01 Jun Summer Skin Protection and Healing

Hello summer!… at last, time to shed the winter wearing layers. From winter boots to the wooly leggings to the long-sleeved sweaters and gloves, we bid a (temporary) farewell to the trappings and expose our toes, our nose, and most of the skin that’s in between.

With all this exposure comes some caveats. Your skin is your body’s protection, but it too has its limits with summer elements. 

First of all, the relentless sun can dry and burn your skin, especially since the sun is more intense this time of year in our northern hemisphere. Most of us are outdoor and more active during the summer which exposes us to things like insect bites, chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools, assaults from wind-blown sand, salt water, scrapes and scratches from branches and bushes, poison ivy, and whatever else your activities bring on.

Don’t get burned

Sunburns happen when the skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. The skin responds to this radiation by producing more melanin, which is the pigment responsible for giving the skin its color. But, when the exposure is too intense or prolonged, the skin becomes overwhelmed, resulting in sunburn.

Sunburns often manifest as red, painful patches of skin that feel warm to the touch. In severe cases, blisters may appear, accompanied by swelling and even fever. Sunburns can be not only uncomfortable but also dangerous, as they indicate skin damage and increase the risk of developing long-term complications such as premature aging and other more serious skin disorders.

How to protect your skin

The first product everyone needs to protect their skin against the ravages of the sun is sunscreen. The safest and most effective sunscreens to buy are those that contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These are known as mineral sunscreens. 

Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide physically protect the skin against ultraviolet A rays (which can result in premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles) and ultraviolet B rays (those that make your skin red). These two UV rays also contribute to a greater risk for more serious skin problems. 

Many sunscreens contain chemicals and though they may be effective sun protection, they do penetrate the skin, can get into the bloodstream, and affect hormone levels. Alternatively, look for one of the many natural sunscreen products on the market. You typically can’t go wrong selecting any bottle or tube found in any true natural health store.

Nourishing your skin

To nourish and soothe your skin after sun exposure and other damaging assaults, look for 1) colloidal silver, 2) aloe vera, and 3) tea tree oil. These ingredients are remarkable and have been among the most popular choices for generations.

1. Silver has a long and varied history supporting the immune system, topically and used even for purification purposes over an unbelievable 2,400 years dating back to ancient civilizations. Over the generations, silver’s topical benefits have been widely used in the 1800’s through the turn of the 20^th century. Today, silver continues to gain more popularity in many countries worldwide.
   
   Colloidal silver gel is recommended to help manage many minor skin disturbances. 
2. You may also be familiar with aloe vera as a natural remedy for skin burns, including sunburn and those mishaps while cooking in the kitchen. Aloe vera gel is also recommended to help speed up collagen production to promote quicker cell proliferation.
   
   The combination of colloidal silver and aloe vera in a handy gel can help rehydrate dry, over exposed skin or skin that is dry from aging. These two natural ingredients can also assist in reducing skin damage by its moisturizing and nourishing effects. Both work in nice harmony with one another.
3. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia. Among the many compounds it contains is terpinen-4-ol, which can help address many uncomfortable skin conditions. The oil is often used undiluted to help manage minor skin conditions. If mosquitoes are a nuisance, tea tree oil can also help keep these pesky critters away.

Bottom line

Remember to protect your skin with mineral-enriched sunscreen when you’re outdoors. Apply and reapply your sunscreens liberally throughout the day. Then apply all-natural ingredients to pamper, nourish and protect your skin using colloidal silver, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. Rest assured that these three ingredients are natural and among nature’s best and most popular year-round skin choices. If you aren’t yet, try Natural Path Silver Wings topical skin tubes 

which conveniently combine all of these ingredients into an easy, all-in-one soothing gel for your anytime and anywhere summer activities. Now that’s convenient!

Have a fun summer and be smart because beautiful and healthy skin is always in.

• Carson CF et al. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 2006 Jan; 19(1):50-62.
• Fonseca-Santos B et al. An effective mosquito-repellent topical product from liquid crystal-based tea tree oil. Industrial Crops and Products 2019 Feb; 128:488-95
• Mayo Clinic. Skin cancer
• Tags: summer, sunscreen, colloidal silver, aloe vera, tea tree oil, sunburn, sun exposure, skin care
• Meta-description: This summer (and year-round) protect, nourish, and heal your skin with all-natural products that include colloidal silver gel, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30256753/