The long, hot days of summer are filled with exciting outdoor activities! Spending time on the water, exploring new trails, mountain biking, or hiking a mountain -- no matter what you love doing it’s important to take care of your body to fully enjoy the season.

Summer can take its toll on your skin, hair, and nails. Check out these tips to keep them strong, healthy, and hydrated and, of course, looking great!

Swimming, Paddle boarding, and More

If summers aren’t made for jumping off cliffs into swimming holes (safely), paddling across lakes to find secret picnic spots, or rafting through hair-raising Class 4 rapids, then we don’t know what is! During this hot, dry season you can’t help but want to dive into cool, refreshing waters whenever you get a chance. But remember, it’s important to take care of yourself while spending all that time in or on the water. 

Protect Your Skin

This should be a no-brainer, but we’re still going to say it. Wear your sunscreen! Your skin is the barrier that protects the rest of your body and sunscreen is the product that protects your skin. Here are just three of the benefits of applying sunscreen whenever you spend time outdoors. Sunscreen: 

1. Decreases your chances of developing cancer.
2. Helps maintain youthful looking skin as you age. 
3. Helps even out your skin tone and avoid brown spots.

There are sunscreens for all skin types and situations! Good Housekeeping recently published an article reviewing the 12 Best Sunscreens according to skin experts. Find the one you both like and that works for you. You’ll be more likely to make it a part of your regular routine if you like wearing it. 

Moisturize Your Hands and Nails 

All of that time in the water is fun and games until you get out, towel off, and begin to feel like a dried up starfish! Keep your skin, nails and cuticles moisturized throughout the summer months. It’s easy with Thai Essence Hand & Cuticle Oil. The 2.3 oz bottle is perfect to carry with you all season long. Simply use the convenient dropper to apply one drop on each cuticle and to the backs of your hands. Massage it in thoroughly and repeat as needed. 

Hydrate Your Hair

Another obstacle you may face during the hot season is keeping your hair hydrated, especially if you spend a lot of time in the water. And when your hair dries out under a sizzling sun it can become a hot mess before you know it! 

Consider using a hair mask once a week for a deep conditioning treatment that you can do right at home. Also, find a moisturizing spray that you can bring with you on weekend adventures. Here is a list of 10 Spray Leave-In Conditioners for you to try this summer!

Solo Summer Sports 

These long, warm days typically usher in a lot of organized sports activities. This year is certainly different when it comes to signing up for sports leagues at your local Parks Department. Take advantage of learning a solo sport that doesn’t necessarily require the coordination of teams. For example, Frisbee Golf, Kayaking, and Climbing are great sports that you can learn by yourself, through YouTube tutorials or from a safe distance of an instructor.

These are great ways to get active doing something fun! Participating in these sports can be tough on your hands and nails, though; be sure to protect both from damage. Here’s how:

Apply Sunscreen

First and foremost apply sunscreen! These summer sporting ideas take place outside and some on the water and it’s very important to properly apply sunscreen for the entirety of the game or activity! 

Stay Hydrated

It is important to drink plenty of water and also replenish with electrolytes. Not only does staying hydrated help you achieve healthier looking skin, but it decreases wrinkles, irritations and blemishes. Electrolytes regular nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body and repair damaged tissue. Combine these needs into one product such as Nuun tablets. These tablets are easily dissolved in a glass of water to provide hydration, electrolytes, minerals and caffeine!

Strengthen Your Nails

Next, protect your nails by strengthening them. Climbing and Frisbee Golf can cause broken, damaged nails. Strong, healthy nails are easily achieved with Strong Botanical Nail Strengthener. This hardening and conditioning formula contains the herb Horsetail which is rich in the nutrient silica. Silica improves the strength of the nail and also provides the nail bed with vital nutrients. This particular nail strengthener instantly supports healthy nails and is free of toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP. If you use this Nail Strengthener all summer long, you can forget about weak, thin nails! 

Hiking and Biking

Summertime hiking and biking go together like dandelions and daydreams. No matter where you live you can usually find a trail that interests you. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, walking along a river trail, biking through the woods or a more urban setting, take these precautions to protect yourself from blisters, scrapes, and other discomforts. 

Protect Your Head and Feet

First, definitely wear a helmet while you’re biking, no matter where you are riding. Secondly, (and this is one that a lot of people forget) be sure to protect your feet. If you’re pedaling terrain on a mountain, hiking a river trail or simply cycling through town, it’s important to be kind to  your feet. The key? Proper shoes. Here’s how to select footwear that will help ensure a pain free day.

It’s also important to strengthen your toenails, which take a beating all day long. They are stuffed into uncomfortable footwear, they scrape on sidewalks and they get stepped on or run over. Strengthen your nails with the Strong Botanical Strengthener from Nail Magic. Just apply it  on clean, dry nails 2-3 times per week for the first two weeks. After two weeks remove the original coat and repeat the application process. 

Moisturize & Strengthen Your Skin and Nails

Hiking, biking, and a wide variety of summer sports can dry out your skin. It’s important to moisturize before and after a day outdoors. It’s best to find a lightweight moisturizer because you’ll have to reapply more often in the summer. There are great products  like CeraVe, Cetaphil and Lubriderm available at local drugstores. Or, you can check out this list from Marie Claire of the Best Lightweight Moisturizers for Summer Weather.

After a day of playing outside, it’s important to pamper your hands and cuticles with an evening moisturizing routine. Thai Essence Hand & Cuticle Oil will have your hands feeling soft and cuticles healthy with regular use. Infused with essential oils of Lavender and Lemongrass, Thai Essence works to repair dry and damaged cuticles or hands. 

Have a Fun, Safe Summer

Get out and take advantage of all summer has to offer, especially if you live in an area where the beautiful warm weather lasts just a few short months.This is a season for exploring new activities and enjoying the outdoors. In the midst of your adventures be sure to take steps to protect and re-hydrate your hands, skin, and nails!