It’s summer at last! A season of welcome warmer temperatures, longer days, increased activity and outdoor adventures. To help you make the most of it, we have curated our top practices and favourite tools to support your skin, boost hydration, and how to prevent falling under the weather as the season shifts.
Summer Skin Health
Many of the nutraceuticals that we think of when it comes to immune health are also known to give our skin a boost. In general, compounds referred to as antioxidants are beneficial for the skin since one of their key properties is to protect cells from damage caused by various forms of oxidation and oxidative stress, including too much sun.
Traditional recommendations include applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective sun clothing and a hat with a wide brim but did you know there are several key vitamins (namely the fat solubles) and nutrients that can help protect your skin from the sun’s rays?
- Vitamin C- an antioxidant well-known for supporting collagen production, brightening the skin, and protecting from sun damage
- Vitamin E- an antioxidant known to help protect skin cells from damage and preventing sun-induced inflammation.
- Vitamin A- or retinol, is revered for its anti-aging properties helping to promote cell turn over and reduce dark spots and wrinkles
- Vitamin K- known to help repair damaged and aging skin. Bonus: it can help smooth and plump the skin and contribute to even skin tone
- Collagen-helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration
- Hyaluronic Acid- supports skin hydration and moisture
- Omega-3s- fatty acids shown to help prevent UV-induced inflammation
Our top picks:
- Dr. Gifford-Jones Vitamin K2+A+D3 https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/vitamins-and-minerals/d/vitamin-k2ad3-30ml-dr-gifford-jones/
- Preferred Nutrition Collagen Powder (Bovine) https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/collagen/preferred-nutrition-collagen-powder-bovine/
- Natural Factors RegenerLife Liposomal Vitamin C 500mg https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/natural-factors-brand/natural-factors-regenerlife-liposomal-vitamin-c-500mg-120-softgels/
Have you heard? Recent studies have investigated the impact of dietary choices on skin health and have observed that diets high in refined sugars and seed oils (high in omega-6 fats) contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation. A high seed oil diet depletes our body’s cells of antioxidants. A sunburn is the result of oxidative stress triggering an inflammatory response. When we get a sunburn, it is the result of increased blood flow to the skin which is an inflammatory response. Seed oils include corn, canola, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, soy, rice bran and grapeseed oils. Eliminating or excluding these oils from the diet greatly reduces inflammation throughout the body (including the skin) and promotes overall health.
Sun Protection
There are countless options on the market for sun protection including sunscreens and after sun care. Opting for a mineral based sunscreen that does not include ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, retinyl palmitate, parabens, phthalates, and fragrances minimize potential negative effects related to endocrine dysfunction and sensitivities. Canadian brand, Nature’s Aid, is a multipurpose skin gel that works very well to relieve sunburn and soothe irritated skin.
Our top picks for sunscreen and after care:
- Badger SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen Cream https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/body-care/sun-protection/badger-kids-sunscreen-clear-zinc-spf-40/
- Nature’s Aid https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/body-care/creamsgelsointment/natures-aid-skin-gel-original/
Non-Toxic and Hypo-Allergenic Insect Repellents
You are likely familiar with the reported harmful effects of deet. Thankfully there are a variety of effective deet-free options on the market for keeping bugs away. Certain essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, cinnamon, and lemongrass are known to deter a variety of insects. Convenient formulas like Citrobug offer an all-natural insect repellent. Ticks are one of the most dreaded realities of outdoor summer adventures but you can be prepared with AtlanTick’s tick removal kit that includes everything you need for safe removal and post bite care. It is safe for both humans and pets!
- Citrobug https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/body-care/outdoor/citrobug-mosquito-repellent-oil-250-ml/
- AtlanTick Removal Kit https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/body-care/outdoor/atlantick-water-resistant-tick-kit/
Disclaimer
The content in this post is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment of conditions that your health care practitioner should assess. The products discussed may not be suitable for you. Always read and follow the label.
For additional summer safe skin recommendations, you are always welcome to visit us in-store at 317 Brock Street S Whitby, ON L1N 4K3.
At FeelGood Natural Health, we deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our customers (returning and new) over the past 27 years. Like all small businesses, it is our customers that have allowed us to operate as long as we have and to continue doing our best to meet your natural health needs.
References:
Environmental Working Group (EWG). 2025. “The Trouble With Sunscreen Ingredients”. <https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/>
Shanahan, C. 2022. “Seed Oil Makes Sunburn Worse and Ages Your Skin.” <https://drcate.com/seed-oil-makes-sunburn-worse-and-ages-your-skin/#d>
