Natural Sunblock for Summertime

Summer is upon us and all of us head for that sporting action we were waiting for or for the sea side which beckons us during the sunny days, where surfing, swimming, beach side games and simply lazing around in the sand would be the order of your holidays. Sun is a very good thing, but the UVB and UVA radiations that come out with it are not so healthy for any of us humans. They are potent enough in creating skin rashes, wrinkling, unhealthy skin ailments and what not, hence the necessity to have UVA UVB protection for your skin.

First is the need to understand what natural sunblock and natural sunscreen is and are they the same? Though the application of natural sunblock and natural sunscreen are done by most of us, their functions are not necessarily the same or interchangeable. Sun blocks offer UVB protection and this is done by reflecting or scattering the suns rays especially the UVB rays that are shorter. They have lesser chemicals and hence the less irritating to the sensitive skin types. The titanium dioxide and zinc oxide natural sunscreen is the key ingredients though the natural sunblock SPF is not good enough to protect from the longer rays like UVA of the sun.

Apparently both the UVA UVB protection is best provided by the more cosmetic twin of natural sunblock which is the zinc oxide natural sunscreen. For the absorption and reflection of both UVA and UVB rays, a natural sunscreen is the best choice, for those with less sensitive skin; they have chemicals for this purpose. Apart from having a high natural sunblock SPF, these natural sunscreen effectively reduces the harmful effects like wrinkling, sunburns, and even skin cancer to a big extent.

Then there are companies that offer a blend of natural sunblock and natural sunscreen to offer the advantages of both without causing much irritation o the sensitive skin types. Here the natural sunblock SPF which stands for sun protection factor, ideally chosen is between 15 to 60 times more than your natural skin.

Having both UVA UVB protection is the key area to be looked at while purchasing a natural sunblock and since natural sunscreen offer all round protection for a longer duration of time, without causing harm to the skin unlike most of the natural sunblock in the market. Zinc oxide natural sunscreen offers less irritation to the sensitive skin types and hence the best choice for kids who are out in the sun for a long time during the summer.

Natural sunblock and natural sunscreen contain one or more UV filters like the following:

• Organic chemical compounds that absorb ultraviolet light

• Inorganic particulates that reflect, scatter, and absorb UV light (such as titanium dioxide zinc oxide or a combination of both).

• Organic particulates that mostly absorb light like organic chemical compounds, but contain multiple compounds may reflect and scatter a fraction of light like inorganic particulates

Natural sunblock and natural sunscreen is available as lotions, sprays, gels, ointments, creams. Natural sunblock is mostly available in the water resistant form and lotions are touted to be the most popular form of natural sunblock.

What are the Different Types Of Natural Sunblock

You’ve seen them all in TV commercials, different brands of natural sunblock claiming to be the best natural sunblock in the world. Since you love staying under the sun, swimming, running, jogging, and playing almost every sport, you need to pack up some natural sunblock.

But should you buy a waterproof natural sunblock? SPF 15?
SPF 30? How about one that’s made with zinc oxide? Or is it titanium dioxide?

If you are confused with the various types of natural sunblock available over the counter and you can’t understand the labels of them all, then welcome to the club. You are just one of the millions of people who are confused by natural sunblock. It is recorded that a great number of people opt not to use natural sunblock because they do not know its importance or they have no idea how to use it or why they even need to use one.
Natural sunblock come in different forms. You can choose from creams, lotions, moisturizers, sprays, sticks, and gel. Aside from their forms, they can also be categorized according to how they protect your skin from the sun and the ingredients they are made of.

Physical Natural sunblock

There are two types of physical natural sunblock namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunblocks protects the skin by reflecting or scattering the sun’s UV rays before it even penetrates in the skin. They are not absorbed by the skin so they last longer and can work as soon as they are applied. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known to be gentle enough for everyday use, safe for babies as well. They only stay on top of the skin hence they rarely cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. It can be applied three times a day like in the morning, noon, and afternoon.

Chemical sunblock

Unlike physical natural sunblock, chemical sunblock penetrate the skin and are made of several active ingredients. Several chemicals are combined and each one blocks a different region of UV ray. A sunblock is labeled as “broad spectrum” when it has all the chemicals needed to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Most chemical sunblock work against UVB and UVA rays and may also contain a physical blocking agent like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.

Water Resistant Natural sunblock

Since the sun’s UV rays can still pass through water, you still need natural sunblock when you go swimming. Water resistant sunblocks are especially designed for those who are involved in water sports. There is however a difference between a water resistant sunblock and a waterproof sunblock. The first can maintain its SPF level after 40 minutes under the water while the latter maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of being immersed in water. A waterproof natural sunblock stays and protects longer than a water resistant natural sunscreen. Check the labels to ensure that you got what you want.
Whatever type of natural sunblock you choose to keep your skin sun protected, remember to use a sufficient amount to cover your arms, legs, neck, face, and other parts of your body that you know will be exposed to the sun.

Tips on Choosing a Natural Sunblock

Applying natural sunblock has become a necessity now-a-days. A sun burn can give you terrible side effects. Know how to select the right natural sunblock to protect your skin during any activity. This is how.

Be smart – use natural sunblock. Perhaps you remember the past when it was alright to go outside with no natural sunblock. However, researchers say the sun’s rays are harsher now than even a decade back. Spending time outdoors without protecting your skin is unhealthy. Please be aware that natural sunblock oils and tanning lotions having an SPF of 2 or less are absolutely ineffective for protection from the sun. They are unhealthy and might even cause skin cancer. Go ahead and ask yourself if you believe a tan is really worth your life, hopefully you’ll soon see the need to pick the correct natural sunblock.

The minimum natural sunblock rating should be SPF 15, for sufficient protection. You need to choose at least an SPF 15, no matter what activity you’ll doing outside. This natural sunblock protects your skin minimally; at least apply it. Read on to see if you’ll need more than this basic SPF 15 natural sunblock because different activities and durations outdoors require different natural sunblocks.

Go for an SPF of 30 if your skin is light. If you are an outdoor person at least for some time of the day, and your skin is light or fair-colored, the most effective natural sunblock for you should be at least an SPF 30. You skin may burn easily and this will prevent it.

This is very important for people facing a high risk of skin cancer.

Make sure you pick a natural sunblock with both UVA and UVB protection. Make sure to get the best natural sunblock that blocks and/or protects you from both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVB rays can be protected by the SPF rating and premature skin aging and wrinkles can be prevented by UVA. Choose a natural sunscreen with both these elements.

If necessary, use waterproof. If you’re doing things in water (or perspire a lot), choose a waterproof (not water-resistant) natural sunblock. This type of natural sunblock has a special formula to hold its protective qualities up to an hour and a half of being in water. You must continue to reapply natural sunblock more often if you are going to be in water. Even waterproof natural sunblock doesn’t stay on that long and needs to be reapplied after about an hour.

Natural sunblock must be applied frequently and at the earliest possible time. Once you have selected the correct natural sunblock, apply it about a half hour before going out in the sun so that it works correctly. Apply natural sunblock in advance of going outdoors because it needs to be absorbed by your skin before it can work properly. And re-apply natural sunblock often when outside, no matter whether it’s sunny or cloudy. It will lose its strength in time even if it is the right natural sunblock. Put on natural sunblock throughout the day and don’t underestimate the importance of doing so.

Remember to apply lip balm! Protecting the lips is often forgotten by people. The SPF rating of the lip protection you apply should be at least 15. Your lips are no different from the skin on the rest of your face when it comes to the possibility of damage from the harsh sunlight. Your lip region needs sun protection, too, so use a product with an SPF rating of at least 15.

There is an expiration date for any natural sunblock, as is usually the case with body care products. Check the expiry date on your natural sunblock often to make sure that your skin continues to be protected from harmful rays of the sun.

The Difference Between Natural Sunscreen and Natural Sunblock

Is a natural sunscreen just another name for a natural sunblock? No. We mistakenly use these words interchangeably but natural sunscreens and natural sunblocks are not the same.

Natural sunscreen and natural sunblock work differently from each other:

Natural sunscreen

-absorbs UV rays
-is transparent on the skin
-breaks down and needs to be reapplied periodically
-uses PABA, avenobenzone, octocylene, salicylates, cinnamates
-blocks UVA

Natural sunblock

-reflects UV rays
-is more opaque (newer natural sunblocks are transparent)
-does not break down
-uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
-blocks both UVA and UVB

Some products contain both a natural sunblock and a natural sunscreen. It’s the UVA and UVB rays that cause skin cancer and sun burn. Products labelled broad spectrum have ingredients that block a broad range of UV rays.

If you are concerned about wrinkles the best thing your can do is use a good natural sunblock as sun damage is the main cause of aging. Wear a natural sunblock of at least SPF 15-30 every day. A good natural sunblock is neither sticky or greasy and can be worn alone or under make-up.

Good preventive skin care like using a natural sunblock and staying out of the sun is your best bet for avoiding wrinkles. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, staying happy and hydrated also have benefits for the skin. It is good to be aware of the ingredients in the products you use and how they work on the skin.

Mom’s Skincare Launches A New Total Natural Skin Care Product Package Including – Herbal Anti Aging Facial Mask, Moms Body Lotion, Natural Body Wash, Light Baby Lotion

Natural Skin Care Company, Mom’s Skincare announces that is has packaged four of natural skin care products, the Rich Moisturizer for Moms, Herbal Anti Aging Facial Mask, Natural Body Wash, and the Light Moisturizing Baby Lotion

Moms Rich moisturizer body lotion has a luxurious blend of shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba and olive oil. It’s enhanced with powerhouse antioxidant vitamins from grapefruit, carrot, cucumber and avocado to nurture and protect the skin. Mom’s Rich Moisturizer helps maintain beautiful radiant skin and repairs extra dry skin. Natural plant extracts and organic oils smooth away dull rough skin surfaces. Essential oils offer a pleasant natural scent of Rosemary, Lavender and Chamomile.

Mom’s Herbal Anti-aging mask is 100% natural and contains absolutely no preservatives or chemicals. The microscopic texture allows for the absorption of vitamins and enzymes from the herbs into the skin. After application, your skin’s circulation dramatically increases, stimulating regeneration, rejuvenation and repair.   This formula uses a delicate mixture of the herbs in the exact amounts to enhance their synergetic interaction with each other. In addition to allow their natural and unrefined properties to be maintained, the actual herbs, not the extracts, are used in the anti-aging mask.  This natural mixture exfoliates dead skin cells, to reveal beautiful, radiant, soft skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At the same time it protects against future skin damage.  This natural anti-aging mask refines the appearance of enlarged pores, purifies your skin, removes black heads and minimizes sun, acne and pregnancy spots. The anti aging mask increases your skin’s resilience, firmness and freshness.

The Natural Body Wash is formulated with vitamins and luxurious fruit extracts loaded with antioxidants and unconditional love. Mom’s body wash naturally removes dead skin cells and impurities from the skin to allow newer, healthier skin to surface…leaving the skin feeling smooth, clean and refreshed. Its tear free and great for the whole family

The light moisturizing lotion is made from the purest natural oils and vitamin rich plant extracts to protect and nurture your baby’s skin – and your skin as well. Essential oils offer a pleasant natural scent of Rosemary, Lavender, and Chamomile.

Mom’s Skincare is a natural skin care company for mothers, babies, children, and family.  Based in Southern California, the natural skin care company developed a unique line of natural skincare products including a natural baby body lotion, natural body wash, and a herbal anti aging facial mask.  Each natural skin care product incorporates a holistic approach to safe, natural, and nurturing skin care. Each skincare product has been carefully developed with parents, dermatologists, organic chemists, and skin care experts to offer a distinctive blend of natural ingredients.  For more information please visit (www.momsskincare.com)

Herbal Anti Anging Masks

Recently anti aging products joined the trend of other beauty products aimed towards the aging population and organic skin care market.  There are several natural skin care products which prove to be just as effective as many other synthetically based anti aging products.  Many organic skin care products have blended science with years of holistic medicinal practice.  As a result many of the natural anti aging products offer similar results. A 100% herbal anti aging mask with the right organic skin care ingredients will offer increased circulation, tightening of the skin, regeneration of skin cells, and an overall skin balance.  An herbal anti aging mask is a great natural alternative beauty product.

Herbal Anti Aging Products Offer An Alternative

Herbal anti aging products are the newest organic skincare product on the beauty product market.  Anti aging products and anti wrinkle creams are growing in popularity.  With an consciously aging population concerned about the effects of aging and damaged skin, many beauty products have focused on the organic skin care market which has been growing at an exponential rate.  A 100% natural herbal anti aging mask is an organic skin care product designed for the people who want an effective alternative to chemical based anti aging products.  Herbal anti aging products can be just as effective as many anti aging and anti wrinkle products without the potential of future side effects.  Beauty products continue to evolve and as there is a push for new organic skin care products.  Herbal anti aging products continue to gain momentum.

Look For The Natural Ingredients in Your Skin Care Products To Help Sun Damage

The sun can cause serious aging after prolonged exposure.  After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.Vitamin A (Retinol) – Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general.

Glycolic Acid – Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses.

N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) – The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.

Copper Peptides – Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Pal-KTTKS – Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections.

Green Tea Extract – Green tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores.

TNS – The biotechnology of the skin’s natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin.

Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid

Ingredients to Avoid

Due to certain preservative requirements, many skin care products are unfortunately loaded with ingredients that actually harm your skin over time. Following are a few prominent ingredients widely used in skincare products to day and are to be avoided if you prefer you skincare to be more natural or organic.

• Mineral Oil. This oil has been used in literally hundreds of products. Mineral oil may also go by the alternative names liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum on the product label. Mineral oil is used pervasively in skin care products as a moisturizing agent due to its low cost. Mineral oil, once applied, is meant to ‘trap’ moisture in the skin, but once applied, actually prevents the skin from “breathing.” As such, it clogs pores, interferes with your skin’s natural ability to eliminate toxins, and can lead to acne flare ups. Also, it is irritating to the skin and if used for any length of time, your skin can become dependent on it, causing chapping and dryness. Lastly, it can lead to premature aging of the skin.

• Dioxane: (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This substance is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. In the State of California, 1,4-dioxane has been reported as “known to cause cancer.”

• Fragrances: No one wants to smell bad, but if you want to be on the safe side, you are better off choosing an organic essential oil or diluted cologne, hydrosol or even a bodyspray. Your skin care products typically contain chemically engineered fragrances to mask the unpleasant “chemical odor” of the foundational product itself. Many of these masking fragrances are produced from ingredients that are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.

• Parabens: methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben. Many skin care products (and moisturizing products) will use parabens as a preservative so their products have a long shelf life. The reason is purely economical. However, studies suggest that they may cause cancer and interfere with the body’s endocrine system, as well as causing allergic reactions and skin rashes.

• Alcohols: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. Not all alcohols have the same properties, but these, which are commonly found in skin care products, are very drying and irritating for the skin. Alcohols such as these strip away the skin’s natural acid mantle, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. Its important to note some alcohols are used beneficially in acne treatments.