How I Achieve My Best Summertime Glow!

Summertime in Washington, D.C. is hot and humid (ugh), but it doesn’t have to be enjoyed only by staying indoors in air conditioned surroundings or suffering outside feeling miserable and sweaty. This post is all about how I like to achieve a healthy glow inside and out during the hottest season of the year.

Exercise

I’m a creature of habit. I run (or walk on rest days) 9-10K daily with yoga practice 3-4 times a week. Typically, my runs happen when I go to the gym, get on the treadmill, set my speed, and go. It’s all quite programmatic, like a checkmark I can personally tick in my head to assure myself that I’ve accomplished part of my daily routine. Since my gym and yoga studio have been closed for months, I’ve recaptured my love of running and walking outside. I have never felt better. Being in the sun, feeling the breeze, hearing the birds, and smelling the flowers while exercising have inspired a new interior glow for me this summer.

2. Plenty of Fresh Juices and Fruits

If I love hot soups, teas, and comforting pastas during wintertime, in the summertime, I’m aware of how much hydration my body needs. I’ve recently been consuming more fresh juices, fruits, and salads. I find myself drinking an entire pint of green juice and eating an entire box of strawberries right after a run (in addition to drinking a lot of water!). It’s my body letting me know that I need additional hydration during hotter weather, especially when I’m outdoors more. I find that being hydrated boosts my energy level, keeps me nourished, and allows me to glow from within.

3. Skincare Boost

I often find that the transition from the winter cold into spring/summer is when my skin craves recovery from dullness. No matter how cognizant and faithful I am with keeping my skin exfoliated and hydrated at all times, there are moments, especially after colder weather, when I find that my skin is just lackluster and desperate for replenishment. My dermatologist recently introduced me to a Quench & Restore Mask by MD Complete to step-up my skincare this summer.

MD Complete’s Quench and Restore Mask features a hyaluronic acid treatment to revitalize stressed skin, reduce blotchiness, and restore a rested and healthy complexion. Until recently, I had never tried skincare with hyaluronic acid before, and I was completely on board after finding out that the mask is cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, free of harmful chemicals and backed by medical science. Besides, how could I not trust my dermatologist’s recommendation after seeing her for nearly 15 years!

**MD Complete’s Quench & Restore Advanced Hyaluronic Acid Treatment**

MD Complete products promise dermatological results, and from my own experience from the mask, it’s very effective for smoother and plumper skin. I began applying the mask once daily to my face at nighttime and instantly fell in love with its beautiful scent of lavender and gel-like texture for the most refreshing application before bedtime. (Consult with your doctor if you have sensitive skin.)

I then began applying the mask onto my hands. Genius! Isn’t there a saying that you can always sense someone’s age by looking at their hands? I’m supportive of healthy skin and it’s not exclusive to my face. The effectiveness and versatility of the Quench & Restore Mask has completely rebooted my skincare from winter blues to summer glory.

4. Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers bring me so much joy. This summer, I’ve been learning and practicing how to arrange fresh flowers, which has brought me even more joy. I love visualizing bouquets in my head, being creative with varieties and colors, choosing the right vases for all the stems, and then arranging all the flowers to compliment each other. It is a true joy to watch my fresh flowers blossom on our coffee tables. I’m currently enjoying four vases filled with pink peonies! Fresh flowers are naturally beautiful, blissfully fragrant, and add perfect touches of color to brighten up any day and glow up my summertime!