Summer time is full of sun, fun, and salt water. With all the sun exposure and outdoor activities comes new needs in your beauty and nutrient regimen. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and vibrant all summer long!

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! During the summer months the heat and humidity is at an all time high. Because of this, we tend to sweat more than usual, upping our water needs. Shoot for at least 8-10 cups per day to start. For variety, try infusing water with different fruits and herbs; check out the recipe on our website for one of my favorite hydrating combos.
Eat to meet your fluid needs. Did you know you can meet some of your water needs through food? Fruits and vegetables of all kinds contain high percentages of water along with minerals to replace lost electrolytes, vitamins, and fiber. Keep cut produce, like watermelon, oranges, cucumber, and celery handy as snacks during warm summer days and you’ll be sure to stay hydrated all summer long.

Protect your skin from the inside out. Eat an antioxidant rich diet to help your body ward off UV damage from the sun. One antioxidant in particular, astaxanthin, has become especially popular for it’s potential to help fight against photoaging of the skin. This carotenoid presents as a pinkish pigment found mainly in seafood such as salmon, lobster, shrimp, trout, and fish eggs. Sounds like a good excuse to indulge in lobster to me! Aside from astaxanthin, there are many other beneficial antioxidants found in colorful fruits, veggies, and legumes. To reap the most benefits, eat a diet full of a variety of different colors.

Protect your skin from the outside too. Many sunblock's contain potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. To err on the side of caution, look for mineral sunscreens which contain ingredients such as zinc, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone as the active ingredient. For those times you forget the sunscreen and get burned, turn to some pure aloe vera gel to rehydrate, sooth, and heal the skin.

Ward off bugs naturally. DEET is a common ingredient in many bug sprays with a great deal of controversy surrounding its safety. Bypass these concerns by using a natural alternative. Look for products that contain essential oils like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and geranium to name a few. Try this simple DIY bug spray to get those bugs to bug off: ½ cup witch hazel, ½ cup water, 20 drops citronella, 20 drops lemon eucalyptus, 10 drops geranium, and 10 drops lavender oil.
Now go soak up some Vitamin D with your new found understanding of summer essentials!