While I adore each season, I find summer to be the time when nature’s charms are the most irresistible. Whether I’m in my garden marveling at the magic of seeds turning into food and medicine, absorbing gifts of the forest while hiking with my Shepherds, or watching the wildlife enjoy the splendors of our shared home, I spend summer enveloped in the wonders of nature.

Of course, Mother Nature’s edges aren’t entirely smooth, and with summer fun comes plenty of skin problems, from bites and bumps to burns and bruises. Luckily, many natural skin care remedies can provide relief. I’m happy to share some of my favorites with you.

Natural Skin Care for Burns

The ingredient I reach for when treating minor burns is raw honey. When applied topically, honey can speed healing time and reduce infection. While many have known this over the centuries, multiple randomized controlled studies show its benefits.

Honey Burn Dressing

This honey dressing keeps burns moist and clean:

• ½ ounce raw honey

• Gauze pads

• First aid tape

How to Use: Place honey on a 3×3 gauze pad and apply, making sure to cover the burn and surrounding skin entirely. Secure with the first-aid tape. Change dressing daily.

Natural Skin Care for Bites and Stings

Spending time in the great outdoors usually means bug bites and stings. But treating these skin problems naturally is easy and inexpensive. (Prevention is also key! Always use appropriate protection, especially when there are ticks).

Treating Insect Stings

1. If stung by a bee, remove the stinger with tweezers if lodged in your skin. The edge of a credit card works quite well too!

2. Wash the affected area with soap and water.

3. Put a cold compress on it as soon as possible. If you have a witch hazel tincture on hand, mix 2 tablespoons with 2 cups of water and add ice. Swirl to make cold and use this instead of plain water.

4. Prepare Clay Paste (recipe below) and apply several times a day, as needed.

5. Consider taking diphenhydramine to reduce swelling.

Clay Paste

I use this recipe so much! It’s super fast-acting and effective at reducing itchiness, pain, and swelling caused by stings and bites.

• 2 tablespoons bentonite or French green clay

• 5 drops lavender essential oil

• 3 tablespoons water

Mix the lavender essential oil and water. Slowly add the clay to make a paste. The clay helps draw out the venom from the sting and gets rid of the itch. The lavender essential oil dramatically relieves swelling and pain.

How to Use: Apply the paste to the affected area. Cover it with plastic wrap or gauze and leave it on the affected area for 30 minutes. Repeat this in 4 to 6 hours, if needed.

Natural Skin Care for Bumps and Bruises

For centuries, people have used Arnica flowers topically to relieve bruises, strains, sprains, and swelling. I believe arnica cream or tincture should be a first-aid remedy in all households. You can purchase these online or at natural grocers and vitamin stores.

If you have an arnica cream, apply as directed to unbroken skin. If you have an arnica tincture, pour 1 tsp into 1 cup of water and use it as a compress for sprains, strains, painful spider bites, or any acute injury where there is pain and swelling. Keep in mind arnica should NOT be taken internally or used on unbroken skin.

Natural Skincare for Glowing Skin

Looking to give your skin that summer glow? Just open your fridge. Applying probiotic-rich yogurt can help replenish your skin’s natural barrier function, and honey can soothe burns, ease acne, all while moisturizing and nourishing your skin.

Honey Yogurt Mask

This mask is wonderfully cooling for sunburned skin, but it’s also great for blemishes and anytime you want your skin to glow, naturally.

• 1 tablespoon full-fat plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

How to Use: Mix the yogurt and honey. Apply to clean skin with your fingers or a clean cotton pad. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse and apply moisturizer. Repeat 2 to 3 times a week.

Revel in the Glory of Summer

With these skincare remedies in your medicine chest, I hope you enjoy all nature has to offer this summer with wild abandon!