Jul
Summer Protection
One thing I have realized is that the summer time is a host to skin damage. Between the hot and bright sun to the increase of insect activity, it’s time to protect the outer covering that protects your innards!
1. Sunscreen - I don’t know how many times I hear people complain about bad sunburns, or hear tales of unusual moles being removed due to sun exposure.
2, Heat - Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous and can be deadly. Protect yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, water, juice, gatorade, etc. Be careful drinking too much soda or alcohol - it will actually cause you to overheat faster! Don’t over exert yourself in the summer heat, take plenty of rests in the shade. For those with little to know air conditioning, a wet washcloth to moisten your body in front of a fan does wonders! Ceiling fans rock! Not only do the disperse the hot air lurking above your head, it circulates the cooler air and enhances sweat evaporation to cool you down.
Try these other fan tricks: A fan at the front door blowing in, a fan at the back door blowing out. This will circulate the air and cause a wind effect to swirl through the house keep the air cooler and less stuffy. Another way is to have both fans blowing out with a ceiling fan pulling hot air down and out through the fans. Again, circulation makes a big difference!
3. Bugs - EEEEK! BUGS! This is the time of the year when you see a lot more insect activity. If you live near a body of water that tends to be stagnant, you will most likely get a lot of mosquitos, so load up on plenty of bug spray. The best is any product with deet to keep the insects from biting or stinging. Keep some anti-itch cream (Hydrocortisone) on hand for bites or other irritants that cause itching.
4, Dry Skin - Also, keep your skin healthy by applying plenty of moisturizer at night. Oils such as sunflower or other similar light massage oils applied right after a shower are a great way to keep skin healthy and soft. Use a loofah when you shower to remove old dead skin cells. This will help loosen pores and allow your skin to breathe and sweat properly.
5. Tanning - I don’t know why or where the idea of tanning your skin to a leathery texture became sexy. Not only that, but the repercussions down the road can make your appear as if you are much older due to overexposure of the sun, and possibly skin cancer. So, take this in extreme moderation. Look sexy now, but pay for it in droves later. Which is better? Personally I prefer the ivory skin look.
