Playing It Cool - Tips for Summertime Comfort

Trips to the beach. Neighborhood barbecues. Fireworks lighting up the sky. Summertime again approaches with its outdoor pleasures. Yet, to some of us, the most enjoyable summertime activities can be sources of dread when venturing outside means being hot, sticky and miserable. The fact is, to us real-sized women, summertime's relentless heat and humidity are enough to make us want to stay indoors with the air conditioner on full blast. But don't lock your doors just yet. We're going to tell you how to fight back and reclaim the season in total comfort.

BODY HEAT
Bathing more often than usual in lukewarm water is a summertime must to keep you feeling clean and refreshed. Try a little Arm and Hammer® baking soda in the bathwater for an extra invigorating touch. After your bath, liberally applying medicated powder (like Gold Bond™) will go a long way to keeping your body cool and rash-free. Diaparene™ Baby Powder contains no talc (i.e., metal fragments) and includes refreshing aloe and chamomile. Before you apply it, use a blow dryer (set on cool) to dry the places between skin folds; this will not only ensure that the powder doesn't become gooey, but drying your body thoroughly will help to prevent nasty skin infections. Another preventive cure for rashes and discomfort is Aveeno™ Diaper Rash Ointment. You can apply it anywhere you have a tendency to get rashes, especially in the groin area. It works for babies, why not us? When it comes to deodorants, try to avoid anything scented…ditto for perfume. Scents contain alcohol, which can lead to nasty sunburn and attracts insects. (Hate insects? Use Avon's Skin So Soft™. It's a moisturizer with sunblock that bugs inexplicably avoid). You may opt to forego deodorants altogether and instead use mineral crystal rocks. (Note: if you tend to perspire heavily, the residue from the mineral rock will just wash away--so you might want to take that into consideration). Some women make the mistake of using moisturizer on their faces in the summer; they erroneously believe that they are protecting their skin from sun and heat-related dryness. Not so! Using a facial moisturizer will clog your pores and prevent them from breathing, resulting in perspiration-not to mention acne, blackheads or other pesky skin conditions. Instead, stick to cool and light liquid astringents. Estee Lauder® makes a wonderfully effective astringent, as do most of the other major cosmetic companies.

SUMMER DRESSING
Unless you have to make a crucial presentation to a stuffy banking institution, scrap the pantyhose! Thankfully, today's "Fashion Police" no longer considers you "half-dressed" if you choose comfort over protocol. Just make sure your legs are smooth and shaved (of course, there are some who prefer the unshaven, au naturel look), and you can even add a little blush for color if you're unusually pale. If you've been wearing pantyhose merely to prevent inner thigh chafe, here's a better idea: take a pair of thin cotton leggings and snip off the legs, leaving a few inches to cover and protect your upper thighs. While we're on the subject of undergarments, put away those lacy bras and panties and save them for your lover-they are not summer-friendly. They can give you a heat rash, make you itchy and uncomfortable, and all for pretty frills that nobody will see. Trade them in for light-colored, thin cotton panties. The same holds true for bras: many women prefer cotton sports bras to the conventional nylon kind with uncomfortable underwire.When it comes to rules for all-around summer dressing, think natural. Natural fibers like linen and cotton breathe, allowing your skin to cool itself easily. Loosely woven cottons and tissue linens are very popular, and even lightweight rayons are fine. Stay away from polyester or nylon altogether; forget fabrics that cling to the body, and keep all colors light because dark colors absorb sunlight and heat. You may want to try cotton gauze sundresses for a soft, feminine look that keep you comfortable without clinging to your skin.Interestingly enough, women who have long hair might enjoy more comfort than those who don't. That's because simply putting your hair up in a high ponytail or bun will keep your neck open and exposed, something women with shorter hair may not be able to do. So get that beautiful hair off your neck and pile it on top of your head with a pretty clip or colorful scrungee: you'll feel much cooler.

EAT, DRINK AND BE COMFY
Three words: water, water, water. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking lots and lots of water-at least 64 ounces a day. Skip the caffeine and sugary substances like soda, juice and alcohol, as they'll dehydrate you. Plus-sized women in particularly hot climates are not overdoing it if they drink a gallon of water a day. If you feel thirsty, you may be getting dehydrated-so drink up!Eat light: try sticking to fruits, veggies, and fish; the latter contains salts that will help you from getting dehydrated. Save those delicious but heavy barbecued steaks for the evening when you can relax and stay cooler.

HERE COMES THE SUN
If you cannot avoid direct sunlight, make sure you wear sunscreen on all exposed areas: even on the tops of your feet, and in your lipstick. Remember that loose fabric feels better on the skin than direct sunlight, so cover up. A big, floppy sunhat will protect your head from direct heat as well as protecting your delicate facial skin from the sun's harmful rays.Here are some handy little items you can carry with you: Wet Ones Towelettes™ (witch hazel towelettes work well, too) are a great way to keep yourself cool and refreshed. You can also use a small, battery operated misting fan to gently freshen your face when you need to, though a simple spray bottle filled with water and ice will achieve the same effect. Clever new items recently available include "instant ice" packs. These little wonders--available at sporting goods stores and larger drug stores--were made for athletes' sprains. If you are caught outside and feel yourself getting overheated, pop one of these little beauties on the back of your neck and sit in the shade.No matter what your size, all it takes is a little planning, a little creativity and a little effort to keep your body comfortable in high levels of heat and humidity. Now's the time to prepare yourself so you don't miss out on all the fun summer has to offer. So get outside and enjoy yourself. Aren't you worth it?