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10 Oils with Natural SPF

Is sunscreen safe?

Yes, sunscreen is safe to use. No published studies show that sunscreen is toxic to humans or hazardous to human health. Scientific studies actually support using sunscreen. Research shows that wearing sunscreen can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. Sunscreen also can reduce premature skin aging.

What about the reported health risks associated with some ingredients found in sunscreens?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreens. Before an ingredient can be used in sunscreen, the ingredient must be approved by the FDA for this use. Here is the real science behind some of the ingredients now in the news.

Oxybenzone: This is one of the few ingredients in sunscreen that effectively protects our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Here are the facts about oxybenzone:

• Approved by the FDA in 1978. 
• No data show that oxybenzone causes hormonal problems or related conditions in humans, such as endometriosis.
• No data show that oxybenzone causes any significant health problems in humans.  
• FDA approved for use by people 6 months of age and older.

Retinyl palmitate: This ingredient helps protect our skin from premature aging. Here are the facts:

• No study shows that it increases the risk of skin cancer in humans.
• Retinyl palmitate is blended into sunscreens and numerous cosmetics to help reverse signs of skin aging.

Is nanotechnology safe?

Before nanotechnology could be used in sunscreens, considerable research was conducted. Research suggests that when the sunscreen ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are turned in to nanoparticles (tiny particles made by fine grinding) the sunscreen is safe.  It appears that when people apply sunscreen that contains these nanoparticles to healthy, uninjured skin, the nanoparticles cannot get inside the body. Our outermost layer of skin seems to prevent these nanoparticles from entering in to the deeper layers of the skin.

But why bother turning titanium dioxide and zinc oxide into nanoparticles? There are two reasons.  First, the ingredients offer better protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Secondly, these ingredients do not leave a white residue on the skin when they are nanoparticles. 
To protect your skin, dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen that offers:

• SPF 30 or greater.
• Broad-spectrum protection (may say “UVA/UVB protection").
• Water resistance.

Studies prove that using sunscreen reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. Other things you can do to reduce your risk are to seek shade and wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun.


Is sunscreen safe? | aad.org

Go Wild for Bees this June with Burt Bees

Go Wild for Bees this June with FREE SHIPPING! 

Use Code: gowild15 
Code must be used for offer to be applied http://bit.ly/1GowF7g

Comparing allergic, irritant, and atopic dermatitis

Overview:

Dermatitis is a term used to describe certain inflammatory skin conditions which manifest in different forms at different times. There are many varieties of dermatitis in existence and among them the broad categories would include contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and neurodermatitis. But, there can be many other classifications and sub-classifications in relation to dermatitis and these should be most likely to be context specific in contrast to the broader classifications mentioned above.

Contact dermatitis:

Within this broad classification, there are several sub groups and among them, allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis can be regarded as the two commonest contact dermatitis of all time. Although there are distinct features between the two, its manifestation can look similar to a person unless they are quite familiar with the two manifestations.

In comparison, the irritant dermatitis would be the result of continued irritation of the skin for a prolonged duration to substances which are considered irritant towards the skin. These substances would include, soap, detergents, cleaning products…etc and the duration and the frequency of contact would influence the outcome of these manifestations. In contrast, the allergenic substances would sensitize a person with relatively low level of exposure and following this, even a minimal exposure would be enough to give rise to a full blown allergic reaction in relation to the area which was exposed to the allergenic substance. Among the substances which can give rise to allergic dermatitis rubber, perfumes, cosmetics, plants, animal stings and bites, certain topical medications and metallic items used for wrist watches, bangles…etc could be readily recognized.

Furthermore, the allergic contact dermatitis would most likely to be lifelong although the irritant dermatitis may not manifest for a second time once the initial irritation is cured and the irritant material avoided for a prolonged duration. But, continued exposure to the same irritant substance may induce a similar attack at a later time.

Atopic dermatitis:

In contrast, atopic dermatitis refers to an inflammatory skin conditions which could run in families and would most often develop in the childhood and continues to exacerbate from time to time throughout life. Although the condition is less of a problem in the adulthood, it can get worse when in contact with an allergic substance, an irritant or else due to stressful conditions. All in all, the atopic dermatitis would not have a definite underlying cause as clear-cut as it was with allergenic and irritant dermatitis and the treatment protocols to follow in this instances would additionally include, treatment aimed at averting a possible infection at the site of the dermatitis and light therapy in hope of preventing a recurrence of the same. Furthermore, atopic dermatitis would also be benefit.

Source:Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Handmade, Homemade Soap Recipes

Learn to make natural soap using the melt-and-pour recipes featured in this book.

By Rebecca Ittner 

Read more: http://www.motherearthliving.com/diy-projects/handmade-homemade-soap-recipes-the-art-of-natural-soap-making.aspx#ixzz3PkzgXECk

Wrap Hair Towels

The Hubalou Wrap is an absorbent, lightweight and gentle hair towel created to be used in place of terrycloth and microfiber towels. Made of sustainable bamboo fiber, the wrap minimizes heat dry time, prevents breakage and reduces frizz.

The wrap is great for all hair types and is exceptionally helpful for naturally curly or brittle hair.  Sold in a set of two.