Effective DIY remedies for sunned-out skin

Research shows repeated exposure to UV rays can affect the immune system and lead to skin cancer. If your skin's in need of soothing after being exposed to the sun, try these tips.

Sunlight may soothe the soul, but its ultraviolet rays can damage your skin. It's to blame for up to 90 per cent of wrinkles, not to mention the dreaded leathery look. UV rays are grouped into three categories — A, B, and C — according to wavelength. UVC rays have the shortest wavelength and never reach the earth. The rays we need to guard against are UVA and UVB, as these rays permeate our atmosphere and cause skin to age.

UVA rays, with the longest wavelength, are dangerous because they penetrate deeply into the skin, causing damage to collagen and cells. UVB rays are shorter, but more powerful, and are most intense during the summer months. They cause sunburns, aging, and wrinkling.

• Rejuvenate and return moisture to your skin after sun exposure with an after-sun body oil. Mix 60 millilitres (four tablespoons) of base oil with 15 drops of essential oil and apply a thin coat to your face and body. Good choices for a base oil include jojoba, wheat germ, and wild rose oil; soothing essential oils include seabuckthorn and lavender oil.
• Provide skin with both nutrients and moisture in a cocoa butter and lanolin lotion. Soften 30 millilitres (two tablespoons) each of cocoa butter and lanolin in a double boiler, then stir in 30 millilitres (two tablespoons) each of jojoba and wheat germ oil, 60 millilitres (four tablespoons) of black tea, 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of glycerin, and five drops of lavender oil. Let cool and store in a jar in a cool place.
• Want to regenarate your skin, but you're short on time? Just add two litres (eight cups) of buttermilk to your bathwater.
• Cool your skin with a paste of one litre (four cups) of plain yogurt and 30 millilitres (two tablespoons) of jojoba oil. Spread over your face and body; rinse in a warm shower after 20 minutes.

Try this all-natural face mask to treat your dry skin.

You will need:

• 1/2 banana
• 5 ml (1 tsp) honey
• 1 egg yolk
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) yogurt
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) wheat flakes

Puree the banana and mix with honey, egg yolk, yogurt, and wheat flakes. Apply to face, cover with a cloth, and let work for about 15 minutes.