Summer sun, heat, and dryness can wreak havoc on your precious skin. Time to be aware of giving your skin and hair some extra tender loving care.

We all know the basics-I'm sure. One of the best things you can do, is to hydrate your body with 8-8oz. glasses of water a day. Water will do wonders for your skin.

Wear sunscreen at all times. Even when your driving you get sun, especially yours hands. Sunscreen will help avoid spots on your hands when you get older. You know the look. I HAVE the look!! I wish I had been more sun conscious when I was younger. If you dislike sunscreen as much as I do, at least put it on your lower arms and hands. I avoid the sun the best I can. Studies say that some people are avoiding the sun so much, that they are deficient in vitamin D. I take a vitamin D3 supplement. Of all the supplements out there in the world, there are only a few where studies have conclusively proven their effectiveness, and vitamin D is one of them.

SKIN EXFOLIATION

Exfoliating the dead cells on the top of your skin is crucial. Getting rid of those cells helps your skin to make new fresh cells and re-new itself. Dry brushing, exfoliating scrubs, and textured wash cloths can do this job very easily for you.

MOISTURIZE-MOISTURIZE-& MORE MOISTURIZING!!!!!

After exfoliating, be sure to put moisture back into your skin (don't forget to drink water too!). Gardeners need to use a heavy duty hand ointment. Swimmers and sun bunnies can do hair treatments. Avocado oil once a week in the hair. Avocado oil can be found in most stores.

HAIR TREATMENT

1-2 tablespoons base oil-heated. Add 3 drops of essential oil for each tablespoon of oil used. Long hair may need more base oil.

Essential Oils to Use
Rosemary essential oil - dark hair
Chamomile essential oil-fair or red hair
Lavender, beragmot, or sandalwood for dandruff

Base Oils
Jojoba-for dry, itchy skin
Evening primrose-good hair conditioner
Neem oil-helps prevent dandruff & itching
Avocado oil-great moisturizer

Apply to hair and massage in the scalp with firm circular motion. Get that circulation going. Wrap your hair in plastic, and wrap a warm towel around your head. Repeat with another warm towel. Leave in for 2 hours if possible. Wash your hair twice and use less conditioner. Your scalp will be invigorated and your hair shiny and soft!!

SUNBURN RELIEF

Get a spray bottle-8oz. Fill 1/4 of the bottle with Everclear, 1/4 witch hazel, and 1/2 good water. You can also use just water, but the Everclear acts as a preservative for the other ingredients, and you may have this sprayer going for a month.
For 8oz. sprayer use 1 teaspoon-TOTAL-essential oils of your choice. Lavender and Peppermint are excellent for sunburn relief. Spray at will. Peppermint will also cool you off. I make a Cool It! spray for hot days and hot flashes. This spray is a combination of 5 essential oils. Cool It! Spray can be found on my website, along with lotions, oils, and a Rose Hand Ointment.

Have fun-watch out for the sun-take care of your skin-Hon!!!

Ali O.