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 Yogurt Facial To Exfoliate Your Skin
DIY Tomato Astringent Face Scrub
Tell Bugs To Bug Off: Natural Remedies To Repel Bugs
Clean Eating With Eggplant 3 recipes: Gluten Free and Vegetarian
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Another great post Carol! Lots of useful information and wonderful recipes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thanks so much!😊
Denise you always say the nicest things – I’m glad you enjoyed it and hope your day is sunny and mild.
…I need something, the bugs are eating me alive!
Oh wow! It is hot in Florida. It’s warm here but not unbearable at the moment.
Great advice. I find it easier to heat more healthily in the summer when salads, fruit and smoothies are more appealing. I drink more too which of course is a good thing. x
Florida is tropical at the south end and semi-tropical in the central area (where I live) and a little cooler at the northen border with Georgia. We do get hot!
All great tips. Being here in Florida in the summer means inside time for me. I take my morning walks on the beach at dawn before it get’s too hot, that’s enough outside time for me!
I agree – summer means a dash to the air conditioned car and days inside. Really our winter and early spring are heaven with lower temps and humidity. For most of the country that isn’t true.
I totally agree with you Carol except with the hair one. I’m bald. LOL When I use to cruise and leave out of Florida, I found the sun different from where I lived. I was shocked. Got to careful any where.
Cruisin Paul
the best tip for you is to wear a hat when out in the sun – when I first moved to Miami years ago, I met a man with skin cancer on top of his bald head. When you go on cruises and come to tropical ports, portect your nuggin!
I do Carol, I do. Thanks,
Paul
Great tips. Thanks for sharing at #aclwcc.
thanks Clearissa
Such great advice, Carol, I appreciate all the tips. Our June is already very hot and sunny and I have very fair skin, so need to be extra careful.
Amalia
xo
So easy to get caught up in the busy days and fail to take care! Great advice
thanks Michele – hope you’re having a wonderful day