A beloved sunburn-soothing standby, aloe vera also can reduce skin irritation from sun or chlorine, making it a popular choice in sunscreens and lotions (also check out ways it can help you detox!). This calming ingredient has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, so it’s beneficial for sensitive skin affected by seasonal changes.
This luscious natural oil from the seed of the jojoba plant—native to Arizona, California, and Mexico—infuses moisture into dry hair to add shine and help mend split ends. Apply oil directly to damp hair, wrap a towel around your head, and let sit for at least an hour before washing hair as usual. Or rub gently into skin to smooth and moisturize. You can also use it for a relaxing scalp massage.
Chock-full of essential minerals, sea salt makes a stellar exfoliant that gives skin a lovely summertime sheen. Combine with fruit oil or nut oil (like olive, almond, or grape seed) and a drop of your favorite essential oil for natural fragrance; then gently rub on arms and legs in a circular motion to help remove dead skin cells and promote circulation. Also use as a foot soak, sprinkling salt into water to hydrate skin and reduce inflammation.
Get your feet in flip-flop shape with this natural emollient derived from the nuts of wild, sustainable West African shea trees. Its essential fatty acids make it an effective moisturizer. Plus it offers additional protection from UV rays and helps soothe burns and other skin irritations. For hand and foot maintenance, push cuticles back with a wood cuticle stick; rub a small amount of shea butter into nails; then apply all over hands and feet.