Listen Up, Kids: Protect Your Summer Skin
Listen Up, Kids: Skin is important in the summer, especially when sporting your finest in “Wet Hot American Summer” inspired short-shorts at summer camp. So, our friend - CEO/Founder of Sprout Skincare Adina Grigore, helped us find the 3 things you need for sporting summer skin like a pro:
1. Sea salt: Sea salt will detox your pores and zap face (and body!) acne instantly. No, seriously, instantly. It also stimulates blood flow, can help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and is full of minerals that nourish your skin just like they do for your insides. How to use it: Throw about 1 cup in a bath tub for a full body detox, or combine a small amount with water to scrub your face. Make small gentle circles with your fingertips, making sure not to push too hard. The circular motions will help get your blood moving. Leave on for 1-5 minutes (the longer you wait, the deeper the clean… you’ll know from a lovely stinging sensation!), then rinse off with warm or cool water. Feel your face and notice how it compares to a baby’s bottom.
2. Apple cider vinegar: If this is not already in your pantry, you need to fix that. Apple cider vinegar is a miracle cure for basically everything, ever. Taken internally (preferably in a salad dressing or you’ll start to hate it, trust), it can ease acid reflux, indigestion, and heal a sore throat or cough! When applied to the skin, it will balance your pH, which is where most skin problems start. In other words, if you’re too oily, it will make you less oily. If you’re too dry, it will make you less dry. Magical, right? How to use it: Dilute a lot. For itchy or flaky scalp, use about 1 part vinegar and six parts water. Aka pour just a small amount in a cup and then fill the rest with warm water when you’re in the shower. After shampooing, just pour it in, making sure to cover your hair and scalp, then rinse out. You’ll stink until your hair is dry and then it’ll disappear! As an added bonus, you’ll notice your hair is much shinier. For your face, the dilution can be about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, and you can just apply with a cotton ball.
3. Coconut oil: It’s another underutilized gift from the heavens - super rich and moisturizing, and can replace your conditioner, your moisturizer, your after-sun treatment, and your bug repellent! It’s high in antioxidants and full of minerals including vitamin E, meaning it is anti-aging and will repair damaged skin (like sunburns and scarring). And, with anti-microbial properties, so it will help to heal rashes, eczema, and dermatitis. Plus you can make a mean batch of popcorn with coconut oil. Don’t believe its bad reputation—we’re not sure how those lies started. Coconut oil will benefit: your pancreas, your kidneys, your digestion, your liver, your bones and teeth, and your immune system. For real. How to use it: Use as a scalp treatment once a month by massaging into scalp and leaving overnight. Wash out with a good shampoo. To use as a leave-in conditioner, apply a small amount, focusing on the ends of your hair. As a moisturizer, apply when getting out of the shower or after being in the sun. Optimally, do it when the skin is wet for best absorption. Don’t use it too much on your face as it may cause breakouts. Instead, try extra-virgin olive oil!!
Mini Disclaimer: As always, be careful. Everyone is different and you should be very gentle and patient with your skin, and your body. Experiment with new ingredients, but try them on a small patch of skin first. If you ever become red for long periods of time or if a pre-existing condition gets worse, stop using whatever you’re using. And when using topical or internal prescription medicine, it’s best to not add anything else, just to be safe. Generally if you react to any of the ingredients mentioned above, you should check into other products you’re using as well (i.e. if apple cider vinegar makes you sensitive, you shouldn’t be using an astringent in general).
Find more on Adina’s sustainable skin sassafrass here: Twitter / Facebook / Sprout / Video
