5 Tips For A Natural Summer: Stay Healthy and Comfortable with No Chemicals
Now that summer is approaching, it's time to start gathering your summer essentials.
Regardless of whether you're a hiker or a beach goer, some items should be on everyone's list.
Sun Protection: Natural Sunscreen vs. Traditional Varieties
You have probably heard to look for products with an SPF of 30 or above. The majority of sunscreens with high SPF are fairly expensive. It's understandable that most people look for the best deal, but did you know that traditional sunscreens are filled with chemicals?
There are two types of sun protection, chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens tend to absorb the sun's rays effectively, but they also absorb into the skin. For a daily sunscreen, instead of using chemicals that are impossible to pronounce, consider that most natural versions are made from things like beeswax and essential oils.
Physical or natural sunscreens usually contain more skin-friendly ingredients as well.
Physical protection uses mineral sunblocks with natural substances like zinc or titanium to literally create a physical barrier between the sun's rays and your skin. Look for these types when you shop.
Besides slathering creams on your skin, what other ways can you protect yourself from the sun? The best way to keep yourself shielded is to avoid it altogether, but being a vampire may put a damper on your social life. Instead, wear loose clothing that covers, sunglasses, and use umbrellas to shield yourself as much as possible while you're at play. You'll stay cooler too.
For more on natural sunscreen products, visit this page: http://www.ewg.org/2014sunscreen/
Lip Care: Using Natural Lip Balm with SPF
Don't forget about your lips! They are just as sensitive to the sun as the rest of your body and are one of the most susceptible parts when it comes to aging. Natural lip balms are inexpensive like their traditional counterparts and are made with ingredients that are great for your lips, including beeswax, hemp, coconut oil and other antioxidant rich moisturizers. They are best worn alone, but you can also wear them under any kind of lip color and still benefit. Google “best organic lip balms” and you'll find a large assortment of options. Here's an example:
Bug Spray: Staying Bite-free with Natural Bug Repellent
Traditional bug sprays are full of nasty chemicals. Natural alternatives are generally herbal mists that rely on natural plant oils to keep bugs at bay. Bugs hate lavender and citrus oils, which are common in these products. A bonus to using natural bug repellents is they usually smell great.
There are dozens of do it yourself recipes you can find online using household ingredients like vinegar, essential oils, and a variety of herbs and spices that will show you how to make a toxin free, great-smelling, functional product of your own. Here is a good resource though there are many others available with a simple search on “natural bug repellents”:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthbeautyprojects/a/naturalinsectrepellent.htm
Antiperspirant: Does Natural Deodorant Work?
The short answer is yes, it works for many people.
What kind you need will vary greatly depending on your needs. Some natural deodorants are made with clay. These do a great job absorbing moisture and can even help those of us that struggle with discoloration in our armpits. This discoloration is generally caused by the aluminum that traditional antiperspirants contain. Look for products that avoid ingredients like PEGs, parabens and aluminum compounds. Here is a good starting point:
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/best-natural-deodorants-47062903#slide-1
Hair Care: Some Tips For Natural Protection
The sun can do quite a bit of damage to your hair, so try and limit your direct exposure. If you can't wear a hat or hair scarf, tie your hair up or braid it to limit the surface area exposed to the harmful ultraviolet rays. Look for UV blocking ingredients in your hair products, like sunflower oil or coconut oil. Avoid products with ingredients like alcohol, lanolin or mineral oil and look for water based moisturizers instead. Lay off the hair dryer and allow your hair to dry naturally when possible. Keep your body hydrated as well. Lots of H2O inside your body will work wonders on keeping your skin and hair protected.
