Summer Skin Care

Spending time outdoors in the summer is just a part of living. Grilling, swimming, and enjoying the warm (or hot) weather is what makes summer...well, summer. However, spending a lot of time outdoors can lead to a variety of problems from bug bites to sunburn.

To help take care of these inconvenient parts of enjoying the summer weather, here are a few ideas that can help take care of summer skin.

Bug Bites

A day of fun in the sun may sometimes include uninvited guests: bugs. Mosquitoes and gnats are two of the biggest pests. Problem is that bugs are often attracted to the products we use daily - suntan lotion, perfume, hairspray, deodorant and shaving lotion.

To avoid attracting these little critters consider avoiding these products or try taking an extra does of vitamin B. When it is excreted through perspiration, it gives off an odor that many bugs find offensive.

If a bug bite still occurs, consider using a poultice of meat tenderizer (containing papain or papaya extract) to relieve the itch.

Lip Protection

Lips are a big part of summer skin care. And even lips can be the site of skin cancer, especially cracked, peeling, and flaky lips that don't improve with the help of lip balm. Be sure to use a lip protector with a protection factor of SPF 15 or higher, stay away from shiny lip glosses or petroleum jelly and reapply the product regularly.

Oily or Dry Skin

For those who have dry skin, summer may make it more so. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of leafy vegetables and fruit to help moisturize your skin.

For those who have oily skin, humidity and heat may aggravate it. Make a simple astringent by adding a few tablespoons of cider vinegar or lemon juice into a half a sink of cool water. It's alcohol free and splashing it on after washing helps to close pores and restore the skin's balance.

Regardless of skin condition, summer skin care requires use of a good moisturizer with sunscreen.

Sunburn

Everyone knows the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats when out in the summer sun. However, just because we are aware of the dangers of getting too much sun doesn't mean that all of us at one time or another hasn't fallen victim to overindulgence.

The fact is that sunburned skin heals slowly - it typically takes three months to return to normal. So even after a sunburn has faded, any new skin exposed due to peeling is very sensitive.

To help take care of sunburned skin, mix one part skim milk with four parts water, toss in some ice cubes and then soak a cloth in the mixture. Lay the cloth on the sunburned skin for 15 to 20 minutes being sure to keep the cloth moist. Repeat every two to four hours.

There is also that old standby aloe vera. Just cutoff a leaf and squeeze the juice on the affected area. It lubricates without feeling greasy.