Summer is here! Here are 5 tips to help keep your skin healthy and protected, so you can go into summer feeling free and excited to enjoy it to the fullest.

1. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

Naturally, we sweat more in the summer months, and we must replenish our bodies with the water it needs in order to maintain a healthy balance, especially with our skin! Freshly squeezed lemon, sliced cucumber or even blended watermelon in purified water are refreshing options with the added benefit of some flavour, antioxidants and nutrients.

*We love the Santevia water filter system to ensure you are drinking pure, mineral-rich/alkaline water. This makes a big difference to our health and skin in the long run.

2. GET MOVING, GET OUT INTO NATURE, AND GET CONNECTED!

Moving your body and breaking a sweat daily is vital in maintaining clear skin and is amazing for your mind, body and spirit. Being able to get your sweat on, exercise outdoors and enjoy it with friends and family members combines our need for healthy movement with all the benefits of getting out into nature and building our social connections and being present with loved ones. Find a movement practise or activity you love, sweat those toxins out, feel grounded and connected in nature, spend time with people you care about while doing it and experience all the benefits coming together.

3. DITCH PLASTICS

You’re naturally sweating more and therefore need more water. And, choosing a water bottle that is “skin/liver-friendly” is important. The chemicals in plastics like BPA and phthalates have a long list of health risks including suppressing your immune system and endocrine disruption, leaving you vulnerable to catching every bug, making hormones all out of balance and producing bad skin. The summer heat beating down on plastic water bottles will only make matters worse!

Let’s also not forget that plastic is literally taking over our planet and causing much harm to our environment and oceans. If you want to be able to keep the beach clean and clear of debris for years to come, ditching plastic is step number one! Invest in glass storage containers and your own water bottle. Drinking plenty of filtered water from your own glass water bottle is not only excellent for your personal health and skin clear but is also a great step in helping our planet.

4. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM SUN DAMAGE WITH MINERAL SPF

Sun safety is so important when it comes to healthy and clear skin. No sunscreen completely protects you from the cellular damage and premature ageing UV rays cause, but we highly recommend the use of mineral-based sun protection zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. (Note: Zinc is also an important ingredient in the healing of acne.) Avoid direct sun for extended periods during peak hours of the day, use protective hats and clothing and avoid chemical-based sunscreens for optimal sun protection.

5. REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

We know how seductive and fun it can be to sit on a patio, in your backyard or on the dock with a refreshing summer cocktail or cold beer, but please hear us out on this one.

Alcohol dehydrates your body, including the skin, your body’s largest organ. This happens every time you drink. Alcohol puts a burden on your liver and deprives the skin of vital vitamins and nutrients. Over time, drinking heavily can have other, more permanent, detrimental effects on your liver and skin. If you suffer from acne, rosacea or eczema alcohol is certainly going to make those conditions much worse.

For most of us, it’s the social connection that draws us to drink and that can be so positive. It’s when your connections only come through alcohol and/or drinking starts to take over your health and joy that there’s a big problem.
Just try to pay attention to your intake of alcohol (why are you drinking, can you choose something else instead?), reduce the frequency and amount you drink, and increase rehydration when you do. Continue to create positive and joyful social opportunities and outlets: sports, hikes, brunch, and playing with your kids, that are free from alcohol.

Taking care of your skin in the summer months does not have to be complicated, it’s the best time of year for fresh, local fruit and veggies, playing outdoors and easy summertime vibes that can allow us to truly relax and unwind. Being mindful of a few things will help keep your skin (and you) healthy and happy.