Natural Body Washes

Especially in warm months, stock up on essential oils and aromatherapy blends to refresh you through even the stickiest heat. “Stimulating essential oils such as eucalyptus, spruce, pine, peppermint, spearmint, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, juniper, and basil are perfect when you need a quick pick-me-up on a hot summer day,” says Stephanie Tourles, licensed esthetician, herbalist, and author of Natural Foot Care.

“Whether you inhale these oils directly from the bottle, as drops on a tissue, or indirectly via a shampoo, cream, or other formula, they can bring instant refreshment and invigoration,” she adds. “Many oils also have powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties to help heal and protect skin from burns, cuts, poison ivy, and other summer ailments.”

Spray Misters
To wake up your whole body, try a few spritzes from a mister. The combination of water, essential oils, and herbs can cool and freshen skin, as well as stimulate your senses.

“An aromatherapy spray mist can be delightfully refreshing and cooling and can be used just about anywhere and at any time,” says Tom Havran of Aura Cacia. “They can be used all over the body, and they are also a great way to freshen your feet. If you really like a cold blast, chill the spray in the refrigerator or on ice before use.” Mist your hair, face, and neck for a quick refresher on hot days or after exercise.

If you prefer something specifically formulated for your face, choose complexion sprays with ingredients that can nourish, soothe, and protect. Botanicals like extracts of horse chestnut, fennel, and yarrow provide your skin with beneficial nutrients, while aloe vera and chamomile help calm irritated skin. For antioxidant protection, choose vitamins A and E to help defend against free-radical damage.

Body Washes and Gels
When summer temperatures soar and you begin to wilt, there’s nothing like a cool-water shower or bath to bring you back to life. Cool or tepid water can relieve irritated skin, as well as invigorate and revitalize your mind and body.

Choose body washes and gels with essential oils, which can clean without drying the skin. “Natural gels and body washes may not contain harsh detergents that can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling cracked and dry,” says Brad Black of EO Products. “Instead, gels can cleanse and moisturize with aloe vera and vitamin E.”

An aromatherapy body wash allows you to enjoy the benefits of essential oils in the bath or shower. “Since body washes are packaged in a bottle, these essential oils will not dissipate in the same way as essential oils in a soap would. Soaps are usually left out in a dish, where essential oils can quickly evaporate into the air,” adds Black.

Natural Wipes and Towelettes
Skin tends to get dirtier in the summer when heat and humidity trap airborne pollutants that stick to the skin, making it look dull and unhealthy. “When heat and humidity levels rise, smog and other environmental toxins are trapped closer to the ground,” says Tourles. “Skin also perspires more with increased humidity, creating a dampness that acts like a magnet for pollen, dirt, and other airborne pollutants. If perspiration and summer grime are allowed to accumulate on the skin, it can lose its clarity and brightness.” When perspiration remains on your skin, your pores can become easily clogged, making you more prone to acne.

Believed to aggravate skin conditions including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, air pollution has also been found to strip vitamin E from the uppermost layer of the skin. Topical vitamin E is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from free-radical damage caused by factors like ultraviolet light and air pollution.