Summer is here, and while it does mean luxuriously long days at the beach, glorious hikes in the mountains and hours on end spent soaking up the sun in your garden, exposure to UV rays can be incredibly hard on the skin. That’s why it’s so important to step-up your beauty game during the summer months. Here’s how!
The summer sun can be incredible harsh on the complexion, causing everything from lobster red sunburns to fast-tracked wrinkles. If you’re sick of the oily sheen and unpronounceable ingredients of commercial sunscreens, this 100% natural recipe is for you!
Cool as a Cucumber
Summer is hot, but with this luxuriant cooling cucumber lotion you don’t have to be. Simply grate one cucumber, then strain out the juice through a cheesecloth. Add the coconut milk and aloe vera, then shake to combine. Then decant into a spray bottle, and spritz as necessary. The blend has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and will actively soothe the skin, minimise the appearance of dark under eye circles and promote cell regeneration thanks to elements like retinol and silica.
Summer weather may be wonderfully sultry, but it can be a nightmare when it comes to mosquitoes and other nasties. Chemical laden repellents can wreak havoc on the skin, particularly for those with sensitive complexions. Keep biting bugs at bay by brewing up your own insect repellent, with not a trace of DEET in sight. All you’ll need are the following ingredients:
- 2 TBSP witch hazel
- 2 TBSP carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba, almond olive or neem)
- ½ TSP vodka as preservative
- 100-110 drops essential oils (we love a combination of lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, lavender and rosemary)
- Simply blend together, decant into a spray bottle and enjoy a divine scent, and an itch free summer.
Coconut Oil
Straight from Mother Nature’s pantry, coconut oil is a bona fide superfood when it comes to summer skincare. While most people find it a little too heavy to use on their face during the day, it steps up as an intensely nourishing night crème supplement that actively helps repair and nourish the skin, as you sleep.
Forget Gatorade the colour of a crayon. This summer, keep your body hydrated with an all-natural sports drink. We’re loving this recipe from Wellness Mama, which is packed full of natural electrolytes. Whip one up in the morning, then sip on it throughout the day for an instant and delicious hydration boost.
Guzzle juicy fruits
If there was ever an excuse to gobble down juicy fruits, summer is IT. Think watermelon, pears, pomegranates, grapes, papaya and other luscious fruits that are packed full of nutrients, and H2O.
Rose water
With a heavenly scent and anti-inflammatory properties properties, rose water is an incredible way to keep your skin looking fresh throughout the summer season. It minimises redness, as well as helps to remove the oil and dirt that can build up in pores as a result of excessive sweating during the hot summer months. Spritz during the day to cool and refresh, or use as a post-cleansing toner.
Harsh UV rays can spell disaster for delicate lip skin, which means an SPF balm is an absolute must to keep dryness at bay. Right now we’re head over heels for this DIY green tea balm, infused with beeswax, honey and avocado oil. Downright edible!
Armed with these tips, get ready to say hello to the glow, and enjoy gorgeous skin all summer long!