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By zp7op
Summer brings warm weather and numerous fun activities outdoors with family and friends. While these moments make the season enjoyable, too much sun exposure can damage your skin if you’re not careful.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal outside, swimming, biking, or simply catching some rays, it’s essential to take care of your body so you can relish the sunshine throughout the season.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is vital for your overall health and helps retain moisture in your skin. Be sure to drink sufficient water throughout the day, especially as temperatures rise and you’re outdoors more often. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon, which is 92% water, can also help prevent dehydration and keep your energy up.
Prioritize Skin Protection
Regardless of how long you’ll be in the sun, protecting your skin is crucial. On days when the UV index reaches 3 or higher, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or more. You can also opt for lightweight, loose clothing that covers as much skin as possible while keeping you cool.
Refresh Your Face
Your face is one of the areas most exposed to the sun, making it vital to care for it during the summertime. An at-home, natural DIY facial is a great way to treat yourself while adding hydration and brightness.
To achieve a glowing complexion easily at home, mix 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt (for exfoliation and purification) with 1 tablespoon of watermelon juice (for hydration). Apply the mixture to your face and neck for 10 minutes, then rinse and gently dry your skin.
Keep Your Whole Body in Mind
While your face often receives the most sun, don’t forget to pamper the rest of your body. This gentle body scrub can help you achieve a radiant look with a delightful, fruity fragrance.
To create a skin-exfoliating scrub, mix 1 1/2 cups of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of watermelon juice. You can also add 1 teaspoon of grated watermelon rind zest and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for added nourishment.
Store your scrub in an airtight container for up to one week. When showering, gently massage a handful of the scrub onto your skin, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.
For more skincare tips and additional health and nutrition information, visit watermelon.org.
Subtle Care for Sensitive Skin
For some individuals, summer skincare can be straightforward, but those with sensitive skin may need extra care. Here’s a soothing, cleansing remedy to moisturize and refresh sensitive skin at home.
Watermelon Mask and Toner
Watermelon Banana Mask:
1 tablespoon watermelon juice
2 tablespoons ripe mashed banana
Watermelon Toner:
1/3 cup watermelon juice
1 tablespoon witch hazel
1 teaspoon distilled water
To prepare the watermelon banana mask, combine the watermelon juice (for hydration) and mashed banana (to reduce inflammation) in a bowl. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Pat your skin dry.
For the watermelon toner, mix the watermelon juice with witch hazel and water in a small bowl. Apply the toner to a clean face and allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Pat dry.
Store these mixtures in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
