Summer Skin Troubleshooting Guide
Summer is my favorite season here in Montana.
It means hiking trails, evenings at the lake, backyard barbecues, camping trips, and as much time outside as we can squeeze in before winter returns.
Unfortunately, all that fresh air comes with its own collection of skin challenges.
Over the years I've learned that you don't need an overflowing medicine cabinet to handle these issues, you just need a few products that truly work.
Here's what I'd pack for almost every summer adventure.
Too Much Sun
Best first step: Pure aloe vera.
If your skin is pink, warm, or tender after too much sun, aloe vera is hard to beat. Look for one that's close to 100% aloe without added dyes, alcohol, or artificial fragrance. I like this one.
Once the heat has subsided, a nourishing moisturizer can help support the skin as it recovers.
Follow with: Tallow Balm
Tallow helps replenish the skin barrier with vitamins A, D, E, and K while providing the fatty acids needed for repair.
Avoid: Heavy exfoliation or products containing alcohol until your skin has healed.
Bug Bites
Nothing ruins an evening faster than mosquitoes.
To calm itchy bites:
- Wash the area gently.
- Spray with hypochlorous acid to keep irritated skin clean.
- Apply a small amount of tallow balm to soothe dryness and support healing.
- Resist scratching whenever possible.
Poison Ivy or Mild Skin Irritation
Wash the area thoroughly as soon as possible.
Cool compresses can reduce itching.
For irritated, dry skin after the initial rash has settled, a gentle moisturizer can help support recovery.
If symptoms are severe or widespread, consult your healthcare provider.
Chafing
Long hikes and hot days can leave skin raw.
To help prevent chafing:
Apply a thin layer of tallow balm (I prefer the whipped version for this) anywhere skin rubs together before activity.
The natural fats create a breathable protective barrier that reduces friction while conditioning the skin.
Windburn
Wind can be just as drying as the sun.
A nourishing balm helps replace lost lipids and protects the skin from continued moisture loss.
This is one of my favorite uses for tallow during every season.
Dry Skin After Swimming
Whether it's chlorine or saltwater, swimming can leave skin feeling tight.
Rinse off when possible.
Then apply tallow balm while skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.
Razor Burn
A gentle application of hypochlorous acid can calm freshly shaved skin.
Follow with tallow balm to soothe irritation and restore moisture.
😓 Heat Rash
Move into a cool environment.
Wear loose, breathable clothing.
Hypochlorous acid can help keep irritated skin clean while the rash resolves.
Avoid heavy occlusive products until the skin has cooled.
Dry Lips
Sun, wind, and dehydration all show up first on our lips.
Keep a nourishing lip balm nearby and apply frequently throughout the day.
🧴 The Simple Summer Skin Kit
If I were packing one small bag for the entire summer, it would include:
✔️ Tallow Balm
✔️ Lip Balm
✔️ Oil Cleanser (especially for removing sunscreen)
Those six products cover almost every skin challenge my family encounters from May through September.
Less Stuff. Better Ingredients.
One thing you'll notice about this list is that every product has multiple jobs.
That's intentional.
I don't believe in buying something for every tiny skin issue.
I believe in choosing high-quality products that earn their place in your home.
Have a wonderful summer, and don't forget the sunscreen.