Hello, everyone! I am the new Communications Intern at Weleda, here to help you survive the summer heat in style, with my first blog! The transition to summer can be invigorating for the mind and body. Here are a few simple solutions to ensure your skin feels just as good as your spirit as the summer rolls in. 
1. Lighten Up! As the weather warms our facial skin becomes less susceptible to over drying as the body begins to produce natural oils more regularly. To maintain a perfect balance of moisture without leaving the skin feeling greasy, switch to one of our facial lotions in place of our richer day creams. Perfect for those in their 20s, our Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion contains jojoba seed oil and soothing witch hazel to support your skin’s natural protection against drying elements. Our Wild Rose Smoothing Lotion is a great choice for those in their 30s to help smooth fine lines and nourish skin.
2. Refresh! As much as we love the warmth, the summer heat can leave the face feeling oily and drab. For a refreshing pick-me-up during the day, combine one part Weleda Refining Toner with one part water in a spray bottle – mist lightly to cool and refresh the skin. For oil and sweat control throughout the day, try applying the toner with a cotton pad periodically. It will help refresh and clarify by removing pore-clogging residue and bacteria. Weleda’s Citrus Deodorant also comes in handy when the thermometer starts to skyrocket. “Throw a travel-size Citrus Deodorant in your bag and spritzs this non-aerosol spray throughout the day as needed to invigorate, refresh and eliminate any body odor,” says Patricia Pol, the holistic skin-care expert and esthetician, who by the way, gives the most amazing facials at our spa in Palisades, NY.
3. Deep Condition! Summer typically means trips to the pool and the beach where chlorine and salt water can wreak havoc on the hair. Try a deep-conditioning treatment a few times a week after sun exposure or swimming by applying Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil throughout the lengths and ends. Use on dry hair and leave on for about 20 minutes prior to shampooing; or for a truly intensive treatment, leave in overnight and shampoo out in the morning. “The deep-conditioning properties will restore moisture, soften split ends and add radiant shine,” says Pol.
4. Soothe and Replenish! A day in the sun can be trying on the skin and nothing is better than an all-natural body soother. Weleda Sea Buckthorn Oil is the ideal post-sun skin soother that features Biodynamic® sea buckthorn seed oil, packed with essential fatty acids that replenish vital moisture. It also features pro-vitamin A and vitamins E and C, which soften and protect the skin. “This product protects from free-radical damage and saturates the body in the aroma of sun-drenched essential oils from mandarins, oranges and grapefruits,” says Pol. And for delicate face and neck, try Weleda Pomegranate Firming Serum, which contains soothing organic aloe vera juice and pomegranate juice, rich in antioxidants, to help soothe skin and fight sun damage. It’s like a fruit cocktail for the skin--refreshing and healthy and perfect for summer.
WIN A WELEDA SUMMER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS KIT! 
HOW TO ENTER: Tell us how you keep your skin looking its best during the summer for a chance to win one of 20 Weleda Summer Essentials Travel Kits! Leave your tip in the comments section below to be entered. Be sure to login or register when prompted and leave your e-mail address. That way we will be able to contact you if you're chosen as a winner! Contest ends 7/31/11.