Prioritizing Self-Care This Summer

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes the heat. While basking in the sun is a great way to enjoy the season, it's important to take care of your skin and incorporate self-care into your routine too.

In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how to beat the heat and take care of yourself this July. We'll focus on skincare, but we'll also touch on other important areas, such as staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen.

Stay Hydrated

One of the most important things you can do to beat the heat is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you're not thirsty. Adding fruit like lime or lemon is a great way to add a little flavor to your water. 

Avoid the Sun at Peak Hours

The sun's rays are strongest during the middle of the day, so it's best to avoid being outside during these hours. If you do have to go out, be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Wear Loose-Fitting, Breathable Clothing

When you're hot, your body's natural response is to sweat. This helps to cool you down, but it can also make you feel sticky and uncomfortable. To avoid this, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen.

Take Cool Showers

Taking a cool shower is a great way to cool down on a hot day. You can also try using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.

Moisturize Your Skin

The heat can dry out your skin, so it's important to moisturize regularly. Use a fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer that's designed for sensitive skin.

Take Breaks

If you're working or exercising in hot weather, be sure to take breaks to cool down. Go inside to a cool place or sit in the shade for a few minutes.

Listen to Your Body

If you start to feel hot, dizzy, or nauseous, take a break and cool down. Don't push yourself too hard. Try exercising in the early morning or later in the evening and avoid the afternoon hours when temps are the highest. 

More tips for beating the heat

Here are some additional skincare tips:

• Use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils
• Avoid overly exfoliating your skin, as this can cause irritation
• Choose products that contain SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays - and reapply every two hours
• Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate the skin
• You can breakout more in the summer so if acne-prone skin, choose products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. And use sheet masks like The Good Fight to clear out those pores

By following these tips, you can beat the heat and take care of yourself this July. Stay hydrated, avoid the sun at peak hours, wear loose-fitting clothing, take cool showers, moisturize your skin, and take breaks. With a little care, you can enjoy the summer sun without worrying about heat-related problems.

The Patchology Team’s July Faves

We’ve asked Team Patch to share what they’ve been loving this month. 

More We're Loving This Summer

Summer Skincare Essentials

Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning and reapply every two hours, especially if you're outdoors or traveling. This will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sunburns.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as the summer heat can lead to dehydration. Hydrated skin is healthier and less prone to irritation and breakouts.

Cleanse Gently: Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face in the morning and evening. Cleansing helps remove dirt, sweat, and excess oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne.

Avoid Heavy Makeup: In hot weather, go for a minimalist approach to makeup. Heavy makeup can clog pores and cause breakouts. Instead, use tinted moisturizers, BB creams, or mineral-based makeup with SPF for added sun protection.

Soothe Sunburn: If you do get a sunburn, apply aloe vera gel or a soothing after-sun lotion to help calm the skin and promote healing.

Stay in the Shade: Whenever possible, seek shade during the peak sun hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). This will reduce your skin's exposure to direct sunlight.

Use a Hat and Sunglasses: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun's rays.

Did you know 7/24 is Self-Care Day?

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 7/24 symbolizes that self-care should be practiced every day. Self-care is not limited to just one day; it's a continuous practice that should be integrated into our daily lives. While some people may designate specific days like July 24th as a reminder to focus on self-care, the essence of self-care lies in nurturing ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally every day, 24/7.

Self-care involves making conscious choices to prioritize our well-being and taking small, meaningful steps to maintain balance and reduce stress in our lives. It can include various activities such as getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, staying hydrated, engaging in physical activity, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and seeking support when needed.

Rather than limiting self-care to a single day, viewing it as an ongoing, holistic lifestyle approach ensures that we prioritize ourselves and maintain a healthier, more sustainable sense of well-being. So, let's remember that self-care is a continuous journey that deserves attention and dedication every day of the year.