The
warmer days of summer are here—and along
with the fun of outdoor sports, vacations,
camps, and picnics, summer brings trouble
for the largest organ of the human body:
the skin. To protect skin from irritation
and damage during the heat-drenched days
to come, there are a number of necessary
precautions to take.
Keeping bugs away
It’s unavoidable. This summer, the
bugs are going to bite. Even the best
insect repellant won’t keep every bug at
bay, but there are a wide variety of products
to turn to that are both natural and effective
at keeping the bites to a minimum.
Citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass oil
have been used extensively with outstanding
results as bug repellants.
-
Citronella has been registered for over
50 years as an insect repellant.
The oil, derived from cut and dried grasses,
has been used since that time without
any complaints of adverse reactions.
It is safe for the environment and is
non-toxic.
-
Eucalyptus, derived from the leaves of
the plant, has the same properties and
has been a reliable remedy for over 50
years as well. Eucalyptus also wards
off leeches, which is helpful when worn
inside waders, for example.
-
Lemongrass has been registered since 1962
as oil that repels dogs and cats for use
on plants. However, lemongrass makes
a successful insect repellant that is
non-toxic as well
Why go natural?
Natural products stand out from conventional
repellants because they commonly do not
contain synthetic insecticides, chemical
boosters, alcohol, or other harsh ingredients.
The chemical
DEET,
or “N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide” can be
found in a surprising majority of conventional
repellants. DEET is a successful repellant,
however, misuse of the product can create
toxic reactions. DEET has also been
shown to reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen,
and should not be handled or applied by
young children. Every repellant, whether
natural or chemical, should be used carefully
and in accordance with label instructions.
When the sun strikes
Consumers today are a lot more educated
about sunburn than the sunbathers of thirty
years ago. However, even tanning itself
is not healthy, as the increase in melanin
is a defensive response of the skin to cells
already damaged by the sun. While
getting a little sun is still desired by
many, there are excellent ways to prevent
sunburn and even to fake a sun-kissed look.
To
correctly use sunblock, start out by making
sure the expiration date has not passed.
Most sunblocks have a maximum shelf life
of three years, if not exposed to extreme
temperatures. When in doubt, purchase
a new container. Choosing a broad-spectrum
sunblock will protect against both UVA rays,
which reach beyond the top layer of the
skin and can cause long-term damage, and
UVB rays, which impact the surface of the
skin and create sunburn. A minimum
SPF of 15 is recommended by the EPA to protect
skin.
To
treat already sunburned skin, products containing
aloe vera or calendula oil are helpful.
Aloe vera is an excellent aid to the skin,
as it is not only used to treat sunburn,
but heat rash, bug bites and stings, and
minor cuts and scrapes as well.
Calendula is derived from Marigold, and
much like aloe vera, it has antibiotic and
anti-inflammatory properties and promotes
healing of minor cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises,
rashes, eczema, and insect bites.
For
an added cooling effect, try keeping aloe
and other skin treatments in the refrigerator.
Skin and within
The
most comprehensive skin remedy available
is to drink water. Water cleanses
the body, is essential for digestion and
absorption of vitamins, and is also the
necessary ingredient to keep skin cells
healthy and looking good. Nothing
compares with water to keep both the skin
and body hydrated and as cool as possible
during the summer months.
|
Sunblock:
-
See
Personal Care/Sun Care for:
All-Purpose, Waterproof, Sport/Active,
Children’s, Lip Balm with SPF, Sunblock
& Insect Repellant Combinations
-
See
Personal Care/Lotion and Personal
Care/Facial Care for: Moisturizers/Lotions
with a light SPF
Sunburn
and Rash Care
Homeopathic Treatments for Poison Ivy &
Poison Oak
Insect
Repellants and Bite Treatment
Hydration
– Water and Flavored Water
Sunless
Tanning Creams
|
