It’s summer time ! So you know what that means.  Bikinis, brunches, beaches and parties!  Of course, that also means the searing sun, acne flare-ups, dry skin, and chapped lips.  No need to fear.  Below are a few tips and reminders for you to consider this summer season.  LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!

1. Coconut oil can be used as sunscreen.  Studies have shown that coconut oil has the SPF power to block up to 75% of the sun’s radiation.  This is ideal since it can keep your melanin poppin’, and goes further to give the skin loads of health benefits.  Additionally! It costs way less than sunscreen and can be used in the hair and can even be used to fry some yummy chicken legs for the family barbecue.  This product is way more than a simple 2-in-1.  It’s an everything in one.  From the pool to the family barbecue.
2. Drink more water to reduce oily skin.  The skin has certain mechanisms in place to help protect the body from bacteria and other microscopic invaders.  One of the natural protectants that the skin produces is sebum.  For some of us out there, our sebaceous glands tend to kick things into overdrive and cause ‘oily skin’.  However, before we go pointing fingers at sebum, ask yourself ‘am I drinking enough water?’  When dehydrated, the body is prompted to produce more oils, hence ‘oily skin’. Of course, this may not be the case for everyone, and some of it can actually be linked to genes.  Try to cleanse [the surface of the skin], tone [cleanse beyond the surface to the pores] and moisturise [to replenish the skin’s moisture].  Nonetheless, it’s good to chug a few glasses of water throughout the day to keep hydrated, especially in this summer sauna.
   
3. Exfoliate the lips.  That glaring summer sun …  it dries out more than just the skin.  The sun and particular dry summer atmosphere has the ability to strip the lip of its moisture, causing dry and cracked lips.  OUCH!  Don’t forget to EXFOLIATE. Fontana beautician Danielle Jones, explains that it is important to remove the dead skin from the lips to allow new growth.  Try using the Revlon Kiss lip balm as a moisturiser for the lips. P.S. look out for an upcoming review and giveaway on that. (Spoiler Alert, it smells and feels great).
   
4. Jergens lotion is NOT for the face.  Yeah, I know.  I was shocked too.  Danielle warns that although the face is covered by skin, using lotion as its daily moisturiser can predispose one to breakouts, especially in the summer heat.  Try using an actual moisturiser instead.
5. Use moisturisers with glycerin, shea butter, stearic acid or ceramides.  These ingredients are known to give rich moisture to the skin.  However, if you can’t get your hands on any of these, some good ol’ petroleum jelly will do the trick to replenish the skin’s moisture.With all these tips,  where could you go to find the right products to help you this summer? Stop by the nearest Fontana Pharmacy or visit fontanapharmacy.com.What are some of your beauty tips? Comment below and let us know!