Shea butter, aloe vera, olive oil: 3 natural beauty allies for sun-kissed skin

Highly prized for its moisturising properties, aloe vera is a beauty essential. Photo: AFP

It's essential to moisturise skin after sun exposure, but some products and ingredients are far more effective than others.

While some people turn directly to after-sun products, specifically formulated to replenish the skin after sun exposure, certain natural ingredients can offer the same benefits for soothing, repairing and deeply nourishing skin.

Sun protection is undoubtedly the cosmetic product that should never be overlooked when it comes to summer vacation packing. But products to help soothe and regenerate the skin after time in the sun should also be high on the list.

And, in light of consumers' new demands and concerns when it comes to natural beauty, this means looking to ingredients from Mother Nature.

Here are three natural skin allies that can help nourish dry, dehydrated skin damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun.

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Shea butter to rescue dry skin

If you had to choose just one beauty essential for your vacation, then it should probably be shea butter.

Not only does it nourish and moisturise dry skin, but it's also an ideal ally in tackling the sun's harmful effects. It can even help prolong your tan.

Make sure you get raw, unrefined shea butter to enjoy the best of its benefits.

Shea butter is a natural moisturiser that is suitable for all skin types and body parts (including hair). Rich in vitamins, including vitamin A, it deeply nourishes the skin, helps it regenerate and promotes elasticity.

Indispensable all year round, shea butter is even more so when it is sunny outside.

Containing a natural latex, it can even prevent allergies to the sun and soothe irritated skin (itching, shaving rash, sun, insect bites) – all while prolonging your tan thanks to its many active ingredients.

What's more, in solid form, shea butter can easily be slipped into carry-on luggage.

Aloe vera to cool and repair

In 2021, a study placed aloe vera at the top of the list of most sought-after skincare ingredients in no less than 37 countries around the world.

This success is mainly due to the high moisturising power of the succulent plant, making it an indispensable skin ally.

Thanks to its high concentration of water, aloe vera meets the various needs of skin that's left dry and dehydrated by the sun, the pool or seawater, and even contributes to skin repair.

Another plus point of aloe vera is that it doesn't leave any kind of greasy film on the skin – which can be particularly welcome in hot weather.

But the plant has other virtues too, whether for acne-prone skin, irritated and sensitive skin, or mature skin. It can, indeed, have a role to play in the fight against skin ageing.

It's a natural moisturiser that suits almost all needs and skin types.

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Olive oil to soothe and calm

A must-have in the kitchen, olive oil is already known for its many health benefits. But this store cupboard staple is also good for the skin.

Here, it's not a question of slathering yourself in olive oil on the beaches this summer, but of using natural cosmetics based on this wonder ingredient, or looking out for its many solid-product forms, including traditional olive oil soap.

Particularly rich in antioxidants, olive oil is celebrated for its moisturising and nourishing properties, as well as its anti-ageing and soothing qualities, calming irritated skin or skin prone to redness.

These benefits have been recognised by almost all civilizations since Antiquity. – AFP Relaxnews