Beat Bug Bites
Beat the Bite
Summer is in full swing, but before you load up your camping gear for the weekend, think about this: It’s Monday morning, you have a full day of rehearsal and you’re covered in bug bites. Ugh! Don’t worry—we can help you ditch the itch with natural bug-bite remedies. Try these simple solutions to help you stop scratching.
Lavender
Mix one teaspoon of lavender essential oil with two tablespoons of a base oil, like vegetable or olive, and rub onto affected areas for instant relief.
Why it works:
Lavender oil is an antiseptic that stops itching and reduces swelling. You can buy it at any health food store.
Toothpaste
Apply a tiny dollop of toothpaste to each bite and cover with a bandage to relieve itching.
Why it works
: Toothpaste dries out the bite, alleviating irritation.
Raw Onion
Rub a slice of raw onion on the bite until the pain eases.
Why it works
: Onions contain enzymes that are able to break down the pain-causing chemical your body releases in response to the bite. They’re also a great source of quercetin, a chemical that reduces inflammation.
Meat Tenderizer
Use a teaspoon of meat tenderizer powder and several drops of water to make a paste that you can apply to your bites to soothe pain.
Why it works
: Meat tenderizer contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins in insect venom.
Tip: To avoid getting bitten, don’t wear perfume.
Did You Know?
It’s not just blond hair that can be damaged by the chlorine, copper and other chemicals found in swimming pool water. Although blondes may get the worst of it (bright green hair!), all hair types and hues can become dried out and faded when exposed to these chemicals. Avoid looking like a rock star gone wrong by spraying a lightweight conditioner, like Kenra Daily Provision, on your locks before jumping in the pool. For bleached blondes, we recommend a stronger formula: Reflect H20 Swim Shampoo.
Five-Minute Pedi
It’s amazing what cute toes can do for tired, sore feet, especially when you can show them off in a pair of summer sandals. Follow these quick and easy steps for fabulous feet in no time!
Step 1:
Disinfect your feet and remove any previous polish. We love All About Feet Massaging Foot Soap. It cleanses and relaxes at the same time.
Step 2:
Use a pumice stone to smooth your heels and remove dead skin, but be sure to leave those hard-earned calluses, especially if you often dance barefoot or on pointe.
Step 3:
Lather on a heavy-duty moisturizer, focusing on the driest patches of your feet.Paint your toenails with a bright, summery polish. Our pick: OPI’s Big Apple Red.
Quick Tip:
It’s sweltering outside, so your sweat glands are working overtime to keep your body cool. Prevent nasty breakouts by using a towel (instead of your hands!) to wipe off your sweat.
