Hot weather and Britain are not two things often heard in the same sentence. But when does hot weather become too hot (perhaps the record-breaking 40-degrees that the UK saw today!?) Sure, it’s supposed to be warm in the summer, but extreme ‘waves’ of heat can often be uncomfortable, and even life threatening if not taken with precaution (and that's before we even start on the alarming impact of global warming!).

Here, Purdy and Charlotte share their Tips for Tackling the Heat for when you find the weather a little too hot to handle…

The Window Debate

Windows open or closed? The debate on whether to leave your windows open or closed is an ongoing one. However, if the weather is warmer outside than inside, you can guarantee the answer is to keep those windows and blinds closed. To avoid your home feeling like a sauna, ensure that any glass doors are covered as they will quickly heat up your house. 

Sleeping in a heatwave

Tips for the sheets!

During the current heatwave it can be difficult to get to sleep. Our body temperature has to fall slightly for us to fall and stay asleep. Although the warm summer nights are unavoidable, nobody should have to suffer in stuffy sheets! We recommend that you ditch the duvet all together and sleep under a thin, cotton or linen bedsheet. To prevent yourself from baking in bed, place your sheets in a plastic bag and let them cool in the freezer for a couple of hours before you sleep. Your body will thank you later! 

Purdy & Charlotte’s Cooling Facial Compress 

It can also be beneficial to cool your skin before you go to sleep. We recommend preparing a cooling facial compress with iced water and eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil has been proven to be highly beneficial for the skin due its antibacterial, moisturising, and anti-inflammatory properties. To prepare the facial compress, you will need:

• A facial cloth

• A bowl of water and ice

• 5-10 drops of your favourite calming essential oils (e.g Eucalyptus, Lavender, Roman Chamomile…)

• 1 tbs of Witch Hazel

You can also keep your facial cloths in the fridge for all-day relief!

Hot or Cold?

You may be tempted to hop in a cold shower before you go to sleep, and whilst this may be the more refreshing option, it surprisingly won’t have the effect you desire! Studies show that a warm shower is actually far more likely to cooling down your body in the heat. cold water will decrease the amount of blood flow to the skin, and overall won’t lower the body’s core temperature. Having a warm shower will stimulate your body to cool you down afterwards, making it the best option in the stuffy weather!

DIY Air-conditioner

During a heatwave, sometimes the fan alone simply won’t cut it! In order to upgrade your indoor air circulation, fill a bowl of ice or ice packs from your freezer and place it in a bowl front of your fan. You can also add a couple of drops of essential oil. This will help circulate cool air around the room and scent your home!  

Disclaimer: be aware of the amount of essential oils you are using indoors as too many can be harmful.  For example, its wise to run your diffuser for no more than 30 minutes at a time or perhaps twice a day.