There is nothing wrong with getting a little sun, especially when the weather is pleasant. It is easy to spend most of the day at the beach, in the park, in the garden, or by the pool. Problems arise if you do not take proper care of the skin when you are in the sun. While sunshine is necessary for vitamin D production in the body, too much sun can lead to a nasty sunburn, even if you are not in full summer heat. 

What Is A Sunburn?

All it takes is some sun exposure without proper protection and the result is red, itchy skin that is warm to the touch. When you have a sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning bed burn the skin. Some people get sunburns just doing everyday things like gardening without sunscreen or taking a lunch break outside. If you get sunburnt often, you increase your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce sunburn risk by applying sunscreen, being in the shade between periods of sunshine, and wearing protective clothing. You can also: 

• Wear a hat to cover your head, neck, and ears (depending on the hat)
• Stay out of the sun during the most intense hours of sunshine (about noon to four in the afternoon)
• Wear light colored clothing to repel the sun’s rays

Getting out of the sun during intense hours may not always be convenient. You could be at a ball game, a child’s soccer practice, or at a work function. Tank tops and shorts leave skin exposed, and even the best sunscreen may not fully protect the skin. You also have to worry about the severity of skin damage from sunburn. The two most common types of sunburn are:

• First-degree sunburn, which damages the skin’s outer layer, typically heals on its own within a few days to a week. 
• Second-degree sunburn, which damages the middle section of the skin (dermis), can result in blisters on sunburned skin. The skin can take a couple weeks to heal and you may require medical treatment. 

How Common Is Sunburn? 

Sunburns are very common, especially in young people, as they are not as careful about applying sunscreen and taking other measures to protect the skin. Somewhere between 50% and 75% of children under the age of 18 have sunburns every year. More than 50% of adults between ages 18 and 29 reported having one or more sunburns in 2015. If you have a sunburn, the good news is that you can treat it on your own. Some easy ways to promote accelerated healing include:

• Take a cool bath or shower, or experiment with an oatmeal or baking soda bath to soothe irritated skin.
• Cover your sunburned skin when you go outside so that you do not worsen your existing sunburn.
• Once the skin is cool, stop ongoing damage by applying ointments or petroleum jelly to the affected area. These will help moisturize the skin and aid healing without scarring. 
• Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. 
• Use topical cooling and hydrating products, such as creams or aloe vera gel.
• Use the sunburn relief lotion bars (recipe below), which contain ingredients that help to soothe and soften sunburned skin, while aiding quicker recovery in the process.

DIY Sunburn Relief Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 4 tablespoons shea butter
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile 
• 6 tablespoons beeswax
• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and chamomile to an oven-safe pan or saucepan and place in the oven for two hours to infuse the chamomile into the oil and shea butter.
• Remove from the oven, strain the oil, and discard the chamomile. 
• In the same pan or saucepan, add the infused oil and beeswax and then place the pan back in the oven so the beeswax can infuse with the already melted mixture. 
• Remove from the oven and stir in the aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil.
  Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays and allow them to completely solidify at room temperature. 
• Once firm, pop the bars out of the molds and store in the fridge in an airtight container in the fridge if you want a cooling effect. They will keep fresh for up to six weeks. 
• Apply to sunburned skin as needed.

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If you want to make your skin feel soft and silky smooth, it’s time to work some lotion bars into your skin care regimen. Great for rough elbows and knees, the lemon balm lotion bars in this article help to moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Although most of the research on lemon balm focuses on relieving indigestion, treating nausea, easing insomnia, and boosting cognition, it can greatly benefit the skin. In fact, lemon balm exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness.

What Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and many health experts refer to it as a calming herb. It has an invigorating aroma that is wonderful and lemony. Although it grows all over the world, lemon balm is native to Europe and tends to attract bees. The plant can grow up to two feet high, or higher, if not maintained. Rub the leaves between your fingers and it’ll smell like you just juiced a lemon!

Health Benefits Of Lemon Balm

One study examined lemon balm for its potential photoprotective properties. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the causes of many cutaneous disorders, like photoaging and skin cancer. The study evaluated the protective effects of lemon balm extract and its primary phenolic compound rosmarinic acid against UVB-induced damage in human keratinocytes. Researchers also found caffeic acid and luteolin glucuronide in lemon balm extract. The extract and rosmarinic acid significantly increased the survival of human keratinocytes upon UVB radiation, but lemon balm extract proved more effective. That means that lemon balm extract may be a candidate for topical photoprotective ingredients against UVB-induced skin damage. 

Lemon balm may help relieve symptoms of stress and aid relaxation by promoting feelings of calmness. A 2022 review found that compounds in lemon balm exhibit relaxing effects. In the review, the authors summarized older studies that confirmed lemon balm helped reduce anxiety in people who underwent laboratory-induced stress.

Lemon balm contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Because of that, lemon balm may be a great pore-cleansing ingredient, removing bacteria associated with acne. It may also assist in the healing of minor wounds, scrapes, or insect bites by inhibiting bacterial growth. One study monitored participants who applied lemon balm extract on lesions within 72 hours of their origin. The results indicated that lemon balm was able to both reduce wound size and accelerate the time of healing. 

Homemade Lemon Balm Lotion Bars

Ingredients For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• 1/2 cup lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup jojoba oil

Instructions For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• Once you have the fresh lemon balm leaves, you have to rinse and then dry them in a dehydrator. 
• Place the leaves on a dehydrator tray and place in the dehydrator at 115º F for a couple hours, or until dried. 
• Place the dried leaves in a jar and then pour in the jojoba oil. Screw on the lid and place the jar in a dark place for four to six weeks for the slow infusion method. You can shake the jar every once in a while. 
• The other method, which is quicker, is to place the jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water over low heat for two hours. Remove from heat and allow the oil to cool before straining the oil through a fine mesh sieve. 

Ingredients For Lotion Bars:

• 1/4 cup infused oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 1/4 cup shea butter

Instructions:

• Add the infused oil, beeswax, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir until the beeswax and shea butter are completely melted. 
• Remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into heat-safe silicone molds. Allow them to solidify at room temperature. 
• Pop the lotion bars out of the molds and place in containers and store in a cool, dry place. Use as needed.

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Entering the summer months is a wonderful time of year. You get to take vacations, enjoy fun in the sun, and explore in nature. Even if you don’t do all of those things and decide to enjoy grilling in the backyard, you run the risk of getting attacked by various bugs. Warmer weather means that pests become more active, especially as grass grows. Summer pests are drawn to grass and flowers, and the increased moisture means that they have more access to water. 

Common Summer Bugs

Mosquitoes are the problem children of summer, especially if you live in a humid climate. They hide in tall grass, so experts recommend keeping grass short (no more than three inches high) to help keep them at bay. Additionally, trim bushes, hedges, and plants to reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes ruining your summer. Plus, mosquitoes can expose you to a variety of viruses and fever, so do your best to fend them off. 

Besides mosquitoes, ants, wasps, hornets, ticks, and flies thrive during the summer months. Many of these bugs hatch or breed during the summer because of the heat and humidity. The last thing you want is for these pests to ruin your summer plans, so keep an eye out for them and act appropriately. 

Why Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated with powerful scents, and bugs tend to not like them. When they get a good whiff of certain essential oils, they tend to steer clear of the area. For example, crickets and ants do not like the smell of peppermint essential oil. Gnats despise lemongrass essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and vanilla extract. You can use one essential oil or a combination to help keep those creepy, crawly, biting pests away. 

Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils act as natural bug repellents for squash bugs, beetles, ants, fleas, spiders, aphids, and whiteflies. Some people even use these two essential oils to help repel mice. Lemongrass essential oil can help repel both flying and crawling pests without harming your plants, animals, or skin. It is especially great at repelling gnats. Rosemary essential oil can help repel flies, fleas, and mosquitoes. It is also a great garden plant to have because it can deter insect larvae, which can easily destroy cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, and even some root vegetables. 

Tea tree oil is another great one for keeping mosquitoes at bay, and even killing mosquitoes. If you already have some mosquito bites, tea tree oil may be great to apply to the area, as long as you dilute it with a carrier oil. Cedarwood essential oil is a powerful tick deterrent, and it’s safe to use for dogs, so long as you dilute it. You can soak dog collars in a cedarwood and water mixture to help keep ticks off them on summer hikes. 

DIY Bug Repellent Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cocoa butter
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1 cup beeswax
• 30 drops essential oils of choice (pick one or two from the ones we mentioned)

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and beeswax to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Make sure that there is about an inch or two of water in the bottom of the boiler. 
• Stir the ingredients every so often until fully melted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils. Mix well to combine.
• Pour the mixture into silicone molds or metal tins and allow the mixture to solidify, either at room temperature or in the fridge to accelerate the process. 
• Once completely solidified, remove the bars from the molds and store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one year.

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Baking is a relaxing experience for many people. There is an enjoyment to the precision required to make a perfectly fluffy cake, chewy gooey cookies, or airy loaf of bread. Everything is wonderful until it comes time to clean the pan or tray in which you baked your goods. The cleanup process usually involves a lot of soaking and scrubbing. We can say for a fact that nobody likes that part. 

What do you do to minimize the dishes you have to do? If you are like most, you either use aluminum foil (not the healthiest choice) or silicone trays or mats. You can use silicone bakeware to easily remove gummy items, lotion bars, household staples, or cupcakes and muffins. The use of silicone molds may spark this question: Is it safe? Well, that truly depends, but we aim to answer it in this article.

What Is Silicone?

Before we get into cooking with silicone, it’s integral to understand the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone. Although these substances are related, they are not the same. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicon: This is a natural element, meaning it cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant particle on the earth. It is used in many industries, including solar energy, construction, and electronics. Silicon Valley, anyone?
• Silica: This compound is made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is a primary component of the Earth’s crust and is naturally occurring in nature. It shows up in ceramics, abrasives, and glass manufacturing. You can also find silica in the human body, with some research indicating potential health benefits. 
• Silicone: You can create silicone, a synthetic polymer, by adding carbon or oxygen to silicon. It exists as a liquid, gel, or solid and is commonly used in the medical field. It exists in medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It is considered safe for these uses, and is very common in cooking utensils and bakeware. 

Is Cooking With Silicone Safe?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone is safe and approved for use in a variety of kitchen products. Food-grade silicone has been tested and certified by the FDA to be safe for contact with food. Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware. It is made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a synthetic polymer. It has a superior ability to withstand heat, it is non-stick, and it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Popular silicone bakeware items include cupcake liners, food storage containers, ice cube trays, baking molds, and reusable straws.

Benefits Of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware items are sturdy, convenient, and last a lot longer when made with silicone rubber. These molds can go straight from the oven to the freezer, or vice versa, without affecting their integrity. They have a higher resistance to high heat and are safe for human health, even after extensive use. Continue reading for more benefits. 

Easy-to-Clean

Silicone bake mats, molds, and other products are usually easy to clean. They are highly flexible, which makes it easy to get things in and out of them, allowing for easier cleanup. Silicone bakeware tends to be dishwasher-safe, but you can easily wash the items by hand. It has a smooth surface and tends to resist stains, so it won’t retain odors. 

Non-Stick

Silicone bakeware is usually more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That is highly convenient for muffin cups and cake pans. The natural non-stick properties mean that you don’t need to oil or grease before use, although a little oil never hurts. By not using excess grease or oil, you can reduce the amount of added fats in baking. 

Reusable

It is very easy to use parchment paper or aluminum foil when baking, especially if you are trying to save yourself excess cleaning. Silicone is very durable and can withstand repeated use. It is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. People tend to choose silicone for these reasons, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to foil, cupcake liners, and more.

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During the winter, many people need lotion to survive. It’s a necessity if you want to hydrate your skin and provide it with essential nutrients. Nowadays, lotion bars are more popular than ever, primarily because they are concentrated bars of skin-enhancing goodness. Unlike most bottled lotions that contain alcohol or water, these lotion bars aren’t diluted. 

When lotion is free of water, it means that preservatives aren’t necessary. Most liquid lotions are quite complex to make because they go through three phases: the aqueous phase, the oil phase, and the cool-down phase. This takes time and requires the use of emulsifiers, thickeners, and preservatives. Lotion bars don’t call for any of those, making them a better solution for your skin.

What Is A Lotion Bar?

Resembling a bar of soap, a lotion bar is essentially a solid block of lotion that remains solid at room temperature. Unless otherwise stated, you can freely use a lotion bar anywhere on the body. The heat of the body will slightly melt the bar, making it glide easily on the skin. Often times, lotion bars contain cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, avocado butter, almond oil, and essential oils. In the case of the recipe in this article, it contains coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and essential oils. 

The Benefits Of Lotion Bars

As mentioned earlier, it’s much easier to make your own lotion bars, as they require fewer ingredients. Their concentrated nature means that you’ll use less lotion, and there’s less packaging involved. It’s beneficial to keep them in a soap dish or metal tin, just how you’d store a bar of soap. As far as why they are superior to regular lotion, continue reading.

No Fillers

There are reputable lotions on the beauty market, but many popular brands contain ingredients that can harm the skin. Many lotions contain phthalates, formaldehyde, enthanolamines, petroleum, parabens, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Lotion bars are free of these potentially hazardous chemicals, making them better for your skin and your overall health. 

Very Moisturizing

The high concentration of oils and butters that the body can easily absorb helps the lotion bars lock moisture into the skin. The combination of essential oils, butters, beeswax, and oils helps seal in moisture and doesn’t let it escape, also known as trans-dermal water loss. Think of lotion bars like lip balm for your skin. They provide intense protection, helping to fill in the cracks that may not be visible to you.

They Last A Long Time

Once you start using lotion bars, you’ll find that a little goes a long way. It may take you a few uses to realize how little you need to apply. Although everyone requires a different amount of usage, it isn’t necessary to use them as much or as often as regular lotion. And the best time to use them is right after you get out of the shower or bath. When your pores are open, the ingredients in the lotion bar can easily penetrate the skin and seal in moisture. 

Homemade Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup cocoa butter
• 1 cup beeswax pellets
• 15-30 drops essential oils of your choice
• Silicone molds or metal tins

Instructions:

• Fill the bottom of a double boiler one-third of the way with water and place over medium-low heat.
• Add the coconut oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax pellets to the top of the double boiler and melt, stirring occasionally. 
• Once the ingredients are melted and fully combined, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. 
• Stir in the essential oils of your choice and then pour the mixture into silicone molds or metal tins. 
• Allow the mixture to cool completely until firm. You should be able to pop the bars out of the molds when they’re ready. 
• Store in an airtight container for up to one year. 

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Some people have rose bushes at their homes or in their neighborhoods. The flowers get picked and placed in a vase to beautify the living space, scenting the room with a lovely aroma. We’re not taking anything away from this, but seldom do people take advantage of the therapeutic properties of roses. One of the best ways to do this is by making natural rose-infused oil.

Rose Oil Fact: It takes tens of thousands of rose blossoms to yield about one ounce of rose essential oil. It is often expensive due to the high concentration, but you only need to add a few drops to a recipe to reap the benefits.

Rose may possibly be one of the most popular ingredient in skin care products, and it’s not just because they smell pretty. Rose blossoms contain a diverse mix of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and emollient properties that help to moisturize the skin. If you regularly experience dry skin, rose-infused oil helps to reduce redness, inflammation, and may even help control some cases of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Not enough benefits for you? That’s okay because they don’t end there. Recent studies have found that rose oil may help to relieve anxiety symptoms and depression in post-partum women. Combining rose oil with lavender essential oil can enhance this benefit.

Helpful Tip: It’s best to have silicone molds to make your lotion bars. When the soap finally hardens, the silicone mold makes it easy to pop the lotion bars out without damaging them.

How To Make Rose-Infused Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rose petals
• 1 cup carrier oil of your choice (olive oil or jojoba oil are great options)

Instructions:

• Bring a couple inches of water in a saucepan to a boil and then remove it from the heat.
• Pour one cup of carrier oil in a glass jar. Crush one cup of rose petals with your hands before adding them to the jar with the oil. Swirl the jar, but don’t shake it.
• Cover the jar and place it in the saucepan with the hot water. This helps to release the aromatics from the rose petals.
• Once the water cools, remove the jar and place in a sunny windowsill for at least 24 hours.
• Strain the oil through a cheesecloth, pressing the petals to get out as much oil as possible. Pour the strained oil into a dark bottle with a lid to help keep out the sunlight. Store in a cool, dry place.

Rose Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup rose-infused oil
• ¼ cup organic beeswax
• ¼ cup organic Shea butter
• 3 drops geranium essential oil

Instructions:

• Add oil, beeswax, and Shea butter to a heat-safe glass jar and set this jar in a saucepan filled with a few inches of water. This is your makeshift double boiler.
• Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm until the beeswax and butter have melted.
• Once they have melted, carefully remove the jar from the saucepan and let it cool for a couple minutes. Stir in the essential oil until everything is well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a heatproof silicone mold and let it cool until the lotion bars are completely hardened.
• Pop them out of the molds once they have hardened and store in metal tins in a cool, dry place. Rub on dry skin to moisturize as needed.

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