Natural Summer Solutions: Beat the Heat, Bugs, and Sun Damage

As summer winds down, those lingering reminders of the season—mosquitoes, intense UV rays, and sun-damaged skin—don't have to dampen your outdoor fun. On this week's Wellness Wednesday, Clark's Nutrition expert Starkie Sowers shared his top natural solutions for common summer challenges.

Natural Bug Defense

For mosquito protection, Sowers recommends Nantucket Spider candles that you literally light on fire to create a pest-free zone. The candles not only work effectively but also smell amazing, making them perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Safe Sun Protection

When it comes to sunscreen, Sowers advocates for zinc oxide-based products without oxybenzone and other potentially problematic compounds. His top pick is Badger sunscreen, which contains over 18% zinc oxide—the ideal concentration for protection. While zinc-based sunscreens can leave a slight white residue, Sowers suggests applying Badger balm on top to help it absorb and reduce the ghostly appearance.

After-Sun Recovery

For post-sun skin care, Alba Intense Hydration Body Oil emerged as Sowers' new favorite after his previous go-to product was discontinued. The organic, all-natural oil smells like "cocoa butter and summer" and provides intense hydration for sun-exposed skin.

Smart Hydration

To stay properly hydrated during these final weeks of summer heat, Sowers introduced Great Electrolytes, a new product made with celery, coconut, and other natural ingredients. 

These natural solutions prove you don't need harsh chemicals to enjoy the remainder of summer safely and comfortably.

Wellness Wednesday airs every week on NBC Palm Springs and is sponsored by Clark's Nutrition Natural Foods Market.