How To Survive The Heat This Fall
Texas heat can be brutal for those who do not know how to handle it. Learning how to prepare for it can be tricky because we are one of those states that have prolonged periods of heat and warmth.
Refresh Yourself
Being out in the hot sun can make anyone a little hot and sweaty, and on occasion, stinky. As we perspire, bacteria break down our sweat which causes body odor. Disgusting, I know.
One way to prevent this foul stench from coming out of you is to apply deodorant before you start sweating and get out in the heat, otherwise, it may just add to the smell. Keeping a small travel-sized version of any sort of deodorant with you can be extremely helpful as the day continues to be warm. Some of the best deodorants to use are natural ones. A lot of popular brands tend to have cancer-causing chemicals in them, so the safest route to take when choosing a deodorant is to find an organic and all-natural one.
The hot air calls for a light floral-y perfume, such as Marc Jacob’s Daisy. The scent is light enough for you to notice but not strong enough to give you a headache in this sweltering heat. Keeping a roll-on version of the perfume with you in your backpack or purse allows you to have access to it whenever you feel like things may be getting a little funky.
Wear Something Light
Light can have two meanings in this sense; the color and the fabric.
Wearing light colors as opposed to dark ones in the heat allows sweat to not get absorbed inside the article of clothing, leaving you to feel more refreshed and cool. Colors such as white or any pastels can be very helpful in all-encompassing the heat. They can make being outside much more bearable.
Fabrics such as cotton are lightweight. These do not make you sweat as much as other heavier fabrics like denim. Another great fabric to wear in the heat is dri-fit. It is designed to absorb sweat and keep you dry. No sweat stains for you. Both of these fabrics are comfortable and can be found in many pieces of clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and leggings. Paired with one another, these fabrics are a sure-fire way to keep you fresh.
To keep your feet from getting smelly, wear sandals. And, it gives you a chance to show off your cute pedicure! Sandals come in a variety of colors, styles, and designs. Make sure the ones you get are comfortable and durable.
H Y D R A T E
DRINK WATER.
I cannot stress how important it is to remain hydrated throughout these rough Texas heatwaves. Drinking water has more benefits than just keeping you hydrated and, you know, alive. It can also help clear the toxins from your body by excreting them and if you drink enough, your skin will become noticeably more clear and dewy. Carrying around your own personal water bottle can help you keep track of your intake, keep it cool for a long time, and it allows you to bring more water with you than the average plastic bottle. Also, it doesn’t hurt that you are helping to save the environment. Adding lemon and cucumbers to your water can help you stay refreshed and add more flavor to it. This tip also makes me want to drink it more frequently throughout the day.
There are going to be times where water just may not cut it. If you do decide to supplement it, put ice in whatever else you choose so that you stay cool. For example, opt-out of getting a hot coffee and substitute it for an iced one. Sports drinks are also great because they keep your electrolytes balanced while tasting super good.
Protect Your Skin
This is definitely, by far, the most important tip of all. If you are only going to take away one thing from this article, please let it be this; USE SUNSCREEN. The higher the SPF, the better.
The sun does so much damage to unprotected skin cells, even if you are only outside for as little as five minutes. It is also known to cause several types of skin cancers like melanoma, Squamous Cell carcinoma, and Basel Cell cancer. Applying sunscreen can help prevent damage to the skin caused by UV rays that the sun projects and protect you from developing skin cancer. Put sunscreen on at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and make sure to reapply it every two hours. There are different kinds of sunscreens such as lotion, face sticks, and aerosol spray-on ones. There are many to choose from that can be easily applied.
Along with sunscreen, hats can also provide another extra layer of protection. They can shade your eyes from the sun and block it from making the top of your head too hot. Different styles can be matched with a variety of outfits.
Set Some Limits
In Texas, the sun can feel like it is beating down on you constantly but, it is actually strongest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The best time to be outside during this heat is in the early mornings or in the evening when the UV rays are at their lowest. The heat index can rise up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This differs from temperature because even though it may be 100 degrees outside but it will feel like 110. Be sure to limit your time outside in order to prevent things such as heat stroke, dehydration, or any of the other things I have previously mentioned above. If you know you are going to be outside for a prolonged period of time, make sure to find a cool area where you can easily find shade in.
