Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you’re free from dry skin. Summer causes dry skin too – especially after excess sun exposure. Therefore, in order to help you tackle your summer skin care needs, I’ve put together a collection of 12 summer skin care recipes for dry skin. Plus discover six summer skin care beauty tips to help protect your skin from further sun damage.

As a kid I loved summer. The heat seemed to never slow me down. I’d spend an insane amount of time outdoors romping through the woods that lined our street. I’d pull up seedling sassafras trees for their roots to make tea. I built tee pees from giant, broken tree branches and the patchwork quilts my grandmother made. I climbed trees and made my way onto low lying roofs. I made grass dolls and clay pots with mud and clay. I drew neighborhoods in sidewalk chalk along the entire cul-de-sac with roads and parking lots for our bikes.

When I was a kid I didn’t care about sunburns or tick bites. I didn’t worry about aging. And I certainly wasn’t worried about dry skin. It’s amazing how things have changed since those carefree summer days.

What hasn’t changed however is my desire for adventure and exploration of the world around me. While I now approach those desires with more caution than I did as a child, I like to think I’m still a kid at heart. Now if only I could coax my skin into that same line of thinking. (Am I right?!)

Unfortunately, as we age, our skin does as well. And likewise our skin’s needs also change. As a woman over forty, I’ve found that the key to youth is moisturizing. (And then moisturizing even more.)

One might think that in the summer you wouldn’t need to moisturize. While you may not need a thick body butter type moisturizer like you do in winter, your skin does still need stay hydrated throughout summer. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer months. So before we get into my collection of camellia oil summer skin care recipes for dry skin, I first wanted to share a few summer skin care tips.

 

Summer Skin Care Beauty Tips

1. Exfoliate.

Hot summer heat means a lot of sweating. This also means a lot of excess oil, dirt and bacteria on skin that may not only lead to breakouts, but can also cause skin to look dull. Exfoliating skin with a natural body scrub is a great way to slough off dead skin cells to brighten skin. It also allows for improved skin hydration. So when you apply a moisturizer, it really sinks in to moisturize and protect your skin.

Be sure to exfoliate in the morning. Then follow with a toner, moisturizer, SPF and then your makeup for the day. Exfoliating will also help keep your makeup in place. However, if your makeup tends to slide off in summer heat, try a makeup setting spray. (You can learn how to make your own setting spray here.)

2. Moisturize.

In addition to moisturizing daily, give skin an extra boost of hydration by using a moisturizing face mask once or twice a week. This better prepares your skin for accidental overexposure to the sun and helps to keep your skin in optimal condition. (This DIY sheet mask for sensitive skin is a great choice.)

I also recommend taking a spray toner with you on the go. In addition to using a toner under your facial moisturizer,  it’s also a great hydration boost while you’re at work or after you hit the gym. (I love this moisturizing facial toner recipe with rooibos tea. Or try a natural hydrosol spray.)

3. Drink a LOT of water.

I know you hear this a lot, but drink lots of water. It’s recommended that you drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day. This helps to maintain a healthy moisture balance between your skin and your body. Plus it helps with your body’s natural detoxification process.

You can infuse your water overnight with fresh fruit or vegetables in a large pitcher for flavor if desired. Or try your favorite infused water recipes in an instant pot. (Learn how here.)

Keep in mind, however, that if you drink caffeinated beverages,  you need to triple your daily water intake. (If you’re having trouble ditching the caffeine, give ashwagandha root and a vitamin B complex a try instead.)

4. Go operation overkill where sunscreen is concerned.

Sunscreen doesn’t only help to prevent sunburns, it can also help to prevent skin cancer. Even if you aren’t fair skinned, you should still be applying sunscreen. The UV rays from sun affect all skin tones  – not just those of us who freckle.

So play it safe and apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF before and during exposure to the sun. Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen liberally every two hours. What does liberally mean exactly? Basically you should be applying a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face alone.

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Also keep in mind, that when combining multiple skin care products with an SPF, you aren’t actually increasing skin protection against harmful UV rays. Instead, your SPF averages out to the total of the SPF of all the products combined. So if your day cream has an SPF of 40 and your foundation is SPF 20, you’re actually getting the protection of SPF 30.

Additionally you should also avoid sun exposure between mid-morning and late afternoon whenever possible.

5. Soothe sunburned skin.

If you do get a sunburn, be sure to take measures to soothe sunburned skin. A cooling gel or an organic aloe vera gel can help calm inflammation and soothe skin. (You can even make your own after sun skin moisturizers.)

However, if skin blisters, treat the blisters as a wound to avoid infection and seek medical attention in the case of any 3rd degree burns. Your doctor can prescribe an antibacterial cream for bad burns that are more prone to infection.

6. Treat sun damaged skin.

While a tan may look great in the summer, suntans are actually a sign of sun damage. And sun damage can actually accelerate your skin’s aging process resulting in brown spots, coarse skin and even wrinkles. To counteract this, look for products that offer anti-aging skin care benefits. Anti-aging products can help to undo some of the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays as well as protect skin from further damage. (Learn how to make your own anti-aging products.)

So skip the tanning bed and avoid laying out. If you must have a summer tan, instead opt for a sunless tanner or try one of the many natural bronzing products available on the market today.

Recently Mountain Rose Herbs, one of my favorite suppliers for natural ingredients, began carrying camellia seed oil. I am pretty excited about this addition to their line. Therefore I wanted to highlight this wonderful carrier oil as well as provide some recipes that utilize this amazing ingredient.

What is Camellia Seed Oil?

Camellia seed oil, also known as tea seed oil, comes from the seeds of the tea plant. The same tea plants that are used to make the tea we drink. As such, camellia seed oil has some of the same benefits as say green tea. This includes its antioxidant properties. Additionally, camellia seed oil is also rich in unsaturated fats, minerals and other nutrients including vitamins, A, B, and E.

Comprised of 80% oelic acid, camellia oil also contains linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, stearic acid, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, triterpenes, saponins and squalane. These properties make camellia seed oil well suited for both natural skin car and hair care remedies and formulations.

Similar in nature to fractionated coconut oil, camellia seed oil is the perfect luxurious alternative. Like fractionated coconut oil, camellia seed oil is liquid at room temperature. Similarly it also has a long two year shelf life, and like fractionated coconut oil, camellia seed oil is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin.  As such, camellia seed oil won’t leave your skin feeling greasy after application.

What are the Benefits of Camellia Seed Oil for Skin?

One of the best kept secrets in the cosmetic and hair care industry, camellia seed oil is an extremely hydrating carrier oil. Studies have shown that camellia seed oil can improve the tone and texture of skin. It also can help to reduce the appearance of aging as well as strengthen brittle nails.

Additionally, camellia seed oil is also a wonderful choice for hair care. Traditionally used as a hair conditioner, this natural carrier oil also helps to eliminate dandruff as well as strengthen hair to prevent split ends and breakage.

Unlike coconut oil however, camellia oil won’t clog pores. And it’s suitable for all skin types and skin conditions, including eczema and acne prone skin. This lush carrier oil has the ability to calm inflammation and therefore can be especially beneficial at soothing irritated skin. For dry, flaky skin, using camellia seed oil results in softer, smoother skin with an overall healthier appearance. This makes camellia seed oil the perfect ingredient for your own summer skin care recipes.

Summer Skin Care Recipes for Dry Skin

Using camellia seed oil as part of your  summer skin care formulations helps to speed absorption rates of those products. I’ve found that camellia seed oil makes a nice addition to facial serums and hair care products. Other similar carrier oils – like grapeseed, safflower, marula, and macadamia nut oil – make great substitutions for camellia seed oil in a pinch.

An easy way to use camellia seed oil is to simply apply several drops of oil to the palm of your hand. Then rub your palms together and smooth over your hair to instantly add shine and smooth flyaways.

Following is my collection of summer skin care recipes. Each of these skin care recipes contain camellia oil and create wonderful products suited for dry skin and hair. Don’t just reserve these recipes for summer though. They are also beneficial to use throughout the year to tackle other seasonal dry skin issues.

Leave In Coffee Hair Conditioner & Shine Spray Recipe

Love your locks with this leave in coffee hair conditioner & shine spray recipe! Formulated especially for dry or damaged hair, this recipe both utilize the power of camellia seed oil and babassu oil. Both of these oils have similar properties in hair and skincare as coconut oil making them especially suited for those sensitive to or allergic to coconut oil. Learn to make it.

Natural Cucumber Eye Cream Recipe

This cucumber eye cream recipe is formulated to target under eye puffiness, wrinkles and fine lines. Naturally packed with vitamin C and caffeic acid, this homemade cucumber eye cream recipe targets inflammation to help soothe skin irritation and reduce swelling. While additional ingredients – including camellia seed oil, baobab oil and carrot seed essential oil – work together to help skin look and feel more youthful. Learn to make it.

Blueberry Sugar Scrub Recipe for Summer Skin Care

This homemade blueberry sugar scrub recipe with camellia seed oil is perfect for your summer skin care needs! Not only does this amazing sugar scrub gently exfoliate and moisturize skin, it also smells pretty amazing! Plus, as a bonus, this summer skin care recipe also comes with free printable labels for gift giving. Learn to make it.

Natural Rose Body Balm Recipe with Camellia Seed Oil

This natural rose body balm recipe is not only super luxurious, but it only requires 3 simple ingredients to make! Crafted using camellia seed oil, rose wax and shea butter, this rose body balm recipe is all natural and makes a lovely handmade gift idea for friends and family! Learn to make it.

Dry Oil Body Spray Recipe for Dry Skin

This scented dry oil body spray recipe is made with natural “dry” oils like camellia seed oil. So your skin won’t feel greasy after application. Plus this moisturizing body spray can easily be scented with your favorite fragrance! Learn to make it.

Vegan 3-in-1 Beauty Stick Recipe with Camellia Seed Oil

Learn how to create your own naturally scented 3-in-1 beauty stick for lips, eyes and cheeks. This vegan plant based beauty stick is glides onto skin with ease and blends beautifully. It also makes a great eyeshadow base! Learn to make it.

Coffee & Black Tea Under Eye Cream Recipe

This coffee & black tea under eye cream is an energizing antioxidant balm that’s perfect for tired eyes and skin. It’s made with anti-inflammatory coffee essential oil and antioxidant rich darjeeling tea infused camellia seed oil. So this coffee & black tea under eye cream recipe helps to blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also lending its nourishing antioxidant skin care properties. Learn to make it.

DIY Solid Salt Scrub Donuts

These naturally scented lemon DIY solid salt scrub donuts are a great way to exfoliate and moisturize your skin for summer! Plus they’re so easy to make! Grab a friend and make this delightful summer skin care project over the weekend! Learn to make it.

Insect Repellent Body Butter Recipe with Essential Oils

Part of your summer skin care routine should also include protection from mosquitoes and ticks. This non-greasy insect repellent body butter is crafted with a blend of natural essential oils including lemon eucalyptus essential oil which has been shown to not only repel biting insects, but deer ticks as well. Learn to make it.

Matcha Green Tea Butter Bars Recipe

These DIY matcha green tea butter bars are made with skin nourishing camellia seed oil and matcha green tea. These luxurious solid lotion bars melt onto skin upon application. And unlike recipes for traditional solid lotions bars, these naturally green tinted solid lotion bars absorb quickly and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Learn to make it.

Jackfruit & Kiwi Moisturizing Sugar Scrub Recipe

This homemade moisturizing sugar scrub recipe is formulated for exceptionally dry skin. Made using luxurious and richly hydrating moringa and camellia seed oils and skin soothing oat butter, this moisturizing sugar scrub can help to calm and soothe dry, itchy skin and inflammation. And it’s scented with a jackfruit & kiwi fragrance oil for a to-die-for tropical fruit fragrance that’s perfect for summer. Learn to make it.

Cold Process Donut Soap Recipe

Crafted using the cold process soapmaking method, these DIY donut soaps are formulated to be low cleansing/high conditioning bars. They’re naturally colored with rose kaolin clay to mimic a “baked” pink donut and also contain watermelon fruit extract powder which is high in vitamin C and and amino acids that can help to promote rejuvenated looking skin. Learn to make it.

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