From Beach to Pool to Patio

Everyone looks forward to summertime! A respite from the cold weather and flu viruses (for the most part), farm stands, festivals, camping – the list goes on! That said, some common issues can hold you back from enjoying all of summers delights!  

Here’s our herbal summertime guide for helping you avoid common issues that can arise.  

Fun (and safety) in the sun! 

When temps soar – so does the UV index! 

Sun damage goes beyond the embarrassment of a scarlet burn – the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation states that sunburns and cumulative unprotected sun exposure can increase chances of developing skin cancer.   

Sun Safety 101: What’s the difference between UVA and UVB? 

• UVA rays are what makes the sun shine brightly – they also contribute to skin damage through premature aging. 

• UVB rays are the main rays causing sunburn and are about 300 times stronger than UVA rays. 

A preventative approach to sun damage is really the ONLY approach to keep skin safe and healthy. Sunscreen is important, as its nutrition and hydration, and there has also been some incredible innovations that offer powerful protection through plant medicines!  

Red Orange Complex™ is an ingredient derived from varieties of blood orange grown exclusively in Italy, that are rich in phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, flavanones, and hydroxycinnamic acids, along with ascorbic acid – a natural form of vitamin C.  

This complex has been found to be both safe and effective in counteracting both the signs of aging and the harmful effects of ultra-violet radiation exposure by reducing the extent of UV-induced skin erythema (sunburn). 

Clinical studies have found Red Orange Complex™ to protect Against UV Damage & Photoaging: Human clinical studies show that Red Orange Complex™ helps increase skin’s resistance to UV exposure, reduce UVA induced lipid peroxidation, and decrease wrinkle depth after 56 days of supplementation.  

One capsule of  Skin Defend daily provides antioxidant protection against UV damage and photoaging, while helping to enhance skin elasticity, hydration and radiance! 

Learn More: Inner Defense + Outer Harmony for Total Skin Renewal  

If you do get too much sun, herbs can help the skin to recover and ease discomfort. Calendula Oil contains minimal ingredients – certified organically-grown calendula infused in extra virgin olive oil – with certified organic rosemary extract as a natural antioxidant preservative. This oil provides a light, easy-to-apply form of calendula, an herb that helps stimulate the repair of epithelial tissue, speeding and enhancing the healing process. 

More Sun Safe Tips: 

• Don’t forget – sun damage can occur all year round! 

• Prime sunburn time is 11am-3pm (Even when its cloudy!) 

• Check the UV Index every day, 3 or higher requires caution  

• Wear sunscreen of SPF 30+ and reapply frequently (after sweat and swimming too!) 

• Sunglasses, hat, long sleeves and shade are MUSTS 

Swimmer’s Ear 

Taking the plunge into a pool, lake or ocean is a summertime essential for cooling down and having fun! 

But when the experience of swimming leaves behind moisture, it sets up ideal conditions for bacteria and fungus to thrive. 

Swimmer’s ear is a common condition where water become trapped in the middle ear, setting the stage for infection. Symptoms can include itchiness, tightness and even pain.  

Ear Oil infuses antimicrobial and pain-relieving herbs, including mullein, a traditional herbal treatment of earaches, in organic olive oil.

This combo fights the infection; eases pain and loosens excess wax that may be trapping moisture in easy-to-use drops is safe for the whole family – including your furry friends that love summer adventure as much as you! 

Read more: Ear Oil – Swimmer’s Ear Relief! 

Fungus & Warts 

Nail and Toenail fungus, along with Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) a skin condition caused by fungi can be summertime plagues.  

Fungal infection can develop from exposure to prolonged moisture or damp environments, from locker rooms to damp pool decks to sweaty feet confined in shoes and socks. The warmth of summer gives dermatophytes – the fungus that causes athlete’s foot – the perfect opportunity to bloom! 

Nail fungal infections can cause a yellowing and thickening of the nail, and sometimes irritation of the nail bed. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include an itchy, scaly rash, cracked, flaky and/or peeling skin, blisters or even ulcers on the feet, often between the toes. Athlete’s foot can easily spread to others on surfaces, clothing, bedding and shared towels – so it is important to treat as soon as possible! 

Planter warts can also occur during the summer months of bare feet – when skin is exposed to the virus that thrives in warm, moist places. They mostly occur on the balls or heels of the foot and appear like a small callus, sometimes with a black pinpoint mark on them – and can be tender or painful when weight is on them. While not easily transmissible like athlete’s foot – they can cause embarrassment or discomfort.  

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a powerful antimicrobial – thanks to its unique aromatic compounds including terpinen-4-ol that work to help break down the cell wall of bacterial and fungus making them unable to replicate. Treating the infected area of fungal infections of warts and covering can help to weaken the infection and get rid of it. 

Other things you can do for healthy summer feet is to keep them clean and dry, keep nails and toenails groomed, clean and short, change socks often and wear sandals or flip flops in communal spaces like locker rooms, pool decks and washrooms. 

Read more: 

Ear Oil – Swimmer’s Ear Relief 

Your Herbal First Aid Kit 

Inner Defense + Outer Harmony for Total Skin Renewal