Freak hail and snowstorms aside, summer is just around the corner. It’s all too easy to let things slide a bit during winter. There’s something liberating about letting the razor and body butter gather dust on the shelf while we snuggle up in jeans and jumpers. However, you’ll soon be digging out the summer skirts and strappy tops, so some preparation might be in order…
Exfoliate
Exfoliating helps cell renewal, improves circulation and leaves skin softer and brighter. However, many of the body scrubs on the market are either packed with plastic microbeads, or use scratchy particles to slough the dead skin away. The brands we stock take an altogether gentler, more eco-friendly approach.
The Weleda Birch Body Scrub, for example, uses plant wax pearls with pure plant oils to gently exfoliate while it nourishes. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Papaya Mango Exfoliating Body Wash is another great choice for summer, as the scent evokes images of tropical climates and balmy summer evenings. Natural fruit acids combine with finely ground almonds to exfoliate your skin, while oat extract hydrates and softens. Plus, as you can use it in place of your shower gel, it doesn’t add any extra time on to your morning routine, which is always a bonus in our books.
Hydrate
Most of us want to drink more water when it’s hot, but it’s also important to give your skin extra hydration in the form of a good body lotion, particularly if it’s been hidden away under layers all winter. Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion is probably our most popular body lotion. It’s incredibly hydrating and available in several fragrances. If you have particularly dry skin, you might want to try a body butter instead, such as Yes to Coconut Head to Toe Hydrating Balm, which is very rich, without being greasy.
Start slapping on the sunscreen
Now, the advice is to wear sunscreen all year around, as the sun’s rays can damage your skin at any time of the year. However, let’s face it, sunscreen isn’t exactly top of the list when you’re shivering through the November drizzle. It should be top of your list now that summer is on its way though. Every year, more than 14,000 people in the UK develop a malignant melanoma, and a whopping 86% of cases could have been prevented.
If that’s not enough to get you slapping on the sunscreen, consider that sun exposure is the leading cause of lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and other signs of ageing. Now, we think you should embrace your age, and any lines and wrinkles that come with it. But that’s not to say that you need to accelerate the process.
We stock a wide range of natural sunscreens and sunblocks. Whether you’re looking for a spray or a cream, in SPF 15 or 45, we’re pretty sure we have one to suit. And, unlike the brands sold in most highstreet stores, all of ours have been chosen because they’re more natural and eco-friendly, with no parabens or harsh chemicals. The Jason range is very popular with our customers, and for good reason. It provides the broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection you need, is non-greasy, easily absorbed and doesn’t contain nano-particles.
Fake it baby
If it’s just not summer without a tan, don’t be afraid to fake it. Self-tanning doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to a streaky ‘Trump’ orange. There are some great natural fake tans on the market these days, including the Lavera Sun Sensitive Self-Tanning Lotion, which uses 100% plant derived active ingredients to give you a natural looking, safe tan. If you prefer a gradual self-tanner, try the Green People Self Tan Lotion, which can be used instead of your daily body lotion or moisturiser.
When it comes to faking it, preparation is key. Shave or wax at least one day before applying any fake tan, and exfoliate and moisturise a few hours in advance. You’ll also want to add extra moisturiser to knees, elbows and other bony areas, as it’ll act as a barrier to stop them picking up extra tan.
Protect those locks
Chlorine, humidity, air conditioning, sun – it’s no wonder our hair can suffer in the summer. Combine that with the cold air and central heating it’s been exposed to in the colder months, and you may well have a dry, frizzy mess on your hands. A hat or scarf can help to protect your hair from the rays, but you might also want to treat it to some extra conditioning hair masks. Green People Intensive Repair Conditioner can be used every time you wash your hair, but for a weekly hydration boost, try leaving it on for ten minutes or so and wrapping your hair up in a towel. Alternatively, Pure Papaya Ointment is multipurpose, so you can use it for everything from treating nappy rash to conditioning your hair. It’s 100% natural and packed with botanical ingredients to nourish skin and hair naturally.
Treat yourself to a pedi
Strappy sandals are very unforgiving of rhino heels and chipped polish. You could either treat yourself to a salon pedicure, or do it at home. Give your feet a really good exfoliation, smother them in moisturiser just before bed and pop on some cotton socks. You’ll really notice an improvement the next day. Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Foot Cream can work wonders on dry skin; Women’s Health named it Best Foot Cream last year.
Prepare for any eventuality
From sunburn to bee stings, summer comes with its own irritations, so it’s worth stocking up on plasters and other essentials. Many of our customers swear by Incognito Anti-Mosquito Spray for keeping biting and stinging insects away.
If you’re planning lots of walking this summer, it’s worth having a tub of Bentley Organic Foot Balm to hand. It’s incredibly cooling and really refreshes tired feet.
Finally, you might want to add a tube of Weleda Arnica Bumps and Bruises Salve to your medicine cabinet. It can help to reduce swelling and bruising caused by a knock or fall, whether it’s your daughter who’s falling off the seesaw, or you who’s tripping over after one too many proseccos!