Using Natural Sunblock Is Recommended

Like many people, I see a dermatologist regularly, and no matter what is going on, the dermatologist always asks whether or not I am using sunscreen. In fact, the dermatologist that I see makes it a point to ask all of the patients what their average sunscreen or natural sunblock usage is like. And contrary to popular belief, dermatologists are usually very against going out into the sun so that you can “lay out”. In fact, most dermatologists would recommend that you avoid any type of prolonged period in the sun so that you can avoid doing any further radical damage to your skin.

I make it a point to use natural sunblock with an spf of 85. I look for natural sunblock that won’t clog up my pores and is hypoallergenic because my skin is extremely sensitive. But applying and using natural sunblock goes far beyond this. In the future, I don’t want my face to be leathery and wrinkled when I know now that I can prevent this from happening. This is why it concerns me that so many people in their 20s and 30s seem to be reckless in how much sun exposure they get. I have friends who, when the summer rolls around, make it a part of their “go-do” list to go around to whatever sandy, sunny spot that they can in order to get rid of the paleness that they cannot seem to stand about themselves.

In recent years, I have come across more and more people who diagnosed with and successfully treated for skin cancer. It is a scary thought to think that for these people, their situations-their diagnoses could have been prevented if all they had done was had the foresight to say, “Hey, wait a minute; let me put on a hat before we go out into the boiling hot sun,” or “Hey, let me just grab my sunscreen before we head out. Instead, many people don’t want to be bothered with having to put on natural sunblock. For some men, putting on natural sunblock isn’t quite as manly as ‘winging it’ while for others putting on natural sunblock is annoying because they may not like the way that it feels or makes their face shiny.

The great thing about natural sunblock today though is that there are so many different varieties to choose from. For example, I have one type of natural sunblock that I put on my face, and another type of natural sunblock that I use to put on the rest of my body. And while natural sunblock typically isn’t that cheap (a bottle can sometimes be as much as $10-15), isn’t the price that you pay at the checkout counter relatively small in comparison to the kind of damage control that you would have to do when you are older and frequenting the dermatologist to have skin cancer removed?

So, the next time that you are thinking of going to the beach with friends, do yourself a favor. Pack up a beach umbrella, a fashionable sun hat and maybe some sort of summery linen pants and/or long sleeved shirt, and don’t forget to put on your natural sunblock at least thirty minutes prior to the time you hit the beach to avoid sun burn.

New FDA regulations on Natural Sunblock

The FDA is putting new regulations on natural sunblock labels by the end of 2009. These new regulations will give consumers information on the amount of UVA screening in their products. UVA radiation (aging rays) penetrate the skin deeper than UVB (burning rays) Many labels that you see now such as SPF 50+, natural sunblock, and waterproof will be prohibited. Although the best natural sunblock for skin is long sleeves, pants, wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses, or staying out of the sun altogether, sometimes these choices aren’t practical in everyday life. A natural sunblock will actually block the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin and sunscreen will help filter out some of the damaging rays. A combination of both is ideal. To understand the difference between all the different natural sunblock and sunscreens available I have listed them here.

Chemical UVA (aging) sunblock: Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), Dioxybenzone, Ecamsule, Menthyl Anthranilate, Meradimate, Oxybenzone, benzophenone, benzophenone-3, Sulisobenzone, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.

Chemical UVB (burning) sunblock: Amniobenzoic acid, cinnamates, octyl methoxyxinnamate (OMC), Ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate (can casue contact irritation, non-comedogenic, widely used), cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, octisalate, oxybenzone, octyl dimethyl paba, padimate O, para-amniobenzoic acid (PABA), salicylates, octyl salicytate(OCS)-can cause contact irritation, widely used, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, trolamine salicylate, zinc oxide.

Physical Natural sunblock: These are UVB and UVA protection, non-irritating and non- allergenic: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.
Be careful to use the right natural sunblock to prevent sun burn.

Organic Body Lotion and Natural Sunscreen

Natural organic body lotion is a popular skin care beauty product.  Many organic body lotions are formulated with essential oils, plant extracts, natural anti oxidants, and vitamins.  The organic skin care product market has evolved over the years so that many skin care products offer a unique blend of function and fragrance.  Body lotion is just one segment of the organic skincare market.  There are herbal anti aging products, natural sunscreen, organic baby lotion, natural facial creams, and much more.  Each product is specifically designed to meet a skin care need.  The best part about organic skin care products is that there is something for everyone.  Many companies have focused their body lotion or natural skin care product to a specific demographic. For example the skin care needs of a woman are different than the skin care needs of a man. In addition, many organic skin care products are targeted for a specific age – a new born baby will have more delicate skin than a teenager or someone in mid life.  Lastly the organic skin care market is segmented into specific body parts.  The consistency of a natural body lotion will be different than a natural facial cream or something design for your hand or feet.  No matter which walk of life or which skin type you are, there is an organic skin care product for you.

Avoid Chemicals and Allergens for Better Skin

If you suffer from sensitive or dry, delicate skin, you already know how difficult it can be to find a skin care product that does not cause a negative reaction. However, have you considered many other kinds of chemicals you are exposed to every day? Many unsuspecting products, like household cleaners, air pollution and even industrial chemicals in your furniture can induce inflammation in susceptible individuals. If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, you are more at risk for reactions, especially if you are already experiencing extreme dryness or eczema symptoms.To repair your natural skin barrier, you must first take active steps to build it up by eating healthy fats – like olives, avocados and raw nuts or butters and engaging in a natural organic healthy diet to start. To further help your condition, review the dermatological list below to identify, and where possible, eliminate allergy-causing ingredients. Whether what you experience is merely a sensitivity or full-blown allergic reaction, try to eliminate anything that causes inflammation and can degrade your skin barrier – and its ability to protect you from harmful irritants. Give your skin a chance to heal by protecting it from things that may cause a reaction.

1. Eliminate chemical ingredients in skin care and perfumes – including parabens and all manner of chemical substances until you have narrowed down your reactions.

2. Eliminate problem ingredients in soaps, shampoo, bath, body care, dental, shaving, and conditioning products and medications. Avoid products that foam or contain detergents. Always rinse thoroughly after cleansing and shampooing. Protect your skin with moisturizer afterwards.

3. Avoid direct contact with dish and laundry detergents, household cleansing products, paints, strippers, furniture polishes, and other ingredients containing harsh chemicals. Wear gloves, moisturize, or avo: altogether. Studies show that residual detergent remaining in launderei clothing may be a prime contributor to eczema. Rinse your clothing twice if your washing machine allows.

4. Notice whether fabrics in clothing, furniture, or bedding are irritating your skin due to their rough texture or chemicals treating them. Use hypoallergenic protectors on mattresses and large furniture if this is the case.

5. Pay attention to contact allergies from jewelry, flatware, and coins or metals containing nickel, a common allergen. Some are allergic to gold, so always be aware of unsuspecting culprits.

6. Only use quality filtered water and avoid hard water when possible. Chlorinated water, excessively hot water, or long soaks in baths, showers, or hot tubs, can strip precious oils from your skin.

If you consider all these factors and use them diligently, your skin barrier can be restored and you may be able to withstand common irritants and practices. But for now, notice what chemicals irritate you and avoid contact with them at all costs in order to give your skin a chance to rebuild itself. If you are unable to address your symptom on your own, ask a professional dermatologist about patch testing, which can help you determine exactly what your allergies may be.

Skin Care When You Travel to High Altitude

Higher altitude means increased levels of harmful UV exposure compared to sea level areas. UV exposure increases 8-10 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. At an altitude of 9-10,000 feet, UV may be 45-50 percent more intense than at sea level. In addition, snow reflects about 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, meaning that you are often hit by the same rays twice. This only contributes to the problem, further increasing the risk for skin cancer.The combination of higher altitude and ultraviolet (UV) rays reflected by the snow puts skiers and snowboarders at an increased risk of sun damage and ultimately, skin cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but most people are unaware that UV rays can be even more damaging on the slopes than on the beach,it’s important to take proper precautions while on the slopes.

Both snow and strong wind can wear away natural sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness, so you have to take extra precautions. To protect your skin from the bitter cold, heavy winds and winter sun, follow these important sun protection tips:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors. Apply 30 minutes before hitting the slopes.Be aware that the sun’s reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin – most skiers and snowboarders do not use enough sunscreen and therefore do not get the maximum protection.
• Use a more moisturizing sunscreen. Winter conditions can be particularly harsh on the skin.
• Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, underside of chin, scalp and hands.
• Read the ingredients to learn which active ingredients are protecting you. Try to use Zinc or Titanium and organic inactive ingredients. Organic sunblock can prevent complications some chemical sunscreens may cause.
• Reapply at least every two hours, and more often after sweating or exposure to wind and snow.
• Carry a travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 on the slopes. Reapply on the chairlift, especially after a long, snow-blown run. Lips are very sensitive.
• Wear items like ski masks, which will cover most of the skin, leaving very little exposed to the wind and sun.
• UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles that offer 100% UV protection and have wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. The sun’s rays and glare can impair your vision, so it’s important to wear sunglasses or goggles to clearly see the terrain. Plus, it will increase your enjoyment and performance while skiing.
• Keep track of the time you spend in full sunlight. If possible, ski early in the morning and later on in the day, before 10AM and after 4PM. This helps avoid long lines and decreases the amount of time spent outdoors in the most intense hours of sunlight.
• If you are on the slopes for most of the day, take a few breaks indoors to reapply sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration from the sun.

Enjoy the winter season, but be sure to take care of your skin to avoid the damage the cold season can cause.

Info coming soon

We will be posting more information soon, please make a post

Use natural. Be healthy.

The market today is flooded with beauty products. Everywhere you look, another new product is on the shelf (or on the website). So, how does one choose which is the best product for them? If you are inclined to treat your skin naturally-meaning without harsh chemicals-then organic or natural skin care may be the best for you. Not only do these products help your skin in a more balanced, natural way, they are also much less harmful to yourself and the environment.

Below are five basic steps in keeping skin healthy, along with the use of organic skin care products.

Eat and maintain a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help you maintain a healthy skin the natural way. Avoid processed and greasy foods. Familiarize yourself with healthy, organic food that you enjoy and will promote better health. Supplements will also provide assistance in keeping your whole body healthy. Keeping the entire body healthy is the primary key for healthy cells. This is the most important organic skin care tip. Skin can only look as good as the nutrients you feed your body. The skin is the primary conduit for the liver to process toxins.

1. Drink plenty of water. A huge percentage of the body is composed of water. Water intake will help you clean the body. Water also hydrates the body and helps prevent dry skin. Well-hydrated cells function well. Cells that function well can help maintain youth. The more active a person is, the more water he/she needs. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount of water intake, however, as for athletes and energetic people, more is needed to replace the fluid they excrete through perspiration. There is no replacement to drinking plenty of water and this is not only a great organic skin care rule but a great habit to adopt.

2. Exercise. Aside from a boost in energy, moderate work outs promote blood circulation and increase oxygen in the blood stream. Both help in maintaining the youth of your skin.

3. Wash your face with mild cleansing products. Cleansing products with strong substances can harm cells. Ensure that you use clean water when washing the cleansing products off your skin. Don’t rub your skin vigorously with the towel – it irritates the skin. Wipe gently with soft cloth. Organic skin care products are milder than those with synthesized or processed ingredients and don’t need to be scrubbed off.

4. Use organic skin care products when possible. Products with natural ingredients will clean you r skin just as well as those full of chemicals. The closer the ingredients are to their natural state, the less harmful for your skin. Most organic products work with the body’s natural process in fighting harmful elements and potential diseases as opposed to chemically forcing the skin to respond to treatment.

5. Moisturizers are recommended for all skin types. Even oily skin loses its natural moisture after using harsh cleansing products. If your skin is not properly moisturize, it will dry and age faster. Toners help in cleaning traces of dirt and cosmetics not easily removed with the use of cleansers. Try to use a product containing zinc or a natural sunblocking agent to protect your face from the harmful UVB rays of the sun.

Organic skin care gives you the greatest opportunity to have a healthy skin, without using harmful ingredients. The appearance of your skin indicates the state of your health. If you are suffering from acne or any other skin condition, try treating it from the inside out first. Give your body a chance to balance itself with healthy foods and supplements before you spend hundreds of dollars on topical treatments. Your skin is your body’s armor, protecting your from the elements. Help it do its job.