Understanding how your skin tans

     Ultraviolet light consists of two main components, UVA rays and UVB rays, both of which contribute differently to your tan. I remember them by UVA (age) and UVB (burn). UVA rays can damage your skin and you may not see the damage for years to come. UVA rays are longer and penetrate deeper into the dermis. UVB are what cause your skin to burn the quickest and are shorter in length.      

     Tanning occurs in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). When the skin is exposed to UVB rays, melanocytes (pigment producing cells) produce melanin which is responsible for your tan. When exposed to UVA rays the melanin oxidizes (darkens). When the skin darkens, it is its way of protecting itself from too much UV exposure. Your heredity dictates how much melanin your body's melanocytes naturally produce. The darker your skin is naturally the more melanin the melanocytes will be able to produce.
 
      A sunburn occurs when too much UV light reaches the skin and disrupts the tiny blood vessels near the skins surface (erythema).

Be sun smart and slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen :) There's no such thing as a healthy tan.

Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub

I made this scrub for my friends and family this christmas and it is HEAVEN! So simple and the best body scrub you will ever use.

2kg bag brown sugar
32oz Coconut oil
Vanilla essential oil
*The recipe yields 12 small mason jars

Directions: Warm coconut oil up in the microwave until soft, add to brown sugar in a bowl and mix well. Add vanilla essential oil while mixing until desired scent is achieved.

Coconut oil has a melting point of around 24 degrees Celsius and is usually solid at room temp. As it cools in the jar it will take on a solid consistency.

The best way to use is product is in the shower on wet skin. Turn off the shower and apply a generous amount of the scrub to damp skin all over the body except for the face. Turn on the shower and rinse. You do not need to wash this product off with soap, the coconut oil is EXTREMELY nourishing. ***Be sure to rinse out your shower/tub as it can become very slippery!***