Summer is finally here! Many vacations, beach days, and cookouts await. Here are some tips to keep your skin, hair, and YOU looking and feeling your best during the long, busy days ahead.
Sleep
Sleep is always one of the most important things for the mind and body! Longer days might have you wanting to stay awake all night, which is okay once and a while, but try to get to bed early and wake up with the sun as often as possible. Your body needs time to rejuvenate, repair cells, and regulate hormones – your skin, body, and energy levels will thank you.
Vitamins
Taking a multivitamin and probiotic and eating wholesome foods should be a year-round habit! Sunwarrior Raw Vitamins and Enzorb Digestive Enzymes are great options to keep your gut in check and your body nourished. Cucumber, watermelon, avocado, and coconut water are all foods that will pack in necessary nutrients for you to look and feel your best. These are all in-season foods that contain cooling, hydrating, and anti-aging properties. Be sure to incorporate enough Vitamin C in your diet for collagen production, and incorporate healthy fats for clear, smooth skin. With all of the non-toxic, plant-based skincare brands out there like OSEA and Herbivore botanicals, you can apply your vitamins right to your skin as well!
Exfoliate
Sweaty and clogged pores often lead to breakouts, which means exfoliating daily in the summer is important for healthy, clear skin. This goes for the whole body as well – there are many clean beauty sugar scrubs on the market, or you can create your own at home by combining coconut oil and sea salt or sugar. Talk about a cheap, quick, and easy way to get glowing skin!
** Travel hack – if you’re flying somewhere for a vacation this summer, remember to exfoliate shortly after landing, and be sure to moisturize pre-flight. Flying is very dehydrating to the body, and especially its largest organ – the skin!
Hydration
Hydration means taking care of your body inside and out! This means drinking a lot of water and keeping your skin and hair hydrated and moisturized with other things such as coconut oil and black seed oil. Black seed oil can be both ingested in your smoothies or juices, as well as applied directly to skin and hair. Since black seed oil is antibacterial, it fights bacteria clogged pores, which diminishes acne and other skin related inflammations. When applied to the hair, it helps strengthen weak strands and adds shine. Black seed oil is best when applied to the hair for 30 minutes to an hour and then rinsed out. Look for an organic, cold-pressed brand such as Namaseed. If you have spent a bit too much time out in the sun, coconut oil is the perfect way to rehydrate and prevent peeling. When the summer humidity, chlorine, and salt water begin to wreak havoc on your hair, use coconut oil for an overnight leave-in conditioner. Incorporating black seed oil and coconut oil to your beauty routine weekly will have a significant impact on your confidence this summer! It is also important to embrace your natural beauty. Allow your skin to air dry, and let your freckles show! Warmer weather calls for beachy hair and clean skin. As always, look for paraben and sulfate free products.
Sunscreen
Look for a non-toxic sunscreen, or a moisturizer with SPF, such as FRE Skincare. It is important to apply sunscreen to the areas most prone to sun exposure and burning, such as the face (especially the nose and ears) and shoulders. Using a natural and non-toxic brand is ideal because you won’t be adding harmful chemicals onto your skin; you’ll actually be adding nourishing oils, vitamins, and minerals to get an added benefit. In the event of a sunburn, aloe vera will always do the trick. Don’t forget your lips! Try using a sugar lip scrub to get rid of dead skin and be sure to use a lip balm with nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and mango butter.
Here is to a confident, safe, and enjoyable summer!
