Whether you are traveling someplace fun, heading to a local beach or just hanging out in the back yard, we all need to get our summer essentials ready. Hot days and sunshine are just around the corner! The products we use to protect ourselves from the elements, can sometimes do more harm than good. This is a great time to learn how to better read the labels of our favorite products. Let’s make sure that the things we are using on our skin or applying to our children are not harmful. We don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness when choosing healthier lox-tox options. Here are some of my favorites!
SELF TANNERS
Many of us like to have an instant tan when sliding into that bathing suit for the first time. I have experimented with several over the last couple years. I have found a few wonderful non-toxic options that work better than even the traditional brands. Many conventional self-tanners contain harsh chemicals such as parabens, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which can be absorbed through the skin and negatively impact your body and hormones. When reading labels, it’s essential to look out synthetic dyes (often listed as FD&C or D&C colors). Non-toxic self-tanners, on the other hand, use plant-based and organic ingredients that nourish the skin while providing a natural-looking tan. Ingredients such as DHA derived from sugar beets or cane (rather than synthetic versions), aloe vera, coconut oil, green tea extract, and shea butter are commonly found in cleaner formulas and offer hydrating and soothing benefits. Click here to see my complete non-toxic self-tanner collection.
a SUNSCREEN – CHEMICAL VS MINERAL
Chemical and mineral sunscreens differ in how they protect your skin from UV rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate to absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. These chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream and have been linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions and are carcinogenic. In contrast, mineral sunscreens use natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on the skin’s surface and physically block or reflect UV rays. Because mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin, they are generally considered less toxic and safer for long-term use, especially for sensitive skin or children. Additionally, mineral sunscreens are often reef-safe and environmentally friendly, making them a better choice for both personal health and the planet. Choosing a mineral sunscreen helps reduce your body’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals while still offering effective sun protection. When selecting a clean mineral sunscreen option watch for the ingredient Butyloctyl salicylate. This is a sneaky ingredient that is often slipped into sunscreens that are marketed as clean or mineral, but is a toxic chemical additive and SPF booster put in many cosmetics and sunscreens. Click here for my collection of clean and pure mineral sunscreen for the whole family.
SUN BURN TREATMENT
We all know how awful a sunburn can be. It ruins vacations and results in damaged skin health. So how can we avoid getting sunburns in the first place? Avoid consuming industrial seed oils. Most use petroleum-based solvents, such as hexane, in the extraction process. These common oils used in most processed foods creates inflammation and oxidative stress to our skin making us more susceptible to burns and skin cancers. Also, do not use chemical sunscreens. Thirdly, try to avoid long periods in the sun at peak hours without skin covering. If you do happen to get a little pink here are a few of my favorite non-toxic sunburn relief creams and gels. I personally swear by Maui Vera. I am not sure what the magic is or how it works, but I almost always feel better the next day. It has saved me more times than I should admit.
HYDRATION
Drinking plenty of water and replacing electrolytes when in the heat is important. Many ready-made sports drinks are loaded with artificial dyes and flavoring. These additives have been tied to over 3,000 chemicals that are known to affect our health adversely. There are great options to give your kids and to enjoy yourself that do not contain all of theses added sugars and harmful chemicals. Next time you are sick, post work-out or in the heat, instead of reaching for a Gatorade, try one of these great options. All of the benefit with none of the toxins. Click here for my collection of quality electrolyte replacements.
BUG REPELLENTS AND BITE OINTMENTS
It wouldn’t be summer without bugs! They love to irritate us and make us itch. DEET is a commonly used insect repellent that can be harmful when applied or ingested. The potential risks include skin irritation, neurological effects like seizures in some individuals, and possible developmental effects. It should never be used on small children or pregnant women. Here are some really good options that are non-toxic and can be used by anyone – young and old. I also threw in some of my favorite bug bite itch ointments. Here is my collection of non-toxic bug repellents.
PEST CONTROL
When it is hot outside, the spiders and ants love to inside to cool off. Great for them, not so fun for us. Many of the mainstream brands of bug spray, use toxic ingredients. These are products we do not want to be inhaling or having our small children or pets ingesting. Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree, are known for their ant and spider deterring properties. Here are a few great non-toxic options.
Hoping some of these recommendations help you make the most of summer! If you love being outside as much as I do during these sunny months, then we have to have some of these essentials on hand. Here’s to running through the sprinkler and sipping on a cool drink watching the sunset.
IDEAS FOR SUMMER FUN
If you are feeling like you’re in a date-night rut or maybe needing some good ideas for fun activities with kids or grandkids, here is a free SUMMER GOALS GUIDE to inspire you. Don’t let the summer pass you by without soaking up the opportunites to enjoy the sunshine and slower pace. Enjoy! Let me know how many you were able to check off the list! We have many free downloadable guides HERE. Check them out!
All for the girls!
Love, Angela
Great products to choose from! Gives me many more options. Thank you for the info.