Can you stay stunning in the dog days of summer? It is possible – even in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and beyond. This season comes with its set of beauty challenges, but you can handle the heat. Here are some tips for escaping the problems caused by the scorching sun.

Dress cool.
Wear loose-fitting layers of natural-fiber clothing to keep air next to the skin, which allows perspiration to evaporate and cool at skin surface. Opt for undergarments that offer breathing room.

It helps to apply anti-perspirant to slightly damp skin after showering and before bed. The moisture will activate the ingredients that keep you dry. For insurance, reapply in the morning.

Look out below.
There are approximately 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet, and they excrete as much as half a pint of moisture each day.

Give them a break and wear the right shoes. Choose those made of a natural material, such as canvas or leather, which allows the foot to breathe.

Both closed shoes and sandals absorb moisture, which can cause canvas or leather to break down. So, avoid wearing the same pair on consecutive days because they need to be air-dried for at least 24 hours after their last use.

Be cautious when sporting flip-flops, sling-backs and platforms. They can be unstable, and one wrong step can lead to a sprain or worse. With sandals, use sunblock.

Shield tresses from stresses.
Sun, chlorine and salt can damage and fade hair, especially if color treated. Don't let your locks take a beating. Care for your mane with products that offer UV protection.

Swimmers should take extra precautions because hair is porous and absorbs the damaging chemicals or salt in the water. To protect, wet hair with a mixture of water and a conditioner before plunging in. Your locks will absorb the healthy ingredients, leaving little room for salt or chlorine.

Keep skin in shape.
Skin naturally produces extra oil in the summer, so use oil-free products or gels. Choose a moisturizer with sunscreen or apply a sunscreen after moisturizing. Do not covet a tan. If you must have the bronze look, use a self-tanner rather than the blazing rays.

Go easy on makeup.
Aim for meltproof makeup by reducing the load on your face. One method: Instead of foundation, apply a tinted moisturizer.

Choose one with a full-spectrum sunscreen that has a high SPF.

Go with a tinted lip balm or stain rather than a lip gloss or lipstick. Select waterproof mascara.

Keep a pack of blotting papers in your bag. They absorb excess oil on the surface of your skin to restore a matte finish without taking off all your makeup.

An alternative: If your skin shows a bit of shine as the day wears on, wear it with pride and let 'em see you sweat.