body to produce Vitamin D, which is important to numerous bodily systems, such as cardiovascular, immune, respiratory and skeletal. It aids in bone strength, cancer prevention and healing skin conditions. It can also help you process certain minerals like calcium and phosphorous.
Like all good things, enjoy in moderation and use sunscreen if you'll be directly in it for more than 15 or so minutes.
We enjoyed these articles from Healthline, WebMD and, for mental health effects in particular, Very Well Mind.
The Problem with Sunburn
Ok, sunburn is painful, but can it really be that bad if I get a nice tan out of it after? The answer is yes. In the short term, your body uses white blood cells to heal your sunburn. This leaves your immune system at risk of infection. In the long term, overexposure causes skin damage such as wrinkles, dryness, sagging and a dull, leathery look. And, as you've likely heard before, it increases risk of skin cancer (up to 80% in children that receive more than 5 sunburns).
Here is a great article from Johns Hopkins on how best to protect yourself from over-exposure.
How Skinny Dip Candles Can Help Treat Sunburn
Ok, it's too late and you're already burnt. Here is where Skinny Dip Candles come in! Many of our ingredients are ideally suited to treating various aspects of sunburn.
Things to note:
- We recommend our Lavender Essential Oil, Refresh-Mint or Bare Naked (Unscented) candles as they will be the most helpful options.
- Cool down skin before putting on the candle wax. This can be done with a cool shower or wash cloth. If the skin is still hot, you may want to wait 24 hours. Over-moisturizing too soon can aggravate the burn.
- Do not light the candle. Simply scoop the wax out cold and use as a balm. Using the wax hot could deepen the burn.
- Remember to stay hydrated! Sunburn takes water from all parts of the body in the healing process.
Top Ingredient Properties:
- Soybean Oil - Help the skin retain moisture and contains isoflavones that reduce the appearance of sun damage like age spots or scars.
- Coconut Oil - The high fat content of coconut oil makes it a good moisturizer. It also contains antioxidants that are known to fight inflammation as well as potential anti-itch properties.
- Avocado Oil - Essential fatty acids, nutrients and vitamins in avocado oil moisturize and deliver nutrients to the skin, allowing for optimal nourishment and the ability to more quickly reproduce new skin cells.
- Shea Butter - This powerhouse ingredient contains essential fatty acids that provide moisturization, antioxidants that promote skin regeneration and aid in aging and reducing signs of sun damage, is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal to help protect against infection, and is anti-inflammatory.
- Lavender Essential Oil - This multi-use oil is great for anti-inflammation, promotes skin regeneration and can act as a pain reducer. There are no contraindications on this oil. Use our Lavender Candle to get these extra benefits!
- Peppermint & Eucalyptus Essential Oils - These oils can provide a cooling sensation when applied with a carrier oil (such as our candles). You can use our Candy Cane Candle for just Peppermint or go with our Refresh-Mint Candle which includes a blend of mints, eucalyptus and lemon oils. Warning: DO NOT use the Refresh-Mint if you will be in the sun in the next 24 hours as the lemon can cause further irritation.