Summer is all about soaking up the sun and having fun outdoors, but it’s also an important time extra love and protection. Keep reading to discover my top tips for keeping your skin healthy through the summer, including ingredients to avoid in sunscreens, my favorite non-toxic skin care picks and skin-friendly foods to add to your diet.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
When choosing a sunscreen, it’s crucial to look beyond the SPF rating and examine the ingredients. Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that research has shown can contribute to hormonal imbalances and cancer while also being harmful to the environment and animal life. Here is a list of the top ingredients to avoid:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
When choosing a sunblock be on the look out for these key elements:
Active Ingredients: "Mineral sunscreens" that list non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide only. Watch out for those that list the term “mineral-based" as this often means zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide has been mixed with a chemical sunscreen.
Broad-Spectrum: This means that the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Reef Safe: This helps to ensure that it doesn't include chemicals that are harmful to the environment and especially coral reefs & marine life.
Inactive Ingredients: Even if the active ingredients are mineral, make sure the formula is not loaded with toxic ingredients.
Here are my top picks for non-toxic sunscreens that are both effective and gentle on your skin:
- SUNSCREEN APPLICATION HACK -
Apply organic/raw coconut oil to your skin before lathering up with a mineral sunscreen. Coconut oil has natural antioxidants to help protect your skin from UV rays while also helping with smoother application of mineral sunscreens. It even has it's own SPF of 8! Goodbye white streaks!
FOODS TO SUPPORT & PROTECT YOUR SKIN
By loading up on foods that are rich in nutrients + antioxidants you can help to protect your skin from sun damage while also promoting cellular regeneration, collagen production and reducing signs of skin-aging!
Foods to include in your diet to promote healthy skin:
Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect skin from sunburn.
Carrots, Sweet Potatoes Butternut Squash & Bell Peppers: High in beta-carotene, which can boost skin’s defense against UV rays.
Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with antioxidants that protect skin cells.
Citrus & kiwi: great source of Vitamin C which boosts collagen production and helps to reduce signs of skin-aging.
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that combat free radicals.
Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and support skin health.
Pasture raised eggs & grass-fed/finished butter: more great sources of Vitamin A & omega-3s
Olives & avocados: packed with Vitamin E & anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from oxidative damage. *Choose raw & sprouted.
Green Tea: Contains polyphenols that can protect the skin from UV damage and improve overall skin health.
Avoid processed foods, junk oils and refined sugars as these promote cellular aging and leave you more susceptible to skin damage.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN
Despite our best efforts, sometimes sunburn happens. Here are some natural remedies to soothe and heal sunburned skin:
Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera can reduce inflammation and provide relief. Use fresh aloe vera gel from the plant or a pure, organic product.
Coconut Oil: Helps to moisturize and heal the skin. Apply a thin layer to the affected area.
Calendula salve or oil: Calendula (made from marigold lowers) is naturally anti-inflammatory, soothing, anti-itch and promote skin healing. I love Puremedy's Healing Salve. (It's fantastic for ANY skin irritation, wound, burn, bug bites, etc....)
Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted with water, it can help restore the skin’s pH balance and reduce pain and inflammation.
Green Tea Compresses: Soak a clean cloth in cooled green tea and apply it to the sunburned area to reduce inflammation and pain.
Nourishing your skin with non-toxic skincare products is also an ESSENTIAL daily step to promoting overall skin health. Here are a few of my favorite non-toxic skin care brands:
By taking a holistic approach to skin care, you can enjoy the summer sun safely and naturally. Remember to choose non-toxic sunscreens, nourish your skin from within, and have natural remedies on hand for any sunburns. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and sun-safe summer!
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