Summer Skin
We count sunshine as one of the most important ingredients in our skincare products. All of our natural ingredients need a good dose of vitamin D to grow and it turns out we’re no different. The current heatwave has us in tip top form; we’re taking our breaks outdoors and last Friday we hopped in a couple of canoes and took a boat trip down the River Boyne.
Prevention is Key
That being said, the extra dose of sunshine means we’re to be extra vigilant with our skin. With the sunshine comes an onslaught of mosquitoes and teeny tiny bugs that love to sink their teeth in. Lucky for us, mosquitoes hate the smell of citrus, particularly lemon and orange, and they’re not too fond of lavender either. By using our Lemongrass & Cedarwood, Grapefruit & May Chang or Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme & Mint Body Wash and Body Lotion, you can keep the insects at bay. What smells soft and fruity on our skin, smells pungent to the mossies, but hey we're not complaining!
To keep your home in check, leave a citrus diffuser near open windows to deter any bugs from getting into the house. And if you’re dining al fresco, we recommend burning our Lemongrass & Cedarwood Candle nearby to keep any creepy crawlies away from your dining table.
Exfoliate
To prepare your skin for summer, exfoliate any dead skin away with a natural sponge or loofah. If you need something a touch more abrasive, use our Art Deco sugar scrub mixed with a dollop of body wash and lightly massage into skin in a circular motion. The fragrant blend of natural oils and sugar will buff away dry skin and leave it feeling significantly smoother.
Hydrate
Once you’ve exfoliated, it’s time to pump a lot of moisture into your skin cells. Our Grapefruit & May Chang and Lemongrass & Bergamot body butters contain shea butter and a nourishing blend of natural oils for deep hydration. The solid butter turns to oil on skin so this one is best used in the evening before bedtime.
Soothe
If you’ve overexposed your skin to the sun, we recommend using our lighter body lotions, in particular the herbaceous Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme & Mint Body Lotion. Eucalyptus, mint and thyme have natural healing properties that will soothe minor burns and abrasions. A good tip is to leave the lotion in the fridge before application so you can cool skin down upon application.
Don’t forget the basics
Sunscreen is the very last thing you should apply before leaving the house. An adequate amount of sunscreen equates to a teaspoon-full on your face and a shot glass-full all over your body. Layer over your body lotion for essential SPF protection and reapply every two hours, or as often as possible.
And, of course, the best hydrator is water so make sure you’re drinking at least two litres a day. Remember, if you're feeling thirsty, you're already dehydrated so keep a bottle on hand all day, everyday.
How have you adjusted your skincare routine during the summer? Let us know what works for you by dropping us a message at info@thehandmadesoapcompany.ie