MOMMA KNOWS… its time for summer skin and hair care!

The sun is out and hotter than ever, so it’s time to start thinking about summer skin and hair care.  Summer time means more time outside at the beach, by the pool or just out and about – but the heat and sun can take its toll on our appearance.  Summer skin and hair care is all about protection, maintenance and a certain amount of giving into the elements and enjoying it.  Getting a little color (as safely and slowly as possible) gives a healthy glow, embracing your slight wavy or incredible curls can be gorgeous and caring for our largest organ (our skin) is not just an aesthetic concern, it is ultimately best for our overall health and well being.  Yes, summer mean spending lots more time outside.  It means vacations, the beach and generally enjoying the great outdoors – so check out some of my top tips and products for summer skin and hair care to get the most out of the season looking and feeling great!

First and foremost – sunblock is not just a suggestion – it is a MUST for everyone in your family (including you)!  Yes, it keeps wrinkles and other signs of aging (like dark spots) at bay but most importantly it protects us from harmful UV rays which can ultimately cause skin cancer.  Always wear minimum of spf 15 (preferably higher) even if you’re just in your car, remember to reapply and for your little ones be extra vigilant for that precious delicate skin – I use SPF 50 on Max – he hates it – but it’s not up for negotiation.

And for our little ones:

One of the biggest summer skin issues are break outs.  Being outside in the heat means we sweat and our pores can get clogged leading to unsightly acne.  I always use a different sunblock for my face which is oil free to help ensure that dirt and oil don’t get trapped.  I also always use a higher spf on my face – I would rather have a pale face that I can add some bronzer too for that summer glow than have the wrinkles and brown spots that come with any kind of tan…  Then I opt for a skin care regime that is geared towards fighting break outs while still keeping my skin moist (in order to fight the aging process) – remember, a lot of acne treatments are drying so make sure to compensate with an appropriate moisturizer.

Exfoliation and moisturizing are incredibly important for making skin look supple and silky.  It you are working on your tan (hopefully gradually with plenty of spf and no burning) or using fake tanners it’s all about exfoliating first and then maintaining your glow with plenty of moisture.

PS – extra tips – Max was born in June and it was hot hot hot and I found he was prone to heat rashes – a luke warm bath with baking soda is a miracle at treating heat rash (as well as bad diaper rash or most skin ailments).  Also, if you of happen to burn (we’ve all missed a spot when applying sunblock or neglected to reapply after being in the water) I have found dairy products are great for soothing red skin – a cloth dipped in milk or even just applying some yogurt to those hot spots can help provide relief.  But please be vigilant with the sunblock!!!

We do tend to be more conscious now a days of protecting our skin but we mustn’t forget out hair!  The sun and heat depletes moisture, lightens it and can ultimately lead to dry unruly hair…  If you can, opt to accessories with hats or scarves to protect your follicles, but also give your hair some extra moisture treatments.

Salt water and pool chemicals are also not great friends to your lucious locks.  I like to try to keep my hair out of chlorinated pools and take a nod from the surfers and go with the flow allowing salt water to add texture to my hair.  Giving into your hairs natural curl can be fun and easier than trying to fight it.  Your hair will get enough heat damage from being outside so try to lay of styling tools like hair dryers and straightening irons.  Use products that enhance your natural texture and work with it.  I call it my vacation hair (because I always leave those styling tools at home when I travel) – I apply curling balms, scrunch my hair an even put it in little buns around my head to give it extra curl (my hair is naturally straight with a slight wave that actually became kinkier post baby) so I have to work a bit harder to emphasize the curl and get those fabulous tousled waves.  You can still control the frizz but enjoy a new summer look by embracing your curls!