Beauty and the Beach

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and I imagine many of us spent the unofficial start of Summer at beaches around the world. Running off that assumption, I figured now would be an appropriate time to focus on some of the beauty benefits provided by the beach.

Birds at the water's edge in Jax Beach, Florida

Sun
1. Let's begin with the most obvious: A tan. Who doesn't look just a little more alive with a nice, healthy suntan? Watch out for tanning oils, though; don't fry yourself. A hot, red sunburn doesn't look appealing on anyone, so wear sunscreen. Lately, it seems I've been hearing SPF 30 or above is best, though once you reach 50, nothing higher really makes a difference. You'll still get a tan, it will just take a little longer, and you'll forgo that whole terribly uncomfortable, very unattractive sunburn.
2. The sun is a natural source of Vitamin D--but be careful; it also naturally depletes your Vitamin E.
3. For years, one of my beloved college roommates refused to believe that I never had (still never have) dyed my hair or had it highlighted. She simply could not believe that the blond highlights in my dark blond hair were natural--but they were, with the help of a little sun and lemon juice. Lemon juice is a less expensive, more natural alternative to dyes or professional highlights. Simply get your hair wet, towel dry, and apply lemon juice, using a squirt bottle or a spray bottle, whichever you prefer. Then, lay back and let the sun do the rest. Bonus: The juice grows rather stick as it dries in your hair, and leaves it with a scrunchy, beach-hair look. Caution: If you get back in the water after applying lemon juice, be careful not to let it run into your eyes. It stings quite potently.

The view looking towards Coquina Beach from Body Island Light House, the Outer Banks, North Carolina

 Sand
1. Walking on sand naturally exfoliates the skin on your feet. Anyone up for a long walk on the beach? ;-)
2. Running on sand strengthens the muscles in your ankles and feet. If you have never run on sand before, start with the moist sand near the water's edge, which is more hard-packed and stable, and wear shoes. As you become more adept at running on the sand, you can start to go barefoot and spend more of your run on the looser sand further from the water's edge.
3. Walking or running on sand works different muscle groups than does walking or running on pavement or concrete, and works those muscle groups in new ways.

A calm day on the water where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay on the Northern Neck of Virginia

Salt Water
1. Some people claim that swimming in salt water has helped to clear up their acne.
2. Some proponents of natural healing believe salt water has general healing effects, particularly on skin infections and skin disorders. 

Fast Fitness Tip: To speed up your metabolism (and avoid bloating while in your bikini), eat five to six small meals every three hours or so, as opposed to three large meals. Doing so staves off hunger while keeping your metabolism constantly at work.