Mondays with Mindy: Surviving Summer

Everyone loves the summer time. But I would be a liar if I said I loved everything about it. With the increasing temperatures, more and more precautions need to be taken to avoid the harmful rays of the sun. No matter how hard you try to avoid it (especially when you a natural red-head like me…shhh!) sun burns can still occur. And since no one likes a whining lobster on vacation, here are some unconventional tips I’ve learned.

Strawberries: Yes, they are delicious and thank God they’re more abundant in the warmer months, but they may have some unknown benefits when it comes to the sun. Did you know eating strawberries can actually limit the sun’s ability to burn your skin? It’s true. Strawberries contain Ellagic Acid which naturally helps protect skin from cellular damage from the sun. The acid boosts skin cells capability and helps prevent dangerous UV radiation from penetrating the skin. By adding strawberries to your regular diet, your body can naturally reject sunburns. In just 3 servings per week (about 18 strawberries total), your body can produce natural sunscreen. **Eating strawberries should not in any way replace sunscreen, but can be used as an extra precaution in addition to sunscreen**

Tomatoes: Like strawberries, tomatoes have natural capabilities to fight against the sun. Other than antioxidants, tomatoes have Lycopene.  Lycopene boosts skin cells integrity. Cooked tomatoes have an even higher level of lycopene. In addition to eating tomatoes, if you have an existing sunburn the actual tomato can be put on the skin. Tomatoes can reduce redness and soothe sunburned skin. Now there is a use for the part of the tomato you usually throw away! Tomato juice or puree can even be added to a bath for all over soaking.

Vinegar: If put in a spray bottle, vinegar can be sprayed on the skin when burned by the sun. It’s normal to think the acidic properties on a burn would not be a good combo, but the reverse is true. Because it evaporates quickly, vinegar is known to reduce pain and cool down sunburn. Be sure to let the vinegar dry before touching any clothing or fabric.

Cucumbers: Mostly everyone has used or at least heard of putting cucumber slices on your eyelids. The reason for this is because cucumbers naturally moisturize, alleviate redness, and nurse skin back to health.  Therefore they are great for sun burned skin.

Milk and dairy products: people sometimes think water can soothe burned skin however it does the opposite. Water can dry your already thirsty skin whereas milk or yogurt hydrates skin. Because of the natural fat in dairy products, it can add the moisture back into the skin.

Want an all-over body, spa-like experience for sunburn? Place about 7 tablespoons of oatmeal into a clean white sock. Fill a bath tub with moderately temperature water. Think of the oatmeal-filled sock as a teabag in a big mug, which is your bath tub. Let it “steep” before entering the tub and squeeze the sock. A milky substance will escape which are the polysaccharides. They create a barrier on your skin that can soothe any skin irritation. Then add a bit of honey and milk to the water. Both are natural moisturizers. Then, and this is the most important part, add a few drops of lavender oil. Lavender oil is amazing on burns. It helps fight infections, lessens blistering and scarring, promotes healing, and helps to relax you. Enjoy!

**All products should be tested on skin before applying. If more redness or irritations occur, stop immediately. And of course, I'm not a doctor so consult yours when using any new product!! **

xoxo Mindy