Nidasii Beauty Tip: It's Summer & I ❤ It Skin

I have gone on record numerous times already proclaiming my love of the hazy, hot & humid days of SUMMER! Generally from May through mid September you can find me sneaking in every way possible to enjoy the beautiful warm weather outdoors. Don't be surprised if you see me lunching at an outdoor cafe in Harlem or Soho, jogging along the Hudson river taking in the beautiful view or meeting up with one of my besties for a stroll through her D.U.M.B.O. neighborhood. But, if you're like me and you become a bit more outdoorsy than usual your going to want to your skin to look and feel it's best! Here are a few tips.

EXFOLIATE

Are you really surprised by this one? If you want your skin to glow this summer your going to have to get rid of last seasons dull, dead skin. In order to do that you MUST exfoliate. Exfoliating removes dead skin found at the surface of our skin. When the dead skin has been removed the younger, vibrant skin beneath is revealed giving you an instant summer glow. Be sure to exfoliate from head to toe once or twice a week to keep that summer glow! Nidasii Beauties love Mango-go & Coconut Punch Sugar Rush during summer months.

SUNSCREEN

Now that you have exfoliated from head to toe you need to protect your precious glowing skin from harmful UV (ultra violet) rays so be sure to apply and re-apply your SPF several times a day. I believe, no matter how dark or light you are we all should use an SPF of 50 especially during summer. And, ladies I know most facial moisturizers on the market don't seem to have an SPF higher than 30. During summer we are exposed to the suns rays for a longer period of time  so it's extremely critical we make sure our faces are protected by using a sunscreen with a SPF of 50. If your facial moisturizer is not available in an SPF of 50  I recommend using a sunscreen that may not be designed specifically for your face and dabbing it lightly onto your face. You don't have to be as heavy handed with it as you would all over your body if your concerned about it feeling too heavy on your face. I also recommend using a sweat proof formula......trust me on this one. As the tag line to this blogs states "I'm a Product Junkie" & I've tried it enough times to know if you don't use a sweat proof formula as the day goes on and your skin becomes a tad oilier it can get into your eyes. If you have sensitive eyes like me lets just say it's something you don't want to experience if you don't have too. To avoid this you can apply a pressed powder to keep your face oil free. Pressed powders are translucent so if your going Au Natural it won't leave your skin with an ashy cast. Before I end my rant on SPF I want all of you to make sure your using a broad spectrum SPF that says it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If an SPF lotion is marked as "Broad Spectrum" it MUST also indicate that it protects against UVA and UVB rays. It's not broad spectrum if it doesn't.

MOISTURIZE

Now that you've exfoliated and protected your skin it's time to moisturize! I know we all have our preferences about our body moisturizers during summer months. Some like to use creamier shea butter based creams & butters while others opt for something lighter. No matter what your preference be sure to keep your skin moisturized because the sun can also be drying to skin especially in less humid regions.

HYDRATE

Last, but definitely not least. Be sure to drink plenty of water daily to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration is a major issue during summer months so it's extremely important we remain hydrated. It beautifies from the inside out.

Beauty Benefits of Oatmeal

Beauties I ❤❤❤ what oatmeal does for my skin. I use it almost daily to wash my face in the morning. Sometimes I use it alone by pouring some in my hand and placing my closed fist under running water. Then sometimes I mix it with my daily facial cleanser. I will tell you one thing since I made oatmeal a staple in my daily beauty regimen I've had no break outs! That's right NO break outs. And I can't forget to mention my skin tone has become more even. Not to mention that my skin appears and feels highly hydrated.

BEAUTY BENEFITS OF OATMEAL

1. Moisturizing - Oatmeal contains tons of healthy fats that naturally add moisture to skin
2. Saponin - is a soap like foam that oatmeal forms when it makes contact with water or any other aqueous solution. It acts as a natural cleanser. (Take a look at the photo attached)
3. Pore Cleanser - The saponins found in oatmeal gently remove oil and dirt from pores

DID YOU KNOW

The proteins found in oatmeal form a natural barrier when applied to skin. That means it keeps all the pollutants and free radicals out. By forming this barrier it helps skin retain the natural oils it produces. Which results in moisturized skin.

OATMEAL BATH SOAK

Did you know you can create your own oatmeal bath soak by grinding oatmeal into a fine powder and pouring it into your bath water. This is an all around must for all skin types, however, it's ideal for anyone suffering from eczema, like I have as a child, or any skin irritations. Oatmeal is naturally calming for all skin types because of it's anti inflammatory properties.

BEAUTY REMIX RECIPE:

1. Grind oatmeal to fine powder in a food processor or coffee grinder
2. Pour oatmeal powder into a glass container or bowl
3. Add honey to the oatmeal powder & mix until both honey & oatmeal powder are combined
4. You can add a bit of warm water if it becomes too thick for your liking
5. Next apply to damp or wet skin

This recipe can be used on both face and body. If you want to create an exfoliating paste try mixing in a few whole pieces of oatmeal to this paste for the best soothing & calming treatment for your skin.

10 Healthy Summer Hair Tips

CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION
 Conditioning hair during summer months is critical because it not only keeps the hair moisturized it also acts as a barrier against the drying effects of sweat, salt water & chlorine.

GO SULFATE FREE Sulfates are detergents found in some shampoos that not only strip hair of dirt and debris they also strip hair of its natural oils. When shampooing hair this summer opt for a sulfate free shampoo. It won't leave your hair feeling stripped, dry or crunchy. Then follow up with a nourishing & hydrating conditioner.

KEEP HEAT AWAY FROM HAIR Summer is the best time to embrace your natural hair texture. For starters, there are the wash and go styles and twist outs. Not to mention...FREEDOM...you don't have to run for cover at the first hint of rain. When you keep heat away from hair it always appears healthy & shiny because its retaining moisture. So even on those days when you throw on a head band and decide to let your hair do its own thing its going to look cute because your curly coils will be defined and shiny.

USE NATURAL OILS Now this is more of a DIY tip, but, you know I'm the queen of beauty DIY's. This summer I encourage you to create hair masks by adding a few drops of nourishing oils like avocado, macadamia or olive oil to your regular conditioner. With most conditioners this will create a slightly creamier texture making it an ideal leave in conditioner.

MASK YOUR HAIR BEFORE A WORK OUT Since summer has unofficially started many of us are working hard to keep our bodies tight and toned. Even more of us are working out doors exposing our hair to the drying effects of sun and sweat. Even worse, this drying combination can lead to unwanted breakage. Protecting hair with a mask like the one mentioned above in step 5 will help you avoid this. This tip is especially useful if your gym has a steam room. Sitting in the steam room for at least 10 minutes after a workout will not only do wonders for your muscles it will do wonders for your hair! If you give it a try be sure to use a plastic cap. Your going to love the end result!!

AIR DRY This summer refuse the temptation to use your diffuser or hair dryer. Instead, air dry your hair. After you shower wrap an old t-shirt or towel around your hair to absorb excess moisture. Then remove and allow your hair to air dry. This is ideal for those wash and go days.

LOAD UP ON WATER & PROTEIN Believe it or not everything we ingest orally eventually makes it's way to our hair. Drinking plenty of water will not only plump our hair with moisture it will also transport vital minerals and nutrients to our hair shaft. Eating healthy proteins such as eggs and fish are a great way to strengthen hair from the inside out.

 USE NIGHT TIME PROTECTION At night be sure to protect natural hair by styling it in protective twists or up do's, moisturizing ends and covering with a satin scarf or bonnet. This will keep your hair tangle free allowing you to retain length and prevent breakage.

SEAL IT After hydrating hair with a bit of water and applying a cream or oil to add moisture be sure to use castor oil or shea butter to seal ends. Our mango-go whipped body butter is our favorite summer time hair sealant. We know that's a shameless plug be we couldn't help it!

 DUST ENDS If your unfamiliar with dusting it's when such a small amount of hair is cut it actually looks like dust. Many naturalistas do this to help maintain length by removing only strands with
broken ends.