Summer was slow getting started this year, but it’s late August now and it’s hot. Not just a little hot; I’m pretty sure my dog almost burst into flames the other day. When it’s this hot, all I want to do is nap and drink cold beverages. Here are some tips to help cool down your self-care routine, and make the summer heat a little more enjoyable.

When the mercury rises throughout the summer, you might find your face feeling puffy, dry, and just blah. Repeat after me-- The Fridge is Your Friend.  Those skincare products you have that normally live in your medicine cabinet are just as at home in your fridge. After a long day doing yard work or hiking, I like to put on a chilled sheet mask-- I recommend the Celavi Cucumber or Aloe Sheet Mask.  Similar to a cold compress, cooling your sheet mask reduces puffiness around the eyes. But, unlike a cold compress, sheet masks are packed with ingredients that can soothe tired or sun-kissed skin, reducing redness and blemishes.  Just lay the mask on your face and chill out for ten to fifteen minutes. Maybe drink some cucumber water to maximize the at-home spa experience? Just put a sliced cucumber in a pitcher of water for up to 12 hours, remove the cucumber and enjoy. 

To follow up your chilled sheet mask, apply your favorite hydrating moisturizer (cooled or otherwise), then use a jade roller to work it into the skin. Jade rollers are perfect, smooth rollers that help with lymph drainage, and leave the skin firmer and lifted. While we’re throwing the whole routine in the fridge, why not include your jade roller? They feel amazing cooled off! Bonus life hack-- that same chilled jade roller works wonders relieving itchiness from bug bites. Next time you find yourself the victim of a mosquito feast, try it out. 

Maybe you don’t have time to take a break for a midday cooling facial. Maybe you’re out running errands and feeling hot and sweaty jumping in and out of the car. You need something that takes two seconds, but leaves you feeling like you just climbed out of the Arctic. Hydrosols and toners are the perfect spray-and-go refresher for midday. By harnessing the properties of certain cooling plants, a hydrosol can leave you feeling fresh and invigorated. Peppermint, lemon balm, or lavender hydrosols are perfect for a summer pick-me-up. Rosewater is also wonderful, though technically not a hydrosol. These plants all have a lingering cooling effect, and help to reduce inflammation. Keep a bottle of hydrosol, spray, or toner in your car for a quick cool-off on the go. Sean, the owner here at the Pearl, swears by the Yon-Ka Paris Lotion PS, a sprayable toner with beet juice humectant. 

I’ve focused a lot on skincare tips to cool off during the summer: “But I’m not into skincare,” you say. Don’t worry-- I’ve got you. Summer activities can leave the body tired and sore. And, if you’re like me and have spent a LOT of time lately hunched over on a couch, you’ve got some knots. It’s late at night, your massage therapist isn’t available for another week, or you’re busy-- whatever reason, you want some relief now. The Omni Roller is here to help. A free gliding ball with a grip surrounding it, the omni roller is a massage tool that can help you ease sore muscles. It works magic on legs post-hike. I’m using one on my shoulder as I write this very article. This little roller, just like the jade roller earlier, can be put in the fridge or freezer. During a lot of massages heat is applied to help muscles relax, but ice can also be used during massage to dull pain senses and reduce blood flow, which can also bring relief. Freezing an Omni Roller will let you still massage sore muscles, but also not worry about the mess of melting ice. 

Finally, contrast hydrotherapy can also provide relief during the hot weather. It’s done by starting with your shower as hot as you can stand for one minute, then turning it as cold as you can stand for another minute. Repeat alternating between hot and cold water at least 4 times, ending with cold water. Since you end with cold water, your body temp will help you stay refreshed longer as you go about your day.  Contrast hydrotherapy has been purported to help boost the immune system, relieve tired muscles, help you both wake up and fall asleep, and improve circulation. 

The next time the local weather reports a heatwave coming, get your cucumber water ready, stock your fridge with some sheet masks, and put peppermint hydrosol in your bag.  Everyone else will be jealous  and hot and sweaty while you stay cool this summer.

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