Summer Skin

It’s August already, and it is blazing hot. Many of us like to go to the shore or jump in a pool to cool off during this notoriously hot month. We spend more time outdoors in the summer, whether it is because of sports (tennis, biking, hiking, or swimming) we engage in or parties we attend. Who doesn’t love a great BBQ?

However, all this outdoorsy stuff can and does wreak havoc on our skin. Too much sun and we burn! Or worse, age before our time. It can also cause heat rash or even aggravate acne, when we sweat in the heat and bacteria is present.

So let’s make sure we take care of our skin while we are enjoying ourselves this summer. It is the largest organ of your body (16% of overall body mass) and deserves care for all it does for you, such as:

• Protect you from the environment

• Regulate your body temperature

• Store water, fat and Vitamin D

• Receive sensory data

What better way to take care this beautiful external organ than to treat it with natural skin care, that doesn’t contain toxic ingredients and chemicals that are now linked to hormonal issues, irregular periods, infertility, allergies and even cancer.

Using natural skin care products not only enhance your skin but can also help absorb antioxidants, build up the skin’s UV resistance and support your immune system. All the more reason to try products that are more natural, and there are more of them available on the market every day.

You can also use products which are whole, unprocessed, and oftentimes, found right in your kitchen.

Let’s look at 13 of these common ingredients and their benefits for your skin:

• Coconut Oil:

You use it to cook with, but did you know you can also use on both your skin and your hair? It is usually in a solid state, but just hold in your palm for a few moments and it quickly liquefies into a makeup remover, moisturizer, hair conditioner, helps heal scars, and prevent razor burn. Consumption of coconut oil helps internally too, as it is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which helps maintain digestive health.

• Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca):

Another one of my personal favorites, it is always on hand in the bathroom, for its antibacterial and antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties. It is also an effective treatment for acne. Tea tree oil originates from Australia and is one of the most versatile essential oils there is.

• Apple Cider Vinegar:

Another inexpensive and versatile skin care product which kills pathogens. It is also antibacterial and antifungal and works both externally and internally. Who hasn’t tried a couple of tablespoons of ACV in water in the morning to jumpstart their digestion?

• Raw honey:

Unprocessed, unheated, it retains all of its nutrients, which can help with acne, psoriasis, dandruff, dermatitis and bacterial infections.

• Sea salt:

Loaded with minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium, sea salt helps balance, protect and restore skin. Use in a simple scrub to reduce clogged pores and encourage cell turnover.

• Avocado:

I love to eat avocados, but now that I know they can treat age spots, increase collagen and soothe sunburn, I am going to try an avocado mask!*

• Lemon oil:

Another versatile essential oil, lemon can be used for acne, skin brightening, exfoliating and tightening, as well as a tooth polisher and remove residue from hair, making it shine. Wow!

• Argan oil:

Who hasn’t tried Moroccan argan oil to moisturize dry hair? Now use it to treat bug bites and eczema.

• Aloe Vera:

Here is another one that is most commonly used as a skin soother after getting sunburned. However, it also can soothe itching, redness, and inflammation. Taken orally it soothes the digestive system, including the liver and spleen.

• Jojoba Oil:

Another common carrier oil, which is really a wax, jojoba oil is a great skin moisturizer and protectant. Wonderful on both the skin and hair.

• Almond oil:

I have been using almond oil for years as a moisturizer on my wet skin right after a shower. I never suffer from dry skin and love the feel of this oil, which absorbs quickly. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.

• Shea butter:

Shea butter has been used in Africa for hundreds of years as an effective, yet inexpensive moisturizer, which prevents redness, flaking or peeling.

• Castor Oil:

This oil is a “drying oil” used to cleanse the skin, when mixed with almond or coconut oil. You only need a little. It contains 90% ricinoleic acid, which is anti-inflammatory and is an excellent healing oil.

You may already have many of these products in your kitchen or bathroom. You may want to try them out on your skin and hair to see the benefits of these simple, less toxic, more natural products for yourself. I would be curious to know how you use any or all of these common household ingredients on your skin. Share your comments here.

*Avocado Honey Face Mask

• Ingredients:

• ½ small, ripe avocado

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• Instructions:

• Mix ingredients together and apply to your face. If you have combination skin, you may want to apply only to the drier areas of your face. You can leave it on for around 15 minutes, but feel free to take a nap and leave it on a little longer. For deeper penetration into your pores, warm the honey before mixing with the avocado.

Moisturized skin is the enemy of aging. The fats in avocado add moisture to your skin, while the vitamin E helps even the look of your skin tone. Honey is a humectant, meaning it binds moisture to the skin. It is also can brighten the look of your skin.

Courtesy of AnneMarie skincare