Protect and serve

"Summertime! And the living's easy" 
The sun is out, our 8 month hibernation is over, and here we are returning to that bad break-up make-up relationship we were in last year. The sun is back in our lives and while we're laying out or soaking in the Vitamin D, we remember all the times he's done us wrong and we got burned. Literally.

Our well-being expert and hOMie, Janel DuRoss,
 shares her research on protection and healing. Naturally. 

Written By Janel DuRoss
Originally posted on BendBowBridge

"Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. " ~ Hippocrates

Your skin is your biggest organ, so you want to be very aware of what you put on it. 
Sunscreens with (toxic) chemicals alter your hormone levels which disrupts your endocrine system.

Best Natural Mineral Based (Chemical free) Sunscreens

Raw Elements
Sunology
California Baby
Thinkbaby/Thinksport

Why Use Natural Mineral Based Sunscreens? (why not!)

-They don't absorb into the skin, it lays on top
-Reduces your risk of skin cancer and protects your skin (think anti-aging) all without chemicals!
-Minerals as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide block harmful UVA and UVB rays
-Skin irritation and allergic reactions are less likely (people are also allergic to foods ie: peanuts/shellfish, it depends upon your constitution)
-Without clogging your pores, you get to soothe, nourish and protect your skin!

Ingredients to Look for in Mineral Based Sunscreens

Active Ingredients

Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide - are natural minerals that comes from sand and clay deposits; which remain on your skin to reflect and disperses harmful UVA and UVB rays

Inactive ingredients

-Sesame oil ~ 30% resistance to UV rays
-Vitamin E  ~ fights free radicals and prevents sun damage* 
-Avocado oil ~ soothes and protects your skin 
-Shea butter - a natural sunscreen by itself with an SPF of 6, great for blemishes, dry skin, scars, rashes and fine lines

*nb, look for natural forms of vitamin E-alpha-tocopherol and tocotrienol 

(notice they are food and plant "earth" vs lab based ingredients)



AVOID These Chemical Ingredients in Sunscreens
Oxybenzone -designed to prevent sunburn and premature aging
(also known as: Benzophenone-3, Milestab 9, Eusolex 4360, Escalol 567, KAHSCREEN BZ-3)
Side effects - penetrates the skin, causing photo-sensitivity, which increases harmful free radicals with the ability to attack DNA cells!  This chemical has also ended up in most American mother's milk and some studies have shown a link to contact eczema and allergies.
Homosalate (HMS)- this ingredient is designed to help sunscreens penetrate your skin - yikes!
Side Effects - This toxic formula accelerates quickly into your skin, disrupting your hormones and endocrine system.
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), including octyl-dimethyl PABA -designed to filter UV light on your skin. 
(also known as: 4-Aminobenzoic Acid and Para-aminobenzoic Acid)
Side effects -can be absorbed through your skin (if there is heat - sunlight), studies have shown this ingredient can lead to DNA damage and defects, damage growing cells, cause organ toxicity, cancer, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and cellular changes in your body.

Isn't it sad/crazy that these ingredients are approved by the FDA!?

*hormone disruptor means it can change the hormonal function of the human body.  (ie: pregnant woman can lead to underdeveloped fetus, decreased fertility in men and testicular cancer)

I was actually getting stressed out during my research for this article because in the past I have used this these chemical laden sunscreens  :( 

These are other chemical ingredients to also avoid:  Parabens, Phthalates, PEG's (polyethylene glycols), Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, SLS/SLES, 4-methy-benzyldencamphor (4-MBC), Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates (OMC), Octyl-dimethyl-para-amin-benzoic Acid (OD-PABA), Benzophenones, especially benzophenone-3, Cinnamates, namely octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), Avobenzone, Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate).  When Vitamin A is used in sunscreen and exposed to sunlight it may actually speed the development of tumors and skin lesions.

Hmmm.....lots of chemicals for Suncare protection!

Of Course, If You Get Sun Burned.....Here Are Some Natural Solutions : )

-drink tons of clean water!  Your skin has been cooked, hydrate immediately
-potato paste - wash and grate a potato or 2, mixed grated potatos with water, dip cotton balls in potato juic then apply to your sunburn. You can also apply the sliced potato on directly on your sunburn
-witch hazel - pour 1/2 cup (depends on size of sunburn) of witch hazel into bowl, dip cotton balls and apply to skin
-ALOE my favorite - I keep aloe gel in the frig so it stays cold. You can also use the aloe leaf from the plant.  (make sure the gel from tube is 100% aloe gel - nothing else!) 
-Cucumbers - put a cucumber in the frig for 30min, slice up and lay slices on your sunburn
-Plain yogurt - love yogurt? slather it on your sunburn, great for the face! (with probiotics and live cultures)
-Apple Cider Vinegar - apply with clean wash cloth or gauze

*nb ~ do not drink fermented beverages (alcohol) if when you have a moderate to severe sunburn, your goal is to hydrate and replenish your body back to a healthy state; your skin needs to heal, let it: )