The season of sun and sand and sea is upon us and we are so excited we could bust! We are very lucky to live in the Northeast, a location that has all four seasons, but this is the one we’ve been waiting for. This is the diamond on the ring.

Warm summer sun, shine kindly. Warm summer wind, blow softly. We are in the time of citrus and swimming, skin baring fashions and walking barefoot. At days end, we are covered in evidence of living. A gentle grime of salty sweat, dusty air, creamy sunscreens and the joy of being fully alive.

In this issue we will discuss the benefits of SPF and supplementing with fish oil, share some easy flavored water combos, DIY both an eye mask and hair mask, plus give you a playlist for time spent at or dreaming about the beach.

BEAUTY:

When it comes to skin protection and anti-aging, we all know that SPF should be top of the list of priorities. But do you really know why? Do you know what SPF stands for? And why a factor 30 is better than 15? To make things simple, we break things down for you.

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT: SPF

Whether you’re spending the summer on a remote beach or catching the odd sunny coffee break in your back garden, the chances are you’ve been trying to enjoy the sun this season. And with the sunshine comes the need for increased awareness around sun protection.

The truth is, you should be working sun protection products into your skincare regime all year round because UVA rays can age your skin at any time of year, but it’s important that we’re extra careful in the summer months, especially because we’re outside more, with more skin on show.

UVA & UVB are different, and you need protection from both, all year round. An easy way to remember is…
UVA = Aging
UVB = Burning

UVA (ageing, DNA and cell changing): UVA rays are one of the biggest contributing factors to skin ageing. Present all year round, they can penetrate clouds and glass. UVA rays cause premature aging by damaging the collagen and elastine structure with a cumulative effect and can also cause malignant melanoma.

UVB (burning): is the “sunburn” we see ourselves after over exposure. UVB rays do not penetrate as deep into the skin but sunburn can take 3 – 6 hours to take full effect so you don’t realize that you are sunburnt until it’s too late. UVB rays can directly damage the DNA in the skin cells and in this way overstress the skin’s own repair mechanism.

Picking the right SPF factor for your skin is crucial. For grown-ups with relatively good skin we would recommend SPF 15 in the Northeast year round and stepping up to 30 in the peak season and kids 30 as a base level in the NY area and 50 to 50+ when going somewhere hot. Don’t be fooled that a quick thin layer is enough and you are done. The recommended guidelines are to use a shot glass per full body application.

Make sure you apply indoors and before you get dressed for the day. We see a lot of folks stopping in the store for a repair cream with sun damage around strap marks, around the legs of swimming costumes. Overlap that protection with clothing. Naked is best!

And check the sun protection product shelf life – they vary…a lot: A 2013 study revealed that 57% of folks are wearing out of date sunscreen. Check your product for shelf life, the average is just 6-12 months. It’s smart to pick up a new one at the start of each summer.

I just wanted to add one last thing on sun protection. I lot of people find that their suncare products can lead to spots, and that is why it is extra important to thoroughly cleanse your skin after wearing sun cream. We recommend our bar soaps with Clementine Sugar Polish as they thoroughly removes all traces of grime and sun protection to prevent your pores becoming clogged.

SHOP: Sunscreen

FOOD + NUTRITION:

Infused waters add a ton of color to your glass making it more fun to sip during the day. They are great for people that have a hard time drinking the right amount of water. Besides the beyond obvious fact that infused waters are so much prettier to look at than their vanilla alternative, infused waters are a nice change of pace from carbonated beverages.

5 INFUSED WATERS

Watermelon + Orange Peel:  I honestly thought it wasn’t going to be my sort of thing, but it has ended up being my secret favorite combination. With nothing that makes that palette biologically pucker or cool, it leans sweeter, almost warming in flavor. I tend to drink this over lots of ice.

Grapefruit + Ginger: This one is definitely more of a sophisticated flavor. The grapefruit provides a slightly bitter, slightly sweet flavor while the ginger adds a warming, almost tea-like taste to the infused water. If you want to boost the throat health benefits of this soothing sipper, instead of adding a few slices, consider grating the ginger and pressing the liquid from the gratings into your water with the grapefruit slices.

Cucumber + Mint: Can water taste more hydrating? The naturally aqua-packed flavor of cucumber with cooling mint are a classic duo for a reason. This combination is so refreshing that it’s often referred to as “spa water”.

Lime + Thyme: This is a dynamic paring, as both lime + thyme tend to be herb or citrus you go to as an alternate. Thyme is an herb that has it’s own distinct identity but doesn’t hit you on the head with it. Delightful dance dancing between earthy, minty and citrus.

Rosemary + Lemon: The rosemary sprigs infuse the water gently without overpowering the water. Lemons enhance the overall flavor and balance out the rosemary.In addition to its detox benefits, it’s stunningly beautiful in a clear carafe. 

SUPPLEMENT HIGHLIGHT: Fish Oil

When it comes to overall health benefits, it’s hard to compete with fish oil. What makes fish oil such a super supplement? It’s packed with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These powerful nutrients are like anti-inflammatories and antioxidants on steroids.

In fact, the main reason why omega-3s are so incredible is that they reduce inflammation throughout the entire body. It’s important to take fish oil year-round, and that goes for the summer too.

Plenty of supplements reduce inflammation, but fish oil does it in your joints, your blood vessels, and your brain. Inflammation is the root of most diseases, and fish oil is your secret weapon in the fight for better health.

Believe it or not, omega-3 supplements may even help you heal faster when you get a sunburn.

SHOP: Fish Oil Omega-3 Supplement

D.I.Y.:

Because the two most extreme seasons, Winter + Summer, can really take a toll on our outer physical body, we are supplying you with not one, but TWO, do-it-yourself recipes this month. Stay refreshed and supple with a hydrating eye mask and silky hair mask.

CUCUMBER ROSEWATER EYE MASKS

• 1/2 Cucumber

• 2 Tablespoons Rosewater

• Cotton Rounds

Cut your cotton rounds into two half-moon shapes. This mask should take quite a few pairs, so cut more than you think you’ll need.

In a blender, puree the cucumber and rose water until liquified. Transfer to a bowl, then soak the cotton rounds in the mixture, squeeze out the excess, and then re-soak for optimal absorption. Store the extra soaked cotton rounds in a resealable bag in the freezer for future use.

Thaw the eye pads for about 10 minutes before you use them, but make sure they are still cool, as the temperature will also help with reducing puffiness. To apply, place the half-moon eye pad underneath the eye close to the bottom lash line. Leave on for 10–15 minutes.

COOKED RICE + COCONUT MILK HAIR MASK

• 1/4 Cup Cooked Rice

• 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

• 4-6 Drops Black Castor Oil (Optional)

Combine both rice and coconut milk in a blender. If using, add 4-6 drops black castor oil. Blend everything into a smooth paste. Apply to damp or dry hair for 30 mins, then wash and rinse hair.

RICE BENEFITS: Repair damage, healthy scalp, smooth rough hair

COCONUT MILK BENEFITS: Deep conditions, adds shine, strengthens hair

SHOP: Black Rice Hair Oil

SUMMER PLAYLIST | Sun Bound

The long warm days of summer have us bound for the great outdoors. Specifically the shore. Get your beach boogie on!

Before giving any of our RICA Wellness tips a try, discuss it with your healthcare or skin care professional. They may have some concerns or suggestions for your skin condition, medications you may be taking, and current health status. 

REFRESHING SUMMERTIME STAPLES