Summer Skincare

By Tamara Lawson, Marketing Assistant, Co-op Owner

Now that Summer has arrived, chances are you will be bugged by stinging or biting insects, pestered by poisonous plants, or even burned by that big blinding ball of blazing gas in the sky while working or playing in the garden, frolicking in the forest, owning it on the pickleball court, or just lazing the day away at the local beach. To avoid itchy skin in the summer heat, it is essential to consider the amount of time spent in the sun, the types of insects and plants you may encounter, and hydration levels.

Let’s start at the beginning. Not sure what protection goes on first? The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that for greater effectiveness of both products, sunscreen be applied first, followed by insect repellent.

Protecting skin from sun damage:

How do you protect your largest organ while catching some rays? To stay safe in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher. Limiting time spent in the sun between 11am and 3pm is an excellent practice if you are prone to burning or have sun sensitivity. GreenTree is proud to carry Alba Botanica, Badger, and Sunly brands of sunscreen. These non-comedogenic products feature a reef-safe formula, free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, and are available in both adult and children’s formulas. 

Protecting skin after sunburn:

Great, I’m burnt, now what?!  Stay out of the sun or use an umbrella, an oversized hat, and UV sunglasses to protect your face, scalp, and ears. (Not so fun fact: It is possible to get a sunburn on your eyes!) Apply a cool compress to the burned area. Arnica can be used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties. The properties of aloe’s inner leaf juice offer several potential health benefits due to its rich anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil moisturizes and soothes sunburned skin. Skincare with sweet almond oil and calendula hydrates and nourishes the skin without any sting. 

Protecting the skin from stings and bites and plants:

Follow product instructions for application and apply repellents to exposed skin and clothing as needed. Repellents derived from plants such as citronella, geranium, basil, garlic, and peppermint provide limited protection against mosquitoes. Repellents with lavender, rosemary, mint, lemongrass, sage, marigolds, and chrysanthemums help protect against ticks.            

Wearing light-colored clothing and long pants, along with tall socks, can help keep bites and stings away. If your adventures call for you to be out in the thick of it, GreenTree offers excellent products to help fix what ails you! After spending time outdoors, check your skin and clothes for ticks.      

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and are often found near standing water, whereas ticks are often found during high humidity times and live in tall grass or wooded areas. Ticks run rampant from early spring to September or October. Stay informed about local insect activity and potential outbreaks to protect yourself and your family. 

A cool compress can help relieve itching and swelling associated with bug bites by reducing inflammation and numbing the affected area. Echinacea may help alleviate itchy skin, and calendula is often used to soothe and heals skin irritations. However, be sure to avoid calendula if you have allergies to ragweed or other related plants.

Poisonous plants can still cause mild to severe symptoms even if they are dead or dying when you touch them, and the toxic oils stick to fabric and transfer to the skin. Protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and garden gloves, can help keep the skin safe. Wash skin with mild soap and warm water (do not scrub the skin with fingernails; oils can spread). Try to draw out toxins of poisonous plants with a mix of arnica montana, calendula, echinacea, and elderberry from the Purmedy brand, or the blend of neem oil, tea tree oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, plantain extract, oat extract, and rosemary extract found in the All-Terrain poison ivy wash.

Hydration

Don’t forget to hydrate! Thirst, a dry or sticky mouth, fatigue, slight confusion, or dizziness can all be signs of dehydration. High water content foods for oral rehydration include coconut water, watermelon, cucumbers, and pineapple. Fresh strawberries, celery, radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and summer squash can rehydrate as effectively as drinking water. Avoid cola, energy drinks, and alcohol when dehydrated because the added sugars can create more dehydration. In cases of severe dehydration, IV fluids and medical attention may be necessary. It is essential to listen to your body and be aware of your limitations while enjoying the summer sun.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. As always, if you are experiencing a new or ongoing health issue, you should consult your physician or pharmacist.