Summer Health & Beauty Tips

The sky is blue and the sun is hot. Yesterday the temperature here in central Florida was a high of 94 degrees F.  It is hot baby.  It looks gorgeous but the heat and humidity is exhausting to me.  They are forecasting another scorching summer, and with a June this hot, I believe it.

After so much time staying at home, we are all wanting to go places and do things. As summer pops its head around the corner, you are thinking about all the fun stuff great weather brings. Hikes, swims, picnics, and cookouts are just some of the family fun that awaits us. A lot of us ladies can dread the swim suits and feel exposed with fewer clothes. Let’s talk about some lovely beauty treatments you could be enjoying to get ready for fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking to prevent sunburn and insect bites, to use natural treatments for your sunburned skin or to find a treatment for chlorine-damaged hair, there are a number of ways to take care of yourself this summer season. You want to feel strong and confident from the moment the sun comes out to play.  Today let’s review some health & beauty ideas for a great summer season.

Photo Tell Bugs To Bug Off: Natural Remedies To Repel Bugs

I.  Eat healthy

I know I always start with this, but it is a truth that cannot be denied.  Our bodies are machines that need fuel to work properly. Grabbing a fast food meal in your busy life may save time, but it does not give your body the nutrients it craves. Summer is the time for farmer’s markets and loads of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Make salads in mason jars for a quick lunch to take on the go.  Blend smoothies that include the latest in-season fresh fruit; this seasonal change will keep it interesting, A healthy smoothie should be made with fruit, juice, a handful of greens, milk of choice or low fat-yogurt and ice. Use any fruit you might have or have kept in the freezer, and throw it all in a blender to make a perfect summer drink. Try blending all kinds of berries such as Antioxidant Berry Delight .   

Photo Antioxidant Berry Delight

Freeze frozen fruit pops made from fresh fruit like Fruit Frozen Yogurt or Mango Pops .

Photo Fruit Frozen Yogurt Pops

Vary what you eat for taste and health. Try different salads using your favorite vegetables.  I’ve been eating a lot of green beans lately in Green Bean Potato Salad and Green Bean Salad with Blue Cheese . It’s so good and filled with good stuff. I love all the fresh salad greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers that are available to mix and try with other veggies and fruit.

Photo Green Bean Potato Salad

Olive oil is a healthy fat which contains essential fatty acids that help skin resist UV damage. These fatty acids are also part of the cell membranes that keep in all that moisture your body loses through heat and sweat during the summer. In order to protect your skin and keep it supple, consume about 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily by adding it to a healthy salad, a smoothie,  or fish dish in order to get all those essential fatty acids.  Try Avocado Strawberry Salad with honey balsamic vinaigrette.

Photo Avocado Strawberry Salad

Don’t forget all the great flavors of grilled vegetables and fruits. Have you tried Mexican Corn on the Cob?

Photo Mexican Corn on the Cob

II. Drink lots of water

It’s important to stay hydrated year round, but the summer heat makes it even more important for our health. Dehydration can lead to a bad mood, cravings for sweets, headache, and even fever. The saliva in our mouths have an anti-bacterial component, but dehydration means less saliva.   Did you know dehydration is one of the causes of wrinkles?  Drink 8 eight ounce glasses of filtered water a day, and when working in the yard, sitting on the beach, or doing other outside summer activities, stay refreshed with water.

Photo Fruit and Herb Infused Water

Water is crucial to hydrate the cells of our body, flush out toxins, and help prevent wrinkles.   It boosts our metabolism too. Bored with plain water? Make fruit-herb infusions.  I’ve written all about infusions and how good they are for you.   For a boost in the morning, water infused with ginger and lemon can be the perfect pick me up.  Tip:  According to experts, if you drink caffeinated beverages, you must triple the amount of water you drink!  Soft drinks and even fruit juices do not count toward your water intake.

Check out Taste of Home‘s post, 23 Infused Water Ideas That Will Make You Forget About Soda.  Sun-kissed Apricot & Berries sounds delicious!

Photo Taste of Home

III. Protect your skin

Despite the idea that having a tan looks good, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. It’s not enough to just apply sunscreen.; you must apply enough, and apply frequently.   Studies indicate that most people do not apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should. UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes. Use a sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF. For sensitive skin, a mineral-based sunscreen is best. Don’t sit in the sun in peak hours between 10am and 4pm in order to minimize UV radiation. If you are planning to be out in the sun for a long period of time, reapply sunscreen every two to three hours.

When working in the yard or walking in the neighborhood, wear a hat with a brim that helps shade your face.  The sun’s rays can really age your skin. I moved to Miami in my 20’s, and within 2 years, I saw a change for the worse in my pale complexion. I developed “age” spots on my face and they are still there despite numerous facials and peels.  I began to develop little wrinkles around my lips.  I worked with a young lady who grew up on the Florida Keys. At 27, she looked much older than that.  I think she grew up without proper protection for her pale complexion in a tropical environment.

Remember use high SPF sunscreen, hats, and even long sleeve shirts that block the sun, breathe, and are light weight. A friend of mine wears a shirt with UPF for morning pool exercises. Modern technology has produced quick-drying and lightweight fabrics with excellent moisture-wicking and breathability  to keep you cool and dry when running or workout. Add high UPF factors to block the damaging sun rays to provide great protection for your skin.

Photo Amazon 50+ UPF Shirt

One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma — remember to get a yearly skin exam by a doctor and perform a self-examination once a month to detect early warning signs of carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Look for a new growth or any skin change. Consult a physician when your skin changes.

IV.  Use aloe vera for sun burns

If you didn’t reapply your sunscreen and have pink skin, the damage is done.  First apply cold water to the area. Then I personally love plain aloe vera gel for burns. I cut off a piece of the plant. Cut the aloe skin open and scoop out the gel and apply. Sometimes I apply a band-aid or cover over the gel. It is wonderful. You can wrap the aloe in aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator to use again later.  Cold gel feels wonderful. Every home should have an aloe plant.

V. Exfoliate your skin

Summer means an increase in dead skin cells, and it is important to exfoliate your skin to keep it smooth and silky. You don’t need to buy any expensive products; simply make your own exfoliation lotion using a handful of oatmeal, milk and yogurt.  Follow with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.

For dry skin, try  a chocolate face mask.

Photo Chocolate Face Mask

VI. Keep exercising

The heat of summer can make your body uncomfortable.  If it’s too hot to run or jog outside, change the game plan and try more inside exercise options.  Join a gym, take a new exercise class, or invite some friends over for exercise DVD’s followed by infused water, fruit, whole grain crackers, and cheese.  If you can’t live without the outside run, change to a park an hour before sun down.  Be sure to wear reflective clothing for safety as twilight decreases vision.

VII. Go swimming

Summer is the perfect time to jump in a pool, lake, or ocean and swim.  Start slow and increase your time from 10 minutes of swimming to 15 to 20 as you add more to your cardio workout in the water. Again if possible swim early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun while swimming outside.  Of course, you are wearing sunscreen. Reapply frequently when in the water.  The sun reflections off the water increase sunburn chances. If you plan to be in the water for a while, wear an UPF shirt over your bathing suit. Your skin will thank you.

VIII. Take care of your hair

Constant heat, sun damage and chlorine takes a toll on our hair and can leave it feeling limp and dull after the days in the pool. If you’re planning on swimming a lot during the summer, it is advisable to use anti-chlorine shampoo and conditioner to help neutralize the chlorine from your hair. If possible, minimize the use of hair dryers, straighteners and other heating products. For dry, burnt hair check out a summer recipe to prevent hair damage from chlorine. Need a great conditioner? Try homemade avocado hair conditioner.

Photo Avocado Hair Conditioiner

IX.  Get Plenty of Rest

Get your rest. Not getting enough sleep is associated with increased hunger, higher blood sugars, poor concentration, and accidents.  Sleep deprivation is similar to being drunk. You really can’t function well without letting your body rest and repair during sleep.  Routines may vary with summer events but aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.  Keep to your evening routine that helps you relax before bedtime.  See Tips To Help You Sleep Better  for more ideas.

X. Connect With Family & Friends

We’ve all been disconnected too long.  Hopefully, you’ve gotten your vaccinations and can safely meet with those who have had the shots too.  Make seeing your family and visiting friends a high priority.  You will be happier and healthier.

In conclusion.

Rest, eat healthy, be active, connect with others, take time for a few home spa treatments, and enjoy  the best summer ever!  Talk to you again soon.

Resources

DIY All Natural, No Chemicals Dandruff Flake Fighter

DIY Beauty Treatment: Avocado Hair Conditioner

DIY Chocolate Face Mask

DIY  Yogurt Facial To Exfoliate Your Skin

DIY Organic Herbal Hair Rinse 

DIY Tomato Astringent Face Scrub

Natural Sunburn Treatments

Tell Bugs To Bug Off: Natural Remedies To Repel Bugs

12 Summer Salads For Hot Days

Clean Eating With Eggplant 3 recipes: Gluten Free and Vegetarian

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