Gentle, Natural Ways to Keep Eczema Skin Happy in the Heat If you or your little ones deal with eczema, you know summer can also bring a different kind of heat—itchiness, flare-ups, and that uncomfortable tight feeling that makes you want to jump out of your own skin. Eczema in the summertime can be especially frustrating. Between sweat, sun exposure, chlorine from pools, and even seasonal allergens floating in the air, sensitive skin has a lot to contend with. Why Does Eczema Flare Up In the Summer? Sweat and Heat – Sweat is salty and acidic, which can irritate sensitive skin, especially when it dries and sits in the folds of your body (behind knees, elbows, neck). Chlorine and Salt Water – Pools and even ocean water can dry out your skin, disrupting the natural skin barrier that eczema-prone skin is already struggling to protect. Sunburn – While a little sun is healing, too much can cause inflammation, which triggers flare ups. Allergens – Grass, pollen, and even certain plants can cause contact dermatitis or trigger immune responses that make eczema worse. 5 Natural Tips for Managing Summer Eczema 1. Use a Natural, Nourishing Moisturizer—Daily Hydration is key. In the summer, your skin might feel moist because of the humidity, but that doesn’t mean it’s getting the deep hydration it needs. A rich balm or body butter made with tallow and honey can help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture. These kinds of ingredients have been used for centuries to soothe wounds, calm inflammation, and protect skin from the elements. Tallow, in particular, is rich in skin-loving vitamins A, D, E, and K, and closely mimics the structure of our skin’s natural oils. It absorbs beautifully without clogging pores. Pro tip: Apply your balm or butter after a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, to seal in moisture. 2. Cool (but Not Too Cold) Showers Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. In the summer, opt for lukewarm to cool showers, especially after you’ve been sweating or swimming. And always follow up with your natural moisturizer right away. If you’re using soap (which eczema-prone folks should use sparingly), go for something truly toxin free, artificial fragrance free, and packed with soothing ingredients like goat milk, colloidal oats, and tallow. Goat milk has been used historically for skin ailments and is naturally rich in lactic acid, which gently exfoliates while calming the skin. From our collection, we recommend our Milk + Honey Soap. 3. Wear Breathable, Natural Fabrics Loose cotton and linen clothing allow your skin to breathe and reduce friction, which can trigger eczema in areas like the inner thighs, underarms, and waistline. If you’re sweating, change clothes more often and gently pat (not rub) your skin dry. 4. Watch the Sun—but Don’t Fear It A little sunshine can actually help calm eczema because of the vitamin D boost and natural antibacterial properties of UV light. Just don’t overdo it, and always wear a nontoxic, mineral-based sunscreen (look for zinc oxide) if you're out for long periods. And avoid conventional sunscreens with synthetic chemicals—they’re known irritants for eczema-prone skin.  5. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out We talk a lot about moisturizing on your skin, but don’t forget to hydrate from the inside. Sip water regularly, and add things like cucumber, mint, and lemon to make it more enjoyable and cooling. Herbal teas like nettles, chamomile, and red raspberry leaf are also great for skin health and calming inflammation.   Managing eczema—especially in the heat—takes patience. Summer might look a little different when you’re navigating sensitive skin, but it can still be beautiful, refreshing, and fun!

There’s something really special about being in your 20s and 30s. It’s a time of discovery—figuring out who you are, what you value, and how to take care of yourself from the inside out. One of the most loving things you can do during this season of life is to create a skincare routine rooted in nourishment, not harsh chemicals. Your skin is your largest organ, and it absolutely thrives when you treat it with gentle, toxin-free, nontoxic, and natural ingredients. Skin Foods: What You Put In Matters Skin health starts within. In your 20s and 30s, your body is still resilient, but this is the time to build habits that support long-term wellness—especially when it comes to what you eat and drink. Try to include: Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and grass-fed butter (these help your skin retain moisture) Bone broth for collagen, minerals, and gut health Herbal teas like nettle or red raspberry leaf for skin-supportive minerals Water-rich foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens to keep skin hydrated from within And don’t forget—good sleep and stress management are just as essential as your skincare products. Start with the Basics - Cleanse with Care If you’re using a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling tight and squeaky, it might be stripping away your natural oils. Daily Sun Protection (Even on Cloudy Days!) Especially in your 20s and 30s, it’s important to prevent early signs of aging like fine lines and sunspots. Choose a natural sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide—it creates a physical barrier without seeping into your bloodstream the way many chemical sunscreens do. Look for formulas that are artificial fragrance free and infused with nourishing oils or butters to keep your skin comfortable all day. Keep it Simple, Keep it Clean Skincare doesn’t need to be 10 steps or full of trendy buzzwords. In fact, many modern products are overloaded with synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, and harsh acids that can confuse your skin. A good natural routine might look like: Gentle cleanser (cleansing oil or tallow + goat milk soap) Balancing Toner (rose water is great for just about everyone!) Nourishing serum (with rosehip oil, blue tansy flower oil, or red raspberry seed) Rich moisturizer (tallow is our go to!) Sun protection (zinc-based, toxin free) Weekly exfoliation (with kaolin clay mixed with honey or yogurt) Key skin needs in your 30s: Deeper hydration Gentle cell turnover Protection from environmental stressors Support for skin elasticity Natural approaches: Incorporate a rosehip or sea buckthorn oil serum rich in natural vitamin A and C. Use a tallow cream to deeply moisturize and replenish skin—an age-old remedy that’s rich in vitamins D, E, and K. Add in a weekly natural exfoliant—try ground oats, raw honey, or even yogurt to help renew the skin gently.   Your 20s and 30s are such a beautiful time to enjoy and to build a foundation—not just for your skin, but for your whole well-being. It’s really about being intentional—choosing products that support your skin’s natural function, and slowing down enough to enjoy the process. Your skincare routine is a daily act of self-kindness. Let it be simple, let it be soulful, and let it be rooted in the wisdom of women who came before us. Your skin will thank you now—and in 20 years too.

If you’ve ever found yourself holding one of our Pretty Farm Girl serum bottles or jars and thinking, “It’s too pretty to toss,” you’re not alone. I save them too—and today I’m sharing some of my favorite simple, natural DIY ideas for reusing skincare jars and bottles in a way that feels good and makes sense.  One of the things I’ve always loved about creating Pretty Farm Girl products is how beautiful and functional the packaging is. We use glass jars and serum bottles not just because they’re better for the earth, but because I believe even your bathroom shelf should feel calm, clean, and clutter-free.  But when the jar is empty? That’s where the fun begins.  Whether you're wondering how to reuse your skincare jar or you’re just looking for a simple, low-waste DIY, here are a few of my favorite ways to turn your empties into something useful and beautiful.     1. DIY Mini Planters (For Kitchen Herbs or Baby Succulents)  I love using our body butter jars as tiny planters. They're the perfect size for starting herbs on the windowsill—think basil, thyme, or even green onions in water. Just add a few pebbles at the bottom, fill with potting soil, and pop in your plant.  Our serum bottles also work beautifully for plant propagation—snip a stem, place it in water, and watch those roots take off.  P.S. We shared one of our favorite jar-to-planter ideas in this Instagram post  And one of our amazing affiliates got creative turning their serum bottles into baby plant holders—check out that version here   2. Travel-Sized Storage for Creams + Oils  One of the easiest ways to reuse skincare jars is to turn them into travel containers. Our face cream jars meet TSA requirements, which makes them perfect for carrying your favorite moisturizer, face balm, or oil on your next weekend trip.  I use these for road trips, beach days, and even in my purse when I want to keep a little something close by.  Search Tip: If you've ever Googled reuse jars for traveling, this is one of the best ways to skip plastic minis and reuse what you already love.    3. Natural Office or Art Supply Holders  Our body butter jars are just the right size to hold little everyday essentials—paper clips, safety pins, cotton swabs. And those serum bottles? I use mine for homemade essential oil blends. It keeps my desk calm and tidy while giving me an excuse to upcycle something I already love.    4. Spice Storage or Pantry Organization  If you're into cooking from scratch or love having your own seasoning blends, give your empty jars a second life in the kitchen. A little rinse, a label, and you’ve got yourself a clean, earth-friendly spice jar.  I keep one filled with a veggie blend—garlic, rosemary, and sea salt—and it’s always the first one I reach for when I'm cooking.   5. Storage for Seeds, Beads, or Homemade Mixes  Here's another creative idea! I’ve been repurposing our serum bottles and jars to store wildflower seeds, dried herbs, or even loose leaf teas. They’re also great for craft supplies like beads, buttons, or tiny sewing notions.  If you’re into DIY or slow living, this is such an easy, beautiful way to keep things organized—no extra clutter, and no plastic needed.    A Few Quick Reminders:  Always wash your jars and bottles thoroughly with warm, soapy water and let them dry fully before reusing.  To remove labels, try a mix of baking soda and warm water. A few drops of lemon essential oil helps too.  Tag us in your creations—we’re always resharing your ideas and love seeing how you reuse your Pretty Farm Girl jars.  If you’ve been searching for how to reuse my skincare jar or needed ideas for a relaxing DIY, I hope this gave you some fresh inspiration. These small changes don’t just reduce waste—they bring a little joy and calm to your everyday life.