Love the sun...Naturally!
Updated: Dec 21, 2021
Glorious SUN! The summer has only just begun with its warm, long and light evenings, fragrant air, countless trips to the beach, freshly picked greens, peas and strawberries from the veggie garden and explosions of FLOWERS and GREEN in every hue and buzzing insects everywhere - I looove this time of year! It pulls at all my heart strings and I just have to be outside as much as possible. And the sun and its life giving and energising sunshine I love too but with my fair skin I have to be careful - yet I don't use sunscreen! Not conventional sun screen anyway and I haven't used them for years - nor on my kids.
Instead I use some effective natural alternatives that I will write about further down but first let me tell you a bit about the controversial chemicals in conventional sunscreens and why you should avoid them or at least minimise the exposure to them. Some of the chemicals commonly found in conventional sunscreens are:
Avobenzone
Oxybenzone
Ecamsule
Octocrylene
My major concern with these chemicals (apart from the obvious difficulty in pronouncing them!) is their potential to disrupt our delicate hormonal balance - especially in children - and recent research is pointing towards that some of these chemicals commonly used in sunscreens may be endocrine disruptors and may interfere with thyroid functioning and other hormonal processes in the body. Our skin is our biggest organ and anything applied to it will be absorbed into the bloodstream. So I prefer to play it safe, trust my gut feeling and stay well clear of deliberately applying to my skin and that of my kids any chemical cocktails that are potentially more damaging than what they are meant to protect from.
And because I know that there are other far safer and more natural options to protect the skin from the sun, while at the same time nourish and promote the overall health of the skin. A win - win situation, really!
However, firstly it is important to remember that the Sun is a great healer for Mind, Body and Soul. We all need sunlight on our skin in order to stay healthy and strong.
Our skin needs sunlight (in the right doses) to synthesise vitamin D - also called the sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is important for regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D - and the sun is one of the few natural ways to get it - is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved immune system and hormone balance. In fact, there is now epidemiological evidence suggesting that all-cause mortality is related to low vitamin D levels.
There’s a lot you can do to safely enjoy the sun without exposing yourself to potential harmful chemicals. Of course, there is a limit to how much sun a person needs or should get at any given time. When I reach this limit, I personally cover up, go in the shade or if I know I’m going to be for a prolonged period in the sun I use a hat and a natural sunscreen.
Below are some great natural SPF (sun protection factor) ingredients that help to protect the skin as well as nourish it.
Red raspberry seed oil SPF 28 -50 Carrot seed oil SPF 35 - 40 Pomegranate seed oil SPF 15 - 20 Avocado oil SPF 4 - 10 Olive oil SPF 4 - 8 Coconut oil SPF 4 - 6 Shea butter SPF 4 - 6 Almond oil SPF 5 Jojoba oil SPF 4 The good news is that I've recently improved the formular on some of my products to include organic Raspberry seed oil.
Not only is raspberry seed oil incredible rich in antioxidants but it also helps to protect from the damaging effects of UV rays. 'No. 1 Face balm' now contain generous amounts of Organic Raspberry Seed Oil to help protect your skin naturally whilst feeding it lots of healthy nutrients.
'Rosehip Eye Cream' is rich in organic amber red Rosehip oil and Raspberry seed oil and other light and nutrient rich oils. It is quickly absorbed by the skin leaving it soft, subtle and satisfyingly nourished.
'Rosehip & Pomegranate Facial Oil' is made entirely with the finest organic and cold pressed oils. Rich in antioxidants and healthy nutrients from organic Rosehip oil, Raspberry seed oil and Pomegranate seed oil. Delicately scented with neroli and ylang ylang.
'Omega 3-6-9 Facial Oil' is a gorgeous blend of particularly light oils such as Jojoba oil, Rosehip oil, Raspberry seed oil, Hemp seed oil and Thistle oil. These oils are rich in omega 3-6-9 fatty acids and useful for oily skin conditions as they help to soothe and balance the skin.
..Or - if you feel inspired - you can make your own Vegan & Natural sunscreen, 100ml:
Shea butter 30g
Cocoa butter 20g Coconut oil 10g Red Raspberry seed oil 40ml Lavender essential oil 15 drops
Instructions:
1: Weigh and place all ingredients in a glass bowl.
2: Fill medium sized saucepan with approx. 5cm (2 inches) of water and place on stove over medium heat.
3. place glass bowl in the sauce pan.
4: gently stir and mix ingredients until they are completely melted.
5: Place in freezer for about half an hour (or until temperature of mixture is around 28 - 30℃), stirring regularly.
6: Remove from freezer and pour/scoop mixture into jar, seal and label.
7: Store in fridge or a cool dark place.
Important note: Unlike most conventional sunscreens, natural and homemade sunscreens may not be as waterproof or have as high (or broad spectrum) SPF and therefore needs to be applied more often. Also beware that homemade versions may not protect as fully against UVA and UVB rays. With all the information and misinformation about sunscreens out there, the easiest, safest and healthiest way to enjoy the sun and protect your skin is to avoid the midday sun, wear a hat or long sleeves, drink plenty of clean water, eat lots of fresh (organic) produce and feed the skin lots of healthy nutrients from a good natural moisturiser or oil.
Enjoy the Sun...naturally & safely! ☀️🌿☀️ Love Sol