Natural Protection From Sun And Bugs

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Bare arms and legs often bring unwanted attention during the summer. And, we have some natural ways to help you beat away the backyard bugs and soothe your skin.

We teamed up with Whole Foods Team Leader and Body Expert Vanessa Ruth for help.

Vanessa and her team put together some recipes you can make at home that will protect your skin from sun and bugs and save money too.

Natural Bug Repellent Recipe:

7 tablespoons (3.5 oz) Witch Hazel

Add 1 1/2 tsp Lemon Eucalyptus and 1/2 tsp Lavender Oil

If you want to make a larger amount - use a 10 to 1 ratio of carrier to essential oil.

Natural After-Sun Soother Recipe:

Avoid citrus oils - they may cause skin reactions and may possibly reduce effectiveness of sunscreens.

7 oz Olive Oil

OR

7 oz (14 tablespoons) Aloe Vera Gel

Add 1 tsp Lavender Oil and 1/2 tsp Peppermint Oil

Store in clean, airtight, reusable container that holds at least 8 oz.

Natural Bite and Itch Tamer Recipe:

1/2 cup Baking Soda

1 tsp Sea Salt or Epsom Salt

1/4 tsp Tea Tree Oil (Lavender, Peppermint or Eucalyptus can be used in place of Tea Tree Oil if desired)

1/8 cup of water

Mix until a paste-like consistency and apply directly to bite.

Store in clean, airtight, reusable container that holds at least 8 oz.

Natural Sun Protection Recipe:

3 tbsp Sesame Oil

1 tbsp Avocado Oil

1 tbsp Jojoba Oil

1 tbsp Almond Oil

1 tbsp Shea Butter

2 tbsp Cocoa Butter or Coconut Oil

1 tsp Beeswax

1 tsp Lecithin granules

2 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel

2 tbsp Water

1/4 tsp Lavender Essential Oil

Melt the first 7 ingredients in a double boiler over medium heat until just melted. Add the Lecithin and stir to dissolve. Remove from heat.

In a small saucepan, gently warm the Aloe Vera gel, Water, and Lavender Oil. Remove from heat.

When the 2 mixtures are still warm (but not hot) set the small saucepan of Aloe mixture into a bowl of ice. Very slowly pour the oil mixture into the aloe mixture while rapidly whisking.

Store in clean, airtight, reusable container that holds at least 8 oz. Refrigerate.

And, here's one more note.

Sesame Oil, Avocado Oil and Shea Butter contain a low SPF sunscreen. They have limited UVA/UVB filtering ability. Do not rely only on this sun protectant when exposed to direct sun for extended periods of time. As with any sunscreen, apply liberally and reapply often.