It’s finally summertime and we know how eager you are to spend more time outside, soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.  While the sunshine is so good for our mind, body, and soul, it can be a little harsh on our skin when we’re not properly prepared.  So, we put together a list of tips to ensure that your skin has just as much fun in the sun as you do this summer.

Exfoliate Less

Exfoliating too much is never a good thing, but it’s especially important to cut back during the summer.  We exfoliate in order to rid our skin of the dry and dead skin cells that collect on the surface, which is super necessary, but also can leave our skin feeling sensitive.  Without the little bit of protection provided by that dry layer, the fresh layer of skin is more susceptible to sunburn and inflammation.

So, the most you should exfoliate is once a week during the summer.  And, if you’re spending most of your time outside, you can even scale back to once every other week.     

Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Best Friend

We know we don’t have to tell you to wear sunscreen.  You already know how important it is to protect your skin from the strong summer sun.  But, we do have a little reminder: if you apply your sunscreen before you’re actually in the sun, it will be more effective.  And, be sure you continue to reapply every two to three hours.  There’s really no such thing as too much sunscreen.

Unfortunately, despite all efforts to protect our skin, we all usually still get burnt, at least once, each summer.  When this does happen, it’s important we help our skin recover and repair.  Luckily, Jojoba Oil is an amazing natural remedy for treating sunburns.  And, our Jojoba Gel Cream will help soothe your skin on those days it does get a little too much sun.

Don’t Forget Some Lip Coverage

While sunscreen is simple to remember, lip balm is easier to overlook.  Our lips are even more sensitive to the sun than the rest of our face.  We recommend finding a lip balm you like that’s at least SPF 10.  And, like your sunscreen, make sure you reapply throughout the day.

Hydration is Key

Keep yourself and your skin hydrated.  Drinking enough water each day is so important, even when you’re not spending all that extra time in the sun.  In the heat, your body dries out at an even quicker rate.  So, be aware of this and hydrate accordingly.

And, fun fact: drinking water isn’t the only way to make sure you stay hydrated.  You can also enjoy a refreshing fruit plate.  Watermelon and cucumbers are two of the fruits with the highest water content, so by enjoying these fun summer snacks, you’re also replenishing your skin.

We hope these easy little summer tricks will help keep your skin just as happy and healthy in the sun as you are.

One of the reasons we all look forward to summer time is obviously summer vacation. Adventuring to a new city is great, but taking time off, booking airfare, and traveling elsewhere is not always easy.  Sometimes, we’re just in need of a little vacation, without a lot of work.  That’s where stay-cations come into play.

We forget to explore all the wonders of our own cities.  So instead of stressing over a big trip, here’s four summer stay-cation ideas to help you take advantage of what your area already has to offer.

Check out a local Bed & Breakfast

Find a Bed & Breakfast in a neighborhood you’ve always liked.  It’s an easy way to get out of the house, even for just one night.  And, Bed & Breakfasts are the perfect place for rest and relaxation.  And if you can’t find a Bed & Breakfast close to home, explore some fun Airbnb’s in your area.  It’s funny how something as small as staying in a different house for the night can really feel like a mini vacay.

Spend some time outside

Look up your nearest National Park and go for the day.  Or, find some close-to-home campgrounds and go camping for the weekend.  Spending time outside requires very little planning.  And it gives you a chance to ditch your cell phone.  This way, you can really escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday, and just unwind and enjoy nature.

Make a reservation at a new restaurant

Part of the fun of vacation is trying new cuisine.  But what about all those spots you’ve yet to try that are just down the street?  Make a reservation at a restaurant you’ve never been to.  Or, if you want to super stay-cation, plan a night for a private chef to come, and enjoy some exciting new food in the comfort of your own home.

Visit the tourist attractions

Check out the tourist sites in your own town.  It’s interesting to visit the attractions our areas have to offer that visitors come to see.  When we live somewhere, doing all the tourist things falls to the bottom of our list of priorities.  But, planning out some time to see them is definitely worth it.     

So, next time you’re in dire need of a vacation, don’t worry.  You don’t need to go far, and you don’t need to rack your brain planning.  There’s so much summer fun to be had right here in your neighborhood.

Unfortunately, some people still question: is sweating good for you?  Well, luckily, we’re experts when it comes to sweat.  And to answer that age-old question, sweating isn’t just good for you, it’s crucial.  We understand that, yes, it can be uncomfortable being hot and sweaty sometimes.  And, sweating can leave you dehydrated if you’re not properly nourishing your body.  But not sweating is so much worse.

Sweating is one of our most important bodily functions.  Not only does it rid our bodies of toxins and regulate our immune systems, but it also boosts our moods, and clears our skin. Yeah, hot and sweaty doesn’t sound so bad anymore, does it?

And while you obviously break a sweat when you’re out for a run, or in your favorite yoga class, these are the three exercises that physiologists deem sweatiest of them all.

Spinning

Riding your bike is a great way to get sweaty, but spin class is on an entirely different level. The high-energy instructors keep your legs moving the whole time.  And we think the fast-paced, fun music helps get that heart rate pumping and sweat flowing, too.  Taking a spin class instead of spinning solo just adds to the fun, because what’s better than really sweating it out?  Sweating it out with a bunch of new spin friends.  

Circuit Training

Circuit training is one of the sweatiest exercise styles because it is a high intensity workout. With this type of exercise method, you may not be working out for as long (only about 30 minutes), but don’t let that fool you.  The reason why circuit training is so quick, and why you get so sweaty, is because you perform a bunch of quick reps within each individual exercise in the circuit, with little rest time in between.  This keeps your heart rate up, and stimulates your metabolism to keep working, even after you’ve finished sweating

Kickboxing

Another high intensity workout, kickboxing mixes balance, coordination, cardio, and strength training.  And, while most of us probably don’t plan on getting in the ring anytime soon, kickboxing classes are a great way to learn how to stick-and-move while sweating it out.

These high-sweat exercises are a fun way to flush out toxins, but, contrary to popular belief, it’s also important to sweat, even when we’re not working out.  

Sweating in the summer sun is just as crucial for our bodies.  Our bodies need to respond to our environments in order to remain healthy and happy.  Sweating is the body’s way of adjusting to the changing environment, and this adjustment is what helps our immune systems regulate.  Even something as small as too much exposure to air conditioning can throw our bodies off.

So, now when your friends ask, “is sweating good for you,” you’re an expert on the topic, too.  You can give them the rundown on why it’s so great, and then invite them to your spin class.

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