A is for aftersun

Note: I decided to challenge myself in the writing department and rejuvenate my imagination slightly and embark upon a somewhat random writing series. I'm calling it my A B C series and I am going to try and write a semi-meaningful post about something beginning with each letter of the alphabet. We will see how I get on; I do fear that my posts will become increasingly food related though....

Anyway, lets start with A. 

A is for aftersun. So, on Saturday I accidentally got a bit pink at the beach and said aftersun was called for in order to bring my skin back to life. I think I will blame the wind for misleading me into a false sense of sunshine security. In actual fact I think half of it was windburn and the other half was sunburn. Nevertheless, my skin was crying out for moisture.

Enter a range of lotions, creams and butters to soothe away the dry and pink skin.

I know it's better to prevent rather than cure, but when the damage is done, I find a combination of the above products, plus an ice cold [if you can find cold water, damn solar panels] shower will bring your skin back to life.

You can't really go wrong with a good old Nivea aftersun. Packed with aloe vera and avocado oil it moisturises and maintains a tan, which is hiding under all that pink skin. I have to say im not such a fan of the smell; it has this man's aftershave kind of hint to it which I dont mind, when it's on the boyfriend, just not when its smeared over my shoulders. 

 

Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel is my favourite for its properties; the gel sinks in super quick and has this naturally cooling quality which you don't feel with a cream. And while it too has this aloe vera, mans aftershave smell, there is something sweet about it that overrides my senses. 

The Garnier Hydrating Lotion is a new addition - its actually something I picked up on my last trip to England. I saw it on promotion in Boots and thought to a time far away when my skin would be sun-drenched and lacking moisture, so obviously it was a must purchase. And its the perfect lotion for post sun exposure. I wouldn't say it has the strength to combat any serious sun exposure or burn for that matter, but it does moisture for sure.

Lastly is the Palmers Cocoa Butter, this is my go to at times of skin stress. This hard butter is the perfect skin saviour for more serious cases and while its a little oily in texture, it certainly makes skin super soft. And Saturday was a more serious case which called for the cocoa butter - it seriously works wonders thanks to the vitamin e.

Oh and it smells amazing.