In summer the skin becomes a very important organ to cool down the body and to keep the internal temperature more stable through the sweating. During this process many mineral salts are lost and the vitamin’s turnover increases. In addition, the skin increases its detox function, releasing internal toxins produced as a result of the higher metabolic rate. One more reason to keep the skin clean and well nourished, using products which respect its hydrolipidic layer and help it to ‘breathe’ properly.
Don’t forget to drink freshly juiced fruit and vegetables (organic please!) in order to replenish the body with antioxidant, vitamins and minerals lost because of the sweating. Wear natural/organic clothes to favor transpiration. Reduce the intake of alcoholic drinks (alcohol increases internal heat) and avoid sweets, eat only natural sugars from fresh and dried fruits or honey.
If you live in the city, the exhaust fumes and pollution - hence the ‘oven’ effect - is even greater with a consequent increase in sweating and loss of electrolytes (mineral salts). The skin is therefore under a greater stress.
Fumes and micro-particles tend to block the skin’s pores, altering the respiration/transpiration process due to the oxidation effects of pollution. This results in the alteration of the hydroplipidic layer. In these circumstances, it is essential to have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals increasing the intake of water. I also suggest to have a shower twice a day using warm water, and to gently exfoliate the skin with a natural sponge in order to get rid of pollutant micro particles. If you do use soap make sure you choose an organic one with a balanced pH.
However, wherever you are keep the skin well moisturized using a nourishing organic body oil (such as INLIGHT Body Oil with Arnica) in order to also re-establish the skin’s natural balance.
In the hot season the skin is exposed to problems arising mainly from the damaging action of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, wind and sea salt. The sun is not an ‘enemy’ (it is essential to activate Vitamin D and to stimulate the production of the so called “hormone of happiness”), but we need to take some precautions to avoid its harmful effects. The first step is a gradual exposure to the sun, starting with a few minutes, ideally in the morning and late afternoon when the sun’s rays are not vertical. I am not in favor, except in specific cases, of high SPF sun creams as these may ‘clog’ the skin. Better to be sensible and, if too hot, find some shade.
Even more than in winter time, in the hot season the skin must be prepared by using moisturizing body oil with a natural sun screen and nourishing and antioxidant ingredients. (I have to suggest INLIGHT Organic Daily Face Oil and INLIGHT Organic Body Oil with Arnica which really fit the purpose). Sometimes though even with these precautions the skin can still be dry, therefore after a swim and a shower, to wash off salt residue, use a rich balm to feed the skin further nourishment. I can suggest INLIGHT Body Butter. Beside many health-giving ingredients I have combined in this product organic coconut oil and shea butter specifically chosen for their repairing and restorative actions.
Enjoy the Summer!
Nature always has the right answer. We only have to learn how to read it.
