Summer scents

If, like many, you’re staying local this summer, don’t despair. There are simple ways you can bring that tropical island getaway to your very own doorstep. What if we said opening your favourite body lotion or crème, breathing it in and applying it could transport you to your own private island? Think clear blue skies, water you can see your toes in and soft white sand. Clere’s Limited Edition Tropical Fruits body crème and lotion is making the scent of summer a reality.

It’s long been proven that smell, more than any of our senses, has the power to bring back fond memories, change your mood, ease your tension, and boost your mental clarity. Clere’s Tropical Fruits, an infusion of fruity fragrances, comprises citrus, coconut and tropical notes does just this, says Stacy Roberts, Clere brand custodian.

When a smell reaches your brain, it can trigger the release of feel-good endorphins and serotonin. One mood lifting scent, in particular, is the smell of citrus and Vitamin C enriched fruit. “We know when it comes to the end of the year, burn out is a reality and all people can think of is the holidays ahead. We created Clere Tropical Fruits with this in mind, and included citrus as the perfect pick-me-up scent,” adds Roberts. So instead of reaching for your fifth cup of coffee take a great big whiff of your body lotion. Simply sniffing the fruit can help boost energy and alertness.

It’s also all too easy, with last minute work stress, to neglect your skin as the summer heat sets in. Our skin isn’t as dry and itchy as it is in the winter, however skimping on skin care isn’t a good idea.

Roberts provides the following tips for looking after your skin in summer:

Moisturise your skin

It’s tempting to ease up on moisturising because your skin may not feel as dry. But good moisturisers work over time, promoting healthy skin with consistent use. We don’t stop eating well or exercising in the summer, so we shouldn’t stop caring for our skin. Use a body moisturiser like Clere’s Tropical Fruits; a rich gel formulation, enhanced with a NutriRich combination of Glycerine Gel, Tissue Oil, Vitamins E & A and Natural Moisturising Factors.

Exfoliate

Dead skin cells sit on the surface making your skin look dull, rough and dry. By exfoliating, you’ll remove these cells, allowing your more radiant, healthier summer skin to shine through. Exfoliating also allows skin cells to regenerate quicker, helping to keep ageing at bay.

Drink lots of water

Drinking water benefits how well your body functions and ultimately affects how your skin looks and feels. Proper hydration helps flush toxins from your body. When toxins build up, they cause organs such as your kidneys to work less efficiently, which has a direct impact on your skin. Sip water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.

SPF

The sun’s rays are incredibly harmful to our skin. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 onto your skin every day.

Rest

Lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, which may slow the production of collagen in the skin. When our skin stops producing collagen, it begins to lose elasticity and starts looking tired and worn. Rest and get as much sleep as you can before the mad rush of the New Year begins. (29 November 2018)