Do you have plans for Independence Day weekend? This year is our nation's 250th birthday, and we hope you get a chance to celebrate it in style with your family. There's also a scorching heat advisory for most of the country right now, so it's important to take good care of yourself while you have fun in the sun. Here in the South, we know that summer can be a challenge for skin care. Here are a few tips to protect your skin, even in extreme heat.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Healthy Foods
Skincare starts with what you eat and how you nourish your body with food and water. Staying well-hydrated is important year-round, and especially during heat waves. Drink plenty of water to replenish fluids lost to the heat and eat a balanced diet brimming with fruits, veggies, and lean proteins to nourish and rejuvenate your skin from within. Luckily, summer is when some of the juiciest and most delicious fruits and vegetables are in season, so enjoy them guilt-free!
Protect Your Skin from Sunburns
Remember, sunblock isn't just for the beach! Find a broad-spectrum SPF that works for your skin, and wear it whenever you're out in the sun. If you're very sensitive, you might want to wear specially made UV protecting clothing to prevent the sun from blistering you through your clothes. Wearing a hat, staying indoors or sticking to the shade during peak hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) can also shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Prevent Poison Ivy Exposure
"Leaves of 3? Let them be!" Learn to recognize poison ivy to minimize the risk of exposure during hikes, camping trips, or even yard work. If you accidentally come into contact with poison ivy, take immediate action! You need to work fast to remove the urushiol oil that causes itching and rash. Start by rinsing the area with rubbing alcohol. Then thoroughly scrub the exposed area three times using a washcloth and your favorite soap, using plenty of friction to help remove the stubborn oil. Here's a video that has worked for some of our customers. You don't need a special soap to do this, just a lot of friction. Don't forget to wash your clothing in warm or hot water with an extra rinse cycle to be safe.
Use Natural Scents to Deter Pests
Did you know bugs hate the scents in our essential oil scented soaps, goat milk lotion, and even our newest product, Tea Tree Lemon shampoo? In addition to their other nourishing properties, these essential oils add extra protection against mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks. Of course bugs are persistent and the bug-repelling properties will only last as long as the scent does, so consider bolstering your defenses with a natural bug spray that contains essential oils applied to your clothing. Citronella candles can also help.
For those of us who feel overwhelmed with bugs but don't want to spray pesticides in the yard our kids play in, we recommend a Mosquito Bucket of Doom. It will target mosquitoes at the larvae stage so that you can skip the poison. Learn more about why this can work better than costly spraying at the official Mosquito Bucket Challenge website. It does take about two weeks to fully work, but when it does, your yard should be much more comfortable without harming butterflies, fireflies, or honeybees!
Soothe Sore Muscles with Goat Milk Bath Soaks
Summer yard work can be taxing, and outdoor fun can also leave you dehydrated and drained. Whether your muscles are aching from gardening, your favorite sports, or enjoying the great outdoors, you deserve a little end-of-day TLC. Try soaking in a bath with our mineral-rich Goat Milk Bath. Rosemary Mint is especially helpful for soothing tired, achy muscles and skin. Give yourself time to relax and recover after working and playing hard so you'll be ready for more fun the next day!
Use Gentle, Handmade Soaps
The heat can make you sweat more, but over-cleansing with harsh soaps can strip your skin of natural oils and lead to dryness. Our cold-process, handmade goat milk soaps are rich in fatty acids and nutrients. The right soap will cleanse, nourish, and moisturize your skin while helping maintain your natural oil balance.
Moisturize with Goat Milk Lotion
Your skin may need some extra moisture to combat the effects of air conditioning, sun, and heat. Our goat milk lotion is soothing and nourishing, but it's also silky smooth and lightweight so you don't feel sticky or weighed down in the summer heat. It's the perfect balance for summer skin. If you're recovering from sunburn, lavender is a good choice.
We hope you have a very happy 4th of July this year, and a great summer too! Take care of yourself and your body by taking a proactive approach. You can enjoy a healthy, fresh summer glow while avoiding damage from heat and sun.
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