Each season comes with its own set of unique challenges for our skin, and summer is no exception. With more time spent outside and active, the hot, humid, and sunny weather can really take its toll on your outermost layer of protection.
Here are five common summer skin problems that get worse this time of year and how to treat them without prescription drugs or chemical ingredients.
1. Poison Plant Rashes
Going camping and hiking are some of the best things about summer, but not every plant in nature is friendly to your skin. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac can ruin an otherwise perfect day in the outdoors by causing an excruciatingly itchy and painful rash.
How to prevent plant rashes
Always be very aware of your surroundings when spending time outdoors and get familiar with what poisonous plants look like. Avoid walking through tall grassy areas and stick to designated trails while hiking, and scope out your campsite for potential hazards before pitching a tent.
Natural remedies for plant rashes
- Seagate Stop Rash
- Aloe vera
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Oatmeal
Related: Natural Ways to Prevent Poison Ivy & Poison Oak Rashes
2. Insect Bites
Insects aren’t just annoying in the summer; they can be downright dangerous. Everyone’s worried about Zika virus this year, and it pays to protect yourself against biting insects of all kinds.
How to prevent insect bites
Although DEET has been proven to repel mosquitos, biting flies, fleas, and ticks, it’s safety for humans and animals is questionable at best. Alternatives to commercially produced chemical insect sprays include the following natural remedies.
- Garlic
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lavender
- Catnip
- Neem oil
- Organic soybean oil
Natural remedies for insect bites
- Seagate Stop Rash
- Cinnamon
- Cucumbers
- Oatmeal
- Raw honey
- Take very hot showers every 4-6 hours to help the itching temporarily disappear
Related: Natural Treatments for Itchy Insect Bites
3. Sunburns
By now, we all know better than to stay out in the sun too long without protection. But that doesn’t stop many of us from suffering from sunburns and the sun’s harmful UV rays year after year.
How to prevent sunburns
The best way to prevent sunburns is to simply stay out of the sun, especially during the sun’s most dangerous hours between 10 am and 3 pm. If you must be outside during these hours, cover up with protective clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, and a hat. Always wear sunscreen when you go outside in the summer and use natural and organic varieties to reduce your skin’s chemical exposure.
Natural remedies for sunburns
- Seagate Bye Bye Burns Spray
- Aloe vera
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Yogurt
Related: Natural Sunburn Remedies for Damaged Skin
4. Acne
Increased sweating during the summer causes acne breakouts in many people, especially in a form called pityrosporum folliculitis. This type of acne appears as red pimples along your hairline, on your forehead, and on your chin, back, and chest. Teenagers are especially prone to this type of acne because of increase sweating and oily skin.
How to prevent acne
The first step in preventing acne is keeping your face clean and moisturized. You should also pay close attention to the makeup you use, what products you put in your hair, and how much you touch your face. Harsh chemicals often make sensitive, acne-prone skin even worse and more broken out.
Natural remedies for acne
- Seagate Olive Leaf Acne Remedy
- Natural oils, like olive oil, grapeseed oil, clove oil, and avocado oil
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Drinking lots of water
Related: Fighting Acne Without Harsh Chemicals or Scary Pills
5. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a bacterial infection that is very common during the summer months because bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. This skin condition typically appears as red bumps on the shoulders, thighs, and buttocks.
How to prevent folliculitis
Don’t wear skin-tight clothes, like spandex, which it’s hot and humid outside. Instead, wear breathable fabrics that won’t trap in moisture and promote bacteria growth. If you wear spandex or yoga pants to work out, change out of them when you’re done and take a shower.
Natural remedies for folliculitis
- OliveViate Topical Skin Relief
- Vinegar
- Neem leaves
- Coconut oil
- Turmeric