Our Favorite Products for Healthy Summer Skin and Hair
July 1st, 2009Summer is officially here! For many people as the seasons change so do our skin and hair care needs. Here are a few of our favorite products to address common summer hair and skin care concerns.
Shea and Virgin Coconut Enriching Hair Lotion
For those with even a slight amount of curl in their hair, summertime humidity can create a losing battle with frizz. Hair is also especially vulnerable to the drying UV-rays, salt water and chlorine that come with summertime fun. It’s no wonder swimmers, surfers and coastal populations (hello Hawaii!) are big fans of Alaffia’s Shea and Virgin Coconut Enriching Hair Lotion.
Our Hair Lotion works as a styling product to tame frizz while smoothing and defining curl. As leave-in conditioner, the Hair Lotion hydrates and protects all hair types and is especially recommended for curly hair and Locs.
Handcrafted Shea Butter
In recent clinical trials, shea butter was found to help to protect skin against climate and UV aggressions, prevent wrinkle formation, soothe, and moisturize irritated and chapped skin. While rich and creamy, shea butter readily absorbs into skin making it the ideal year-round moisturizer.
Sun & Wind Exposure
Shea butter’s level of UV protection is extremely variable, ranging from approximately SPF 8 to SPF 15 in raw, handcrafted shea butter. Since our shea butter is completely unrefined and standardization methods are not used to guarantee SPF content, we recommend using our Handcrafted Shea Butter as a skin nourishing treatment after sun exposure. It is important to use an SPF rated sunscreen before sun exposure. Shea butter can be used before known wind exposure to help prevent chapping, or after to soothe.
First Aid
The inherent antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of raw, handcrafted shea butter make it a natural first aid ointment for the casualties of summer vacation. Apply liberally to small cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings. Shea butter can also be an effective treatment for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections more common during warmer months.
Extreme Dryness & Cracking
Dry cracked heels are not only unsightly but can be a very painful chronic condition; left untreated, cracked heels and feet are at risk of infection. Alaffia’s Handcrafted Shea Butter is the ultimate treatment to heal and prevent extreme dryness and cracking. Apply to feet twice daily after thoroughly washing and drying to soothe, heal and renew skin.
Shea & Baobab Refreshing Facial Toner or Rooibos and Shea Antioxidant Facial Toner
Clinical research shows that heat either increases the production of sebum or enables it to flow more freely to the surface. The combination of excess oil and sweat can quickly clog pores. To triumph over oily summer skin try using one of Alaffia’s witch hazel-based toners. Witch hazel is a gentle astringent that tightens and tones pores while removing excess oil. Witch hazel is also a rich source of soothing, anti-inflammatory tannins. And unlike alcohol-based toners, ours will not dry skin, leading to a reactive increase in oil production.
Traditionally toners are used after cleansing and before moisturizing but try misting toner on throughout warm, sticky days to refresh and protect your complexion.
Shea Butter Daily Cleansing Milk
The long, warm, rain-free days of summer are an invitation to go by bike or by foot. Unfortunately the very same conditions that make for a blissful car-free commute can bring increased air pollution. Carcinogenic particulates such as smog and car exhaust accumulate in urban areas on hot days and can stick to your skin. Remember that the skin is our largest organ and first line of defense against toxins.
After time spent outdoors – especially after cycling in traffic or walking in busy city streets, try cleansing your face with our Shea Butter Daily Cleansing Milk. This creamy, lotion-like cleanser has a base of kaolin clay that acts like a sponge soaking up oil-based impurities and binding them to water so they are cleanly washed away.
Neem Oil
Alaffia Basics Neem oil is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Use it to spot treat fungal infections, which can be more prevalent in warm, humid climates.
To use Neem as a natural insect repellent apply a small amount of the oil on exposed areas of skin prior to time spent outdoors.
Do you have another Alaffia summertime favorite not mentioned above? Please tell us about it!
For more information about these and other Alaffia products click here or inquire at your local natural products retailer.












