4 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid & Our Top Natural Picks!

With my fair skin, painful sunburns happen very, very easily. Aside from the standard discomfort, peeling, itching, and stinging, extended sun damage can result in sun poisoning and even worse – skin cancer. So, naturally, I do what I can to protect my skin from the sun’s rays.

But I’ve found that it’s a double-edged sword, because it turns out that slathering on the highest SPF could be just as harmful as baking protection-free. Most chemical-based sunscreens contain unsafe ingredients that are quickly absorbed through our pores and can be damaging to our bodies.

Fortunately, it’s possible to find natural sunscreens that don’t contain these ingredients, as long as you know what to look out for. So next time you’re at the drugstore stocking up on your favorite skincare products, make sure to check the labels and avoid any brand of sunscreen that contain these four toxic ingredients.

Avoid These Sunscreen Ingredients:

• Oxybenzone: This is public enemy number one in most chemical-based sunscreens. Oxybenzone actually blocks the good stuff we can get from the sun, like UVB rays that provide much-needed vitamin D, while allowing in harmful UVA rays. Not to mention the fact that when it’s absorbed into the skin it can cause the kind of cell damage that leads to skin cancer (which is what we’re all trying to prevent in the first place!).

• Parabens: You’re probably already mindful of the harmful parabens in deodorant, shampoo, and most other cosmetics, but make sure to look for them in your sunscreen too. Propylparaben, ethylparaben, mythylparaben, and butylparaben are used as preservatives to lengthen the shelf life of these products, but can end up causing allergic reactions and hormone deficiencies. Some studies even link parabens to an increased risk of breast cancer.

• Octinoxate: Not only can octinoxate impair hormone production, but it also allows other damaging chemicals, like the ones mentioned in this article, to be more easily absorbed by the body. This can lead to a host of side effects including the production of skin-damaging free radicals and premature aging.

• Retinyl palmitate: While the jury is still out on whether retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, increases our risk of cancer when applied to skin that’s exposed to sunlight, government studies show that it can produce free radicals and tumors in mice. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough for me to stay away from it.

Luckily, there are alternatives! The Environmental Working Group is a fantastic consumer resource that reviews thousands of sunscreen products for their safety and effectiveness. We rounded up a list of our favorite mineral sunscreens that all ranked the highest. Slather them on before you head out to enjoy some fun in the sun!

Loving Naturals Clear Body Sunscreen - SPF 30. This unique formula is clear and rubs in easily. Water resistant up to 40 minutes.

Badger Lightly Scented Lavender Sunscreen - SPF 30. Works for both face and body and has a mild natural lavender scent.

The Honest Company Sunscreen – SPF 30. Safe for the whole family, including babies under 6 months. Unscented and non-greasy formula.

TruKid Sunny Days – SPF 30. Light texture rubs in smoothly and has a pleasant scent. Contains soothing aloe and cucumber extract.

Coola Suncare Total Body – SPF 30. This antioxidant-rich formula has the added benefit of promoting skin cell regeneration and improving appearance.

California Baby Sunscreen Stick – SPF 30. This easy-to-use stick glides on smoothly and smells like lemongrass. Works for the whole family.

Burnout Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen – SPF 30. Very water resistant – great for the beach or the pool. Enriched with aloe and antioxidants.

Lavanila The Healthy Sun Screen – SPF 30. Infused with green tea, shea butter, cucumber, and vanilla for a luxurious and hydrating experience.

What’s your favorite brand of mineral-based sunscreen? Tell us in the comments section below!

Top 5 Health Benefits of Maca, the Ancient Incan Superfood

Many people are now incorporating nutrient-dense foods known as “superfoods” into their diets to help boost energy, beauty, and overall health. Among the list of top superfoods is maca, a root grown in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Maca is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients, making this ancient Incan food a nutritional powerhouse.

Maca has been consumed for thousands of years for its energy-enhancing and mood-stabilizing capabilities. Peruvian maca root is an adaptogen, a substance that increases the body’s resistance to the damaging effects of stress and disease—a main reason why it can help fight symptoms of chronic fatigue and contribute to overall wellbeing. Traditionally, maca has also been used to regulate, support, and balance hormonal systems for both men and women, and much more!

So, how else can this superfood help you achieve ultimate wellness? Here’s a list of the top 5 health benefits of maca: 

1. Energy: Within just a few minutes of consuming maca, people have reported to feel their mood and energy levels lift almost instantly. Try adding a teaspoon of maca to your smoothie to increase energy, stamina, and endurance.
2. Mood balance: Maca may help to alleviate the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by balancing hormones with its unique set of nutrients that fuel the endocrine system.
3. Sexual health: Known as a libido booster, maca is widely used to promote sexual function for both men and women as well as improve fertility and stamina.
4. Women’s health: Maca has been used for generations to help relieve menstrual issues such as cramps, hot flashes, and mood swings. If you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s recommended to avoid consuming maca.
5. Healthy skin: Maca root helps to nourish the skin and improve collagen synthesis resulting in firmer, softer, more radiant skin.

Most people consume maca in a powdered form by adding it to smoothies, yogurt, drinks, salads and more. It is said to taste similar to roasted chickory, which can taste a bit like coffee. If this taste is displeasing to you, then you can experience the benefits by taking maca tablets.

Do you consume maca? How does it make you feel?

4 Natural Acne Remedies You Can Make At Home!

Acne is a pesky and troublesome skin condition. Whether you are prone to acne or just get the occasional break out, chances are you’ve tried several over-the-counter or prescription treatments.  These medications are full of chemicals that can strip your skin of natural oils, dry out your pores and disrupt your pH balance – not to mention they don’t always work to treat the problem.

Luckily, there are a few natural remedies that can treat acne, and all of them can be cooked up right in your own kitchen! 

Raw honey mask - Using raw honey as a facemask can reduce acne and moisturize your skin. The sugar in honey pulls the moisture out of the air into your skin, and the alpha hydroxy acid helps remove dead skin cells and encourages collagen production.  Simply warm the honey in your hands and apply to your face, letting it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off. This is a great mask to do a couple of time a week, especially in the colder months, to keep your skin healthy and glowing. 

Castor oil cleanser - Castor oil has a very strong cleansing property, and works well to pull the dirt and oil out of your pores. To use castor oil as a cleanser, mix 3 parts castor oil with 2 parts sunflower oil and massage all over your face. (If you are prone to dry skin, you should increase the sunflower oil.) Place a hot washcloth over your face for 30 seconds to create steam, and then use the cloth to scrub the excess oil from your face. 

Apple cider vinegar toner - It may be starting to sound like apple cider vinegar is natures cure all, but for good reason! It has both antibacterial and antiseptic traits, which is why it works so well as an acne fighting toner. Combine one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water, and dab on your face with a cotton ball. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer or coconut oil. 

Tea tree oil spot treatment – This topical acne treatment is believed to have the same restorative effects as benzoyl peroxide but without the chemicals. Just dab a little bit onto affected area before bed. The acne should be greatly reduced by morning! 

What are some of your favorite acne home remedies?

5 Natural Beauty Products Found in Your Kitchen

Many of you care about what’s in your food. But what about what is in your cosmetic and personal care products? Skin is your largest organ and can absorb just about anything that is put on it. Luckily, there are many excellent self-care products that are all natural, very affordable, simple to use – and can be found right in your kitchen! Here is a list of our favorite healthy beauty products that will leave you glowing from the inside out:

Coconut OilCoconut oil is a great food that can help with digestion, aid weight loss, and prevent disease. But when applied topically, this multi-tasking oil can do wonders for your skin, too. To use as a moisturizer, warm the oil and rub onto dry skin and scalp – or mix with sugar for a DIY body scrub!

Argan OilTake it up a notch with argan oil, powerful enough to help relieve psoriasis and fix split ends. The most common way to use the oil is by massaging a few drops on your skin or onto the ends of your hair while wet for a leave-in conditioner. Argan oil is also great to customize with other ingredients for specific beauty needs – such as sunflower oil for aging skin or grapeseed oil for acne!

CucumberCucumbers are well known for getting rid of under-eye bags, but they can also double as a cooling toner for your skin. This DIY recipe is great for sensitive skin types and the cucumber will help soothe and tighten the skin. To make the toner, just mix cucumber, witch hazel, and distilled water in a blender and apply with a cotton ball.

KiwiKiwis are packed with ingredients that are amazing for your skin, including vitamin C and alpha hydroxyl fruit acids. This superfood fruit can be made into a facial mask that will leave your skin brighter and glowing. Just mix with yogurt, orange juice, and oil – and apply!

SaltsNatural salts have tremendous healing and beautifying powers, such as reducing skin inflammation, promoting blood circulation, releasing toxins, and exfoliating skin.  One way to use salts is by adding coarsely ground sea salt combined with a few drops of your favorite essential oil in your bath. Soak alongside candles and a hot cup of tea for added relaxation.

What are your favorite all-natural beauty products? 

Lemon Facial Refresher

Lemon Facial Refresher

juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2c witch hazel

In a glass bowl or bottle, mix ingredients well.  Wash face as usual.  Using a cotton pad, apply refresher to face.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Astringent & Ph Restorer

Astringent & Ph Restorer

2c distilled water
1/4c apple cider vinegar (I use BRAGGS brand)
10 drops orange or eucalyptus essential oils

Combine all ingredients in a plastic or glass container.  Shake and mix well.  Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year.  Apply to face as you would a toner with a cotton pad.

Oatmeal Mask

Oatmeal Mask

4 tsp ground oatmeal
5 tsp buttermilk (I have also used almond milk, but reduce to 3 tsp)

Mix ingredients into a paste. Apple mask to face in a thin layer, massaging as you apply.  Allow to dry 20-30 minutes.  One time use only, do not store.

Gentle Facial Exfoliant

Gentle Facial Exfoliant

1/2c ground oatmeal
1/4c powdered milk
1 tsp cornmeal
purified water

Mix all dry ingredients together.  Combine 1 tblsp with purified water to make a paste.  Allow to thicken 1 minute.  Massage mixture into face and rinse.  Dry Ingredients can be stored in an airtight container for 6 months.

Natural Suntan Oil

Natural Suntan Oil

1/2c coconut oil
1/2c jojoba
2 tblsp cocoa butter
2 drops coconut fragrance oil (optional)

In a glass bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.  Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a glass or plastic bottle.  Pour oil into hand and massage into a thin layer on the skin.  Reapply as necessary when tanning outdoors.

**Overexposure to the sun resulting in apparent redness or burning may cause skin damage or cancer.  Vitamin D is an important vitamin for the body which can be obtained through natural sunlight exposure, but must be done in a responsible way.