I'm not a huge fan of summer. Sure, I can be outside more but in reality it's sweaty, more expensive (child care camps!) and one can only take off so many clothes to cool down without being arrested.
Chafing, excessive sweating, body odour, heat rash, and sun sensitivity are all common during hot, humid weather. If you are dealing with perimenopause, menopause, radiation treatments or sensitive skin, summer can add another layer of discomfort. Here are five ways I try to cool down when walking through hot parking lots to and from work, dealing with small talk at an outdoor barbecue or after an overly ambitious walk. (bonus: a word about sunscreen)
1. A Quick Way to Refresh
Refresher sprays (formerly known as toners for some kinds) are a quick and easy way to cool down your skin. Spray after you’ve been in the sun, when you are in the sun or when hormones decide to create their own heat! Técare.ca carries three types: Three Ships Take Five meant for post-workout, redness or combination/oily skin, Om Pink Coconut Hydrating Spray for sun-parched, dehydrated or dry skin; and Rebels Refinery Face Mist; a light spray for irritated skin that needs some soothing.
2. Cooling Down Sensitive Skin
I used to work for The Bathologist and loved their Sleep Lotion with lavender and mint frankly, because it was just really nice and refreshing. I also found it was really more mint with a slight hue of lavender. Fast forward a few years, and I hit perimenopause. During certain times my skin hurts from mild hot flashes (I know...more to come!). One night, I put on some Sleep Soothing Lotion and found a whole new benefit! It instantly felt cool when I applied it. So I had to share this when we were recently on CTV Your Morning Ottawa.
I just loved Melissa Lamb's reaction! I couldn't have asked for a better way of sharing the cooling effect!
3. Prevent Chafing Before It Starts
Chaffing is a reality for majority of us. Whether it's between your thighs, under your arms, or where clothing rubs, chafing is caused by friction combined with moisture. Applying an anti-friction powder before heading outside can reduce rubbing and irritation.
Cocooning Love based in Quebec, offers the Frotti Frotta Powder Anti-Friction to absorb sweat, preventing chafing during walks, travel, workouts, or everyday summer activities.
4. Stay Fresh with a Natural Deodorant without the Dark Armpits
Sweating is your body's natural cooling system, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfort. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for a more sustainable option, a natural deodorant can help control odour without harsh ingredients.
We discovered KIIMA at the National Women’s Show in Ottawa last year. The KIIMA Refillable Deodorant is revolutionary. Made in Quebec, it is formulated without baking soda (no dark underarms!), aluminum salts, parabens, or phthalates, making it a gentle choice for sensitive underarms. Its refillable applicator reduces product waste from traditional applicators and is biodegradable!
For myself, I no longer get the little red bumps under my arms (I always did using anti-perspirant) and the applicator made it so much easier to apply than a natural deodorant out of a jar or a cardboard applicator.
5. Protect Your Skin from Premature Aging with Mineral Sunscreen
Sun protection isn't just for beach days. Putting all other skincare a side, the number one way to prevent premature aging is using sunscreen daily. It is surprisingly hard to find a natural sunscreen made in Canada. (because we have very few cosmetic labs here!)
We have found two we are now very happy to carry: Birch Babe’s 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 – great for sensitive skin and Just Sun’s Daily Defence Tinted SPF 30, providing broad-spectrum protection from Ontario and BC, respectively.
Enjoy Summer—Comfortably
Summer should be remembered for making memories, not managing skin discomfort. We hope some of these suggestions have helped. We’ve provided the brands that we carry; however, know there is a lot of selection out there that may be just right for you.
