April 17, 2024

My Summer Self Care Journey in the United Kingdom: 2024 Edition

My Summer Self-Care Journey in the United Kingdom: 2024 Edition

The summer of 2024 in the United Kingdom has been a wonderful opportunity to focus on my personal well-being, rejuvenation, and body care. With longer days and warmer temperatures, self-care became essential for feeling comfortable and looking radiant. My approach to self-care this summer centered around maintaining hydration, protecting my skin from the sun, exfoliating regularly, and finding the right balance between nourishment and relaxation. Here’s my journey, including the products and routines I found indispensable.

1. Staying Hydrated: Essential Summer Self-Care Tips

As temperatures soared, staying hydrated was a key priority. Internally, I carried a reusable water bottle everywhere, sipping continuously throughout the day. I also supplemented my hydration with electrolyte-infused water to replenish lost minerals during my outdoor activities. For skin hydration, I sought lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers designed for warm weather. My favorite product was a gel-based moisturizer that provided all-day hydration without leaving a sticky residue.

To give my skin an extra boost of hydration, I also used a hydrating mist. With a refreshing spritz of rose or cucumber water, my face felt instantly revitalized. For deeper hydration, I turned to a water-based serum, which worked wonders by penetrating deeper layers of my skin. This ensured my skin felt supple, and I stayed free from the dryness that summer heat can cause.

2. Protecting My Skin with SPF Sunscreen and Lip Balm

When it comes to summer self-care, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is non-negotiable. Even with the unpredictable weather in the United Kingdom, I made sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 daily. This helped shield my skin from sunburn, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. My sunscreen had a lightweight, non-greasy formula that worked seamlessly under makeup.

However, sun protection shouldn’t stop at the face and body. I also used an SPF-infused lip balm to keep my lips moisturized and protected from the sun’s rays. This prevented chapping and sunburn and ensured that my lips stayed soft and hydrated throughout my adventures.

3. Exfoliate and Refresh: The Ultimate Summer Skincare Routine

Summer brings sweat, sunscreen buildup, and exposure to urban pollution, all of which can clog pores. I found exfoliation to be key in keeping my skin clear and radiant. Using a gentle exfoliator twice a week, I sloughed off dead skin cells and impurities. This revealed fresher, smoother skin and ensured that my other skincare products absorbed better.

After exfoliating, I followed up with an alcohol-free toner that helped restore my skin’s pH balance. This provided a refreshing and cooling sensation, shrinking my pores while prepping my skin for serum and moisturizer. My final step was a brightening serum that helped fade dark spots, providing a luminous glow that reflected the summer sunlight beautifully.

4. Taking Care of My Hair: UV Protection and Nourishing Masks

The sun, salt, and chlorine are notorious for damaging hair, so I knew I needed a solid hair care routine. Once a week, I used a nourishing hair mask that replenished moisture and restored softness. Its blend of essential oils and natural extracts helped repair and strengthen my strands, especially after swimming in chlorinated pools.

In addition to deep conditioning, I relied on a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to shield my hair from the sun. This lightweight spray prevented my hair from becoming brittle and kept frizz at bay. For added protection, I embraced my sun hat collection, which also complemented my summer style.

5. Pampering My Feet with Foot Care Essentials

In summer, sandals expose our feet to the world, so it’s important they look and feel their best. I made sure to regularly exfoliate my feet using a pumice stone or foot scrub to remove dead skin. After exfoliation, I used a rich foot balm daily to keep my heels and toes moisturized, preventing dry, cracked skin. My favorite foot balm contained shea butter and peppermint oil, which left my feet feeling soft and refreshed.

To complete my foot care routine, I indulged in an at-home pedicure kit that included a nail file, cuticle oil, and bright nail polish. This ensured my feet remained smooth and polished, adding a splash of color that was perfect for summer footwear.

6. Finding Time to Unwind: Mindful Relaxation Practices

Summer self-care also involves taking time to unwind mentally and emotionally. I found solace in daily yoga sessions at my local park, where the fresh air and sunshine made my practice even more enjoyable. Gentle stretching and focused breathing helped me release tension and foster mindfulness.

In the evenings, I loved taking walks along the coast, soaking in the stunning sunsets and gentle breeze. At home, I transformed my bathroom into a sanctuary using aromatic bath salts and calming essential oils. Lavender and chamomile scents helped melt away stress, while warm baths soothed my muscles after an active day.

7. Nourishing My Body: Healthy Summer Nutrition

To fuel my summer adventures, I embraced a vibrant and healthy diet. Fresh salads featuring locally grown greens and juicy fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon became my go-to meals. They were not only refreshing but also packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants. For extra nourishment, I made cooling smoothies with ingredients like spinach, coconut water, mango, and chia seeds, providing a delicious blend of nutrients and hydration.

I also added supplements to my daily routine to support my hair, skin, and nails from the inside out. Vitamins C and E provided antioxidants, while biotin and collagen helped maintain my hair and skin’s strength and elasticity.

Check out some of the product suggestion:

• Use LSW Mind Cards  for some prompts to enjoy, such as buy a stranger a coffee.
  The LSW Mind Cards are a wonderful way to prompt yourself to find ways to reflect, journal, reflect and ritual.
• Spend some time with a Morning Journal. The LSW morning notes are a wonderful way to start the day. Summer mornings give us so much to be grateful for and make it easier to start a morning routine compared to the winter days.
• As the winter months end, how about rejuvenating your skin with a wonderful body oil. Nourish your skin for some time in the sun this summer 2024. Giving yourself a glow!

8. Final Thoughts on My 2024 UK Summer Self-Care

Summer in the UK is a season of lush landscapes and long days, perfect for self-care and relaxation. By prioritizing hydration, sun protection, exfoliation, and hair and foot care, I felt radiant and confident throughout. My skincare routines, nourishing nutrition, and mindful relaxation practices allowed me to embrace the warmth and beauty of the season fully. Here’s to making self-care my top priority and enjoying another blissful summer in 2024!