Temperatures soar and we slink indoors, afraid of sweating and sunburns this time of year. But communing with nature feeds the soul and keeps us healthy. We need to experience the delights of the desert in all it’s glory in every season, but finding ways to do it in the summer and still stay cool require a little more creativity. Here are some tips on how to stay cool in the Coachella Valley without deserting the desert:

Get Wet:

Hydration is key. Increase your daily H2O consumption and find a body of water to immerse yourself in. If you don’t have a pool in your backyard, most likely there is one nearby. The Palm Desert Aquatic Center is centrally located and boasts two large pools and smaller children’s wading pools and play area. Admission is only $6 for non-resident adults and even less for residents and children. Locations like this and YMCA pools throughout the valley are a great second home in the summer months where anyone can spend a day exercising, relaxing and socializing.

A small investment in a personal mister such as Avene Thermal Spray or Misty Mate is a hot pick to stay cool. Both provide a fine mist of water that cools and moistens the surface of your skin without making you soaking wet, although you could get drenched if you wanted to. I’ve been using the Avene spray for years and have found priceless relief from overheating in a tiny little bottle. Dermatologists recommend the product for its ability to soften and soothe irritated skin. I love it for that, and it keeps me cool in the heat.

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Protect Yourself:

Shelter from the scorching sun is essential and instead of searching for a shade tree, bring one with you. No, I don’t mean an actual tree, but a compact umbrella will suffice. I recently purchased a cute little polka-dot one and upon checkout the clerk sarcastically asked if I was expecting rain. When I told her I was planning on using it to protect myself from burning up in the sun, she just gave me a blank stare. Trust me, an umbrella is your ally, even in the summer. And thankfully it rained unexpectedly a few days after my purchase.

If an umbrella seems uncomfortable, then your next best bet is a big hat. Feel free to dress up every day as if your were attending opening day at Del Mar. Hats are fashionable and functional. And the wider the brim, the better the protection.

Wear sunglasses. Your eyes need protection too. Squinting in the sunlight is not only harmful to precious pupils, it strains your brain and makes unnecessary wrinkles.

Light colored, loose fitting clothing helps you to stay cool, but it clothing doesn’t substitute for sunscreen. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Wear sunscreen! Broad spectrum SPF30 is the bare minimum protection you need. Apply it religiously. Apply it generously. Apply it all over. And oh! Did I mention to apply sunscreen?

Now that we’re prepared for protection, we can go enjoy a trip up the tram or an early morning hike in the Indian Canyons. Find a pool, find some shade, slap on some sunscreen, bottle some water and beat the heat.

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