Whilst we love the summer, the hot weather can make managing your period more of a challenge. Check out our top 6 period essentials for the summer 👇
Hot summer days and nights can be challenging when you’re on your period. We’ve put together this handy list of our top 6 period essentials to help you stay comfortable during for the summer months:
Coconut water: Refreshing, hydrating and high in potassium
This delicious summery drink not only gives you a taste of far-away shores with every sip, but it’s also super period-friendly. Coconut water is hydrating and packed full of electrolytes. During the warm summer months, it’s important to stay hydrated. Lack of hydration can actually worsen period cramps! Coconut water can keep your hydration levels in check, plus it’s high in potassium – another mineral that can help soothe cramps. Besides making sure you’re drinking plenty of water, try a chilled glass of coconut water in the early afternoon for a refreshing, hydrating hit.
Organic cotton period care: Soft & breathable
Period care is obviously essential but we’re talking about organic cotton period care here. If you use tampons, pads or liners, try switching to organic cotton. Anecdotally, customers who use our organic cotton range say they find it more breathable and comfortable than conventional products. This may be because conventional period care products can contain up the 90% plastic! Plastic is a synthetic material that traps in heat and moisture whereas organic cotton is a naturally soft and breathable fabric. Our organic cotton tampons, pads and liners are pH-neutral and kind to your vagina. The summer is therefore the perfect time to switch, especially if you experience an uncomfortable ‘sweaty’ feeling with regular pads and liners.
Another good period care option to use instead of conventional products is a menstrual cup. Cups are soft, flexible and collect menstrual blood rather than absorb it. As they can be worn for up to 12 hours, they’re also ideal for summer camping trips or festivals.
Magnesium spray: Conveniently soothe muscle aches
Magnesium is always one of our period essentials (more on that here). Alongside enjoying magnesium-rich foods, a popular way to absorb magnesium into the body to soothe PMS pains is with a magnesium salt bath. But who wants a hot bath on a hot summer day? Plus, it’s a difficult one if you’re heading on holiday or if you’re at a festival.
Good news for magnesium fans, you can get magnesium sprays! This is a period essential for the summer because it’s handy, convenient and you don’t need to stew in a hot bath. Simply spray on the desired area (wherever you’re getting muscle aches or cramps) and massage into the skin for a few minutes. Your skin will naturally absorb the nutrients plus gentle massage can help relax sore muscles.
Pain relief patches: Soothe cramps without the heat
On a warm day or holiday abroad, just the thought of using a hot water bottle may break you out in a sweat. But if you suffer with cramps, you’ll no doubt see a hot water bottle as a period essential. If you’re seeking an alternative, then take a look at pain relief patches. Patches such as BeYou Monthly Patches contain a blend of essential oils that release over 12 hours and it can help soothe discomfort. You can wear them on the go too which is super handy for any summer adventures you’re planning that coincide with your period. If these are just not ‘your thing’ and you need your hot water bottle, try using it in front of a cooling fan to counteract the heat.
Charcoal face mask: For when hormonal skin gets sweaty
If you suffer from hormonal breakouts then you might find this gets worse during hot, summer months. This is because hormonal changes prompt your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive, producing more oil. Combine this with natural perspiration caused by sitting in a hot stuffy room and it increases the change of trapping bacteria in your pores.
You might find you’ll need to switch up your skincare routine if your skin is really struggling to seek out oil-free alternatives. We recommend also using a charcoal face mask in the evening. Charcoal absorbs excess oil, draws out impurities to leave your skin soft and refreshed. Apply in the evening for 10 minutes to give your skin a summer-friendly period pamper. Our TOTM face mask uses 98.8% natural ingredients, learn more here.
Frozen breakfast smoothie: A cold glass of nutrients
During your period your body needs support to help recover from hormonal changes and nutrient loss. On a hot day, a good way to ensure you’re nourishing your body is to to add a smoothie into your breakfast routine. If you use frozen ingredients then these are usually more affordable and you can mix up a cold, refreshing and healthy drink that’s perfect during warm weather. To make this a winner for your period, try adding in ingredients such as turmeric (good for inflammation) and spinach (rich in magnesium and iron).
These are our top of 6 period essentials for the summer, what are yours? Drop us a comment below or chat with us on socials – @totmorganic. We might just share your tip on our channels!