August 06, 2025Body Care

Bare Skin Confidence

Summer on the prairies is fleeting. I spend most of the year wearing bulky, woolen layers, but suddenly, it’s just me in shorts, a tank top, and the skin I’ve been hiding all winter.

Some days that freedom feels easy. Other times, I catch the dryness on my elbows or the rough patches on my calves. I notice bumps, an uneven tone, and the reminders that skin, like the seasons, reacts to my environment. I still want to feel illuminated from within. But the effects of too much UV exposure are well documented. I want that summer glow without risking long-term sun damage.

So I turn to what works. Plant-based, nutrient-rich ingredients that care for my skin from the inside out. 

Begin Within, the Optimum Health Mantra 

I start with what I eat. Omega-3s, vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidant-rich botanicals all contribute to hydration, repair, and long-term skin resilience. 

While I get these nutrients through a colourful, fresh, and varied diet, I also supplement where I need it.

Omega Fatty Acids are a Moisture Holy Grail

You know that tight, dry feeling that comes after a day outside…? Omega-3s help with that (1). They support the skin barrier, softening dry patches and calming a bumpy texture. I notice the biggest difference in high-traffic areas like the backs of my arms and thighs. My skin feels supple and less reactive.

Fatty fish, like anchovies, mackerel, sardines are rich in omegas (and luckily canned fish is, like, totally trending right now). Other good sources include fortified eggs and vegetarian sources like flaxseed, walnuts, and hemp. 

Vitamins E and C to Defend and Brighten

When my skin tone looks uneven or dull, I turn to antioxidants. Vitamin E protects against environmental stress like sun, wind, and pollution (2). Vitamin C brightens and helps fade dark spots (3). Together, they support visible renewal and give my skin a more even, refreshed tone.

So eat your oranges, friends, as well as your avocados and leafy greens! 

Giving Love to the Forgotten Zones

It's easy to focus on my face and forget the rest. But real confidence comes from treating every inch of my skin with care.

For Texture

I exfoliate gently once or twice a week with a natural scrub or dry brush. I follow with a light AHA lotion or oil that smooths and softens over time.

Eminence's Mangosteeen Body Lotion combines antioxidants with lactic acid in a deliciously-scented moisturizing formula.

See Also: Sunshine and Self-Care: A Love Story

For Dryness and Dullness

I reach for ingredients like shea, squalane, jojoba, and aloe. Rich botanical oils applied right after a shower help seal in moisture and give my skin a healthy-looking, lasting glow.

OM Organic's Pink Coconut Aromatic Body Oil combines meadowfoam and jojoba oils with olive squalane to deliver deep hydration with a light, non-greasy texture. (It also smells like a tropical vacation!)

I exfoliate before shaving and use calming botanicals like tea tree, calendula, and willow bark. This helps prevent bumps and keeps irritation to a minimum.

Velvette's Exfoliating Mitt unclogs pores, removes tan lines, and scrubs off dry flakes to uncover soft, supple, glowing skin!

For Hyperpigmentation

Ingredients like licorice root, broccoli extract, and vitamin C work slowly but steadily to brighten dark patches and even out my tone.

Kaia Naturals Kojic Acid Brightening Body Bar: A gentle body bar powered by kojic acid and licorice root to support daily brightening—especially where dark spots linger.

Newco BroccoFusion Sulforaphane Lotion (Blood Orange & Frankincense): A lotion rich in broccoli-derived sulforaphane, designed to hydrate deeply, fight inflammation, and visibly reduce hyperpigmentation with regular use—even in sun‑stressed areas.

Summer as a Rite

I treat skincare like a rhythm. Hydrating with fruit-infused water. Taking supplements in the morning. Applying sunscreen even when I’d rather skip it. These daily habits keep my skin supported and resilient.

Eminence Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40: a lightweight, all-mineral 40 SPF with plant-based blue-light protection.

Living Libations' Everybody Loves The Sunshine: a replenishing serum that repairs sun-soaked skin with a bouquet of botanical oils.

Simple Habits, Glowing Results

  • Exfoliate one to two times per week
  • Apply rich botanical oils right after bathing
  • Take daily omega-3s and antioxidant supplements
  • Eat lots of colourful fruits & vegetables
  • Use a mineral-based sunscreen every morning

Summer invites me to bare my skin and I love every moment of it. By choosing simple, natural solutions, I feel more comfortable in my body and care for my skin in a way that lasts. 



References

Pilkington, S. M., Watson, R. E., Nicolaou, A., & Rhodes, L. E. (2011). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: photoprotective macronutrients. Experimental Dermatology, 20(7), 537-543.

Thiele, J. J., Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, S. (2005). Vitamin E in human skin: organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 28(5-6), 646-667.

Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866.








Written by Samantha E.

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