Summer is the time of year that you probably most want to be outside, enjoying warmer weather and sunshine. Mentally, you picture yourself enjoying picture-perfect days, free of any skin concerns or worries. But the reality is that the summer’s extra heat, humidity, sun exposure, and nature itself can wreak havoc on your skin! And while your usual skincare routine can work year-round, there are a few changes you can make to give your skin the best summer ever – and reduce the damaging impact it could have on your skin.
Ready to dive in?! Read on for our top five products you need for a successful summer – and the research behind why you need them!
1. Insect Repellent Lotion Stick and Soap
Problem: If there’s anything we know about summer, it’s bound to bring out bugs, and a lot of them! No matter your geographical area, there’s likely a pest out there trying to ruin your summer vibes, and potentially harm your skin – or worse, considering insects can carry an array of diseases. Whether it be mosquitos, ticks, or no-see-ums (Ceratopogonidae), a few persistent bugs can ruin your time outdoors, so you need a reliable and safe insect repellent. Commercial repellents certainly keep insects away, but unfortunately, sometimes this can come at a cost to your skin. DEET and Picardin, two of the leading commercial ingredients on the market, can cause skin irritation, rashes, redness, and in rare, severe cases, neurological symptoms like seizures or slurred speech. A previous analysis showed that in cases with a severe reaction, most came from accidental ingestion of the product, or using it three or more days in a row. So what are you supposed to do if you have sensitive skin, or plan to spend plenty of consecutive days outdoors?
An article written for the Washington Post recommends only using DEET and other chemical-based repellents if other, safer methods don’t work for you. Luckily, safer methods are available!
Solution: Our All-Natural Insect Repellent. Offered in both soap and lotion stick format, there’s a product here that works for everyone! Both include our unique, proven blend of essential oils that effectively keep bugs away, chemical-free. It’s safe for the whole family, including babies, kiddos, and those with sensitive skin.
We recommend showering with the soap bar each morning if you’re planning a full day outside. Forgot to use it in the shower or planning just a short trip outdoors? The lotion stick is your best friend. Just a few swipes are enough to keep bugs away. It’s also great for touch-ups during the day, especially if you’re swimming or working up a sweat.
Bonus Tip: One of our customers told us they store their backup soap bar of Insect Repellent with their outdoor clothes, so the scent from the bar permeates the items and adds another layer of protection. Genius!
2. “Happy Feet” Foot Stick
Problem: If summer is anything, it’s sandal season. There’s nothing more satisfying than breaking out your favorite pair of comfy sandals, or dressy wedges, for the season. But, exposing your feet to the elements, combined with the typically unsupportive construction of sandals, can mean trouble for your feet. According to podiatrists, walking in sandals or flip-flops can lead to blisters, irritation, sore muscles in the legs and feet, and more. Wearing sandals also increases your risk of developing cracked heels (ouch!), or painful dry skin. Long story short, if you choose to wear sandals, your feet may be in for a beating.
Whether or not you give up your sandals is up to you…but if you do, your feet may need some extra care!
Solution: Our “Happy Feet” Lotion Stick! Formulated with goat milk, shea butter, coconut oil, and lavender butter, it is ultra-moisturizing and restorative for tired feet! Lavender butter and lavender essential oils help promote the relaxation of tired muscles, while peppermint essential oils energize for the day ahead. It’s a winning combination that heals, moisturizes, and softens your feet – just what you need after busy days.
We recommend pairing it with socks for the ultimate cozy and relaxing experience! Simply swipe on your foot stick, put on a pair of cozy socks, and relax while the lotion goes to work.
3. Natural Deodorant
Problem: Heat and humidity are likely going to have you reaching for deodorant more frequently. You might even believe that the deodorant you’re grabbing will prevent you from sweating – which actually isn’t the case! Commercial deodorants are typically a combination of deodorant and antiperspirant, which many believe stops sweating. In reality, the antiperspirant uses ingredients such as aluminum to clog your sweat glands, so sweat can’t escape. That’s a very different thing, and aside from creating a dependency on the product, it prevents a helpful biological function. Sweating helps the body filter out toxins, boost the immune system, and regulate temperature. Those are all important things!
Solution: Give our All-Natural Deodorant a try. It’s aluminum and paraben free, so it won’t clog our sweat glands with unnecessary ingredients. It’s also crafted with coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder, which are absorbent ingredients with anti-bacterial properties to neutralize odor. It’s also fragrance-free, making it safe for even very sensitive skin. The result? An effective deodorant that provides all-day protection. Some of our customers have even commented that they felt they sweat less, overall, once they switched from a commercial product.
4. Overtime Soap
Problem: Warmer weather probably means messier experiences outdoors! Whether you’re gardening, working outside, or camping and hiking, you may need some extra scrubbing power for the dirt and grime involved. Enter an exfoliant! The right exfoliator should gently buff away dirt and dull skin cells to reveal clean, bright cells underneath. This keeps your skin healthy by not only cleansing but encouraging cell turnover and regrowth, which keeps your complexion smooth and bright. The American Academy of Dermatology even says that exfoliation can improve the effectiveness of topical products, by improving absorption.
Solution: Our Overtime soap bar! It’s our classic goat milk soap, blended with fine-grain pumice to exfoliate and refresh the skin. It’s citrusy, moisturizing, and will gently cleanse even the toughest messes without harming the skin. Perfect for the messiest activities.
5. Charcoal Tea Tree Soap
Problem: Since you’re probably sweating more during the summer months, your face is at higher risk for clogged pores and other concerns. The combination of heat, humidity, and any other products you’re applying, like sunscreen, can create a bacteria hot spot that leads to unwanted breakouts if you’re not washing your face carefully, and with the right product.
Solution: Consider our Charcoal Tea Tree soap bar! It makes a great facial bar due to its two primary ingredients – activated charcoal and tea tree essential oil. Studies have shown that activated charcoal can help to draw out and remove impurities, while tea tree is believed to be antibacterial and could help keep bacteria away. It’s also very soothing and gentle on the sensitive skin of the face!
The bottom line? No matter what your plans are for the summer months, you can enjoy them while keeping your skin in mind! Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine.
Until Next Time,
Madd House Hill