Summer is here and that means days at the beach, picnics in the park, lazy afternoons by the pool and maybe even an exotic getaway (or two). Even if summer is primarily a time to relax for many (a cocktail by the pool? Yes please), it is still important to stay on top of your wellness regime. Hotter weather can mean health and beauty concerns such as skin problems, sunburn and hay fever. Luckily, with a few essential products and some extra tips, you can help to prevent and manage these common summer problems. Whether you’re going for a staycation or jetting off abroad, we’ve got all the natural tips and tricks you need for yet another fabulous summer.
The Problem: Sunburn
Of course, prevention is better than cure and ideally you won’t get sunburn thanks to your savvy protective regime, but if you have managed to overexpose your skin to the sun, be sure to keep it soothed and moisturised.
BUY THIS: PHB’s Soothing Body Lotion with Organic Lavender contains organic actives, herbs and botanical extracts to help soothe irritated skin whilst keeping it soft and hydrated. Lavender helps to calm the mind as well as the skin, meaning you’ll feel relaxed after using this nourishing natural and organic lotion.
TRY THIS: Have a cool shower or bath to take the heat out of your skin, or use flannels soaked in cooled chamomile tea as a compress. Chamomile has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and will help to calm and soothe your skin.
The Problem: Insect Bites
Flies, midges, mosquitoes – wherever you are planning to spend your summer, you can almost guarantee that some sort of creepy crawly will want to join you. Using natural repellants can help to prevent bites, but if you do get bitten, make sure you apply soothing products to the area like aloe vera gel or chamomile compresses.
BUY THIS: Quinessence Aromatherapy’s Hydrating Insect Repellant is a hydrating body lotion that contains a potent blend of organic citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cedar atlas, clove bud and catnip essential oils which have been found to be among the most effective, all-round insect repellant oils. Aloe vera, kukui seed oil and cocoa butter are also included to maintain optimum hydration levels, combat free radicals and help fight the damaging effects of the environment.
TRY THIS: Avoid artificial perfumes and heavily-scented products – insects are drawn to strong scents. If you’re sitting outside on a balmy evening, try burning a citronella soy candle to keep bugs at bay.
The Problem: Overheating
When it comes to the weather, there are normally two types of people: those who live for summer and long for the sun all year round, and those who find themselves struggling to cope at the slightest hint of warmth. If you’re the latter, finding ways to stay cool is important to ensure you don’t feel out of balance. Even if you’re a sun lover, it’s important not to overdo it in case you end up with heat exhaustion or sun stroke.
BUY THIS: Pukka’s Organic Rosewater Spray is made with pure rose petal essence and helps to cool and refresh the skin whilst leaving you feeling calm and uplifted. Simply spritz over your face and body when you need to beat the heat and hydrate your skin. Keep in the fridge when at home for a greater cooling effect.
TRY THIS: Keep fruits such as watermelon balls and berries in the freezer to snack on for a healthy, refreshing treat. Watermelon is especially good because of its high water content, which helps to keep you hydrated. You can even use frozen fruit to liven up your water to make sure you drink enough throughout the day. Another great way to bring your temperature down is to soak your feet in a bowl of cool water, or wipe chilled flannels over your skin.
The Problem: Hay Fever
The summer season can be an uncomfortable time for those who suffer from allergies. When the pollen count is high, it can be difficult to enjoy being outdoors when you’re battling itchy eyes, a runny nose and congestion.
BUY THIS: Cisca’s Salt Therapy Inhaler uses natural salt crystals to help maintain optimum respiratory function and make breathing easier. Handy for taking with you on the go, the saltpipe works by drawing excess fluid from the sinuses, cleansing the nasal passages and opening the airways to relieve the main cause of congestion and irritation.
TRY THIS: Use decongesting essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint or lemon to help clear your head and sinuses. Add 3-4 drops to a diffuser, to a tissue or sprinkle onto the shower floor to help you breathe and bring relief from allergies. Taking probiotics may also be beneficial to help prevent and manage allergies.
The Problem: Oily Skin
The increase in temperature means your skin produces more sweat and sebum in the warmer months, which, along with heavy sunscreens, can often result in an oily complexion. The extra oils on our skin can cause shininess, sliding makeup and breakouts. Taking steps to control the amount of oil your skin produces can help to keep your skin balanced.
BUY THIS: Pai’s Copaiba & Zinc Perfect Balance Blemish Serum is a gentle yet effective overnight treatment that has been expertly formulated to work with your skin to visibly improve blemishes, redness and an oily t-zone. Copaiba has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to target both the causes and effects of persistent blemishes, while zinc helps reduce skin shine, blackheads and congestion by regulating sebum production.
TRY THIS: Try switching your skincare products to lighter versions in the summer, and only use moisturiser on areas that need it. It is especially important to thoroughly cleanse your skin at the end of the day to prevent a build-up of product, oils, dirt and pollutants. Use a gentle exfoliator and a deep cleansing mask once or twice a week, or invest in a professional facial. Carry a mattifying powder with you to absorb any shine that appears during the day.
The Problem: Cracked Heels
Oh, the joys of wearing flip flops! Whilst they may help to keep your feet cool and allow you to show off your bright nail polish, flip flops create friction which results in a build-up of hard skin on your heels.
BUY THIS: SpaRitual’s Moisture Balm provides long-lasting moisture that soothes dry, over-stressed skin. It is formulated with fair trade certified organic shea butter and cocoa seed butter to help retain moisture and protect the skin, and comes in a portable twist cylinder package for quick and easy application. Apply a thick layer to your feet then place them in cotton socks for a deeply nourishing and hydrating overnight treatment.
TRY THIS: Try wearing a different pair of shoes each day to allow your feet to recover, so alternate flip flops and strappy sandals with flats or sneakers, which are preferable if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. If you’re at the beach, go barefoot – the sand is an excellent exfoliator! Another way to ensure smooth feet is to get a salon pedicure or have a go at a DIY treatment at home.
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All photos from Pixabay
