Well, it's me Woman again.
Yesterday (my yesterday, your two days ago or something like that, ruddy time zones), I posted about making your own lip chap. It was then I realised that I should have included some information about some of the oils mentioned (like coconut and shea butter), actually have a natural SPF.
And since over here in Inner Mongolia we are starting our summer early this year (got a tan yesterday BOYAH!!!!), something should be posted about some natural ways to protect our skin rather than using a store bought chemically loaded sun screen.
So. Here it goes...
I just simply copied and pasted this whole section from this website link
Natural Sunscreen
By Jennifer of Hybrid Rasta Mama
There is a lot of debate about sunscreen, its effectiveness, and more recently, it’s potential to actually increase our chances of developing skin cancer. Yes, that’s right. Studies are showing that sunscreens are not all they are cracked up to be. I could get into this topic here, but instead, I would like to direct your attention to a wonderful article which succinctly outlines why sunscreen may indeed cause cancer. You can find it here link. You can also read a little further to learn why sunlight actually prevents cancer by clicking here link. And to further enlighten you, here is one more article which outlines the pros and cons of sunscreen and sun exposure link.
An important factor in preventing skin damage of any kind from too much sun exposure is understanding your skin type and your resulting SPF needs. Here is a quick breakdown:
Type 1 skin burns and freckles but never tans. If you’re red haired with blue or gray eyes, you may fit into this category and should use a sunscreen with the highest SPF rating.
Type 2 eventually develops a tan but always burns after 20 to 30 minutes in the sun. Type 2s are light blondes with blue or green eyes and should stick to a high SPF (45) sunscreen.
Skin cancer occurrence drops drastically at Type 3. People with this skin usually have dark blond or light brown hair and blue, green or brown eyes. They can develop a dark tan but will burn moderately, so should begin with a high SPF (30) sunscreen and gradually work down.
Type 4 is naturally dark complected, has brown hair and eyes and always tans dark brown. Still, they can burn minimally and should start tanning with an SPF of 15 and work down.
With Middle Eastern or Latin American ancestry, Type 5 hardly ever burns but should use a slight sunscreen of SPF 4.
Type 6, with black hair and dark skin, usually never burns but should play it safe with a sunscreen of SPF 4.
Here is an expert from a report in the Canada Medical Association Journal by Dr. Ralph Douglas Wilkinson entitled, “The Xerotic Nephrologist.” This is some pretty interesting information regarding proper care of the skin before sun exposure:
"Homo erectus existed for over a million years using the cool-water,no-soap system. The earth’s general fauna still use this system,which removes sweat without disturbing the waxy barrier. Housing and clothing have afforded us much protection, and our lipid layer has become somewhat expendable. Human sebum has a tendency to oxidize to a brownish hue, muchlike earwax. It is the “ring around the collar.” Sebum has a sunblock action estimated to be about SPF 6–8. Its removal may lead to cleaner collars, but it leaves the skin at higherrisk for sun damage.The sun can cause skin damage on bald spots, which are sebumpoor. The incidence of skin cancer on the head and face is high in North America. So is the use of soap and shampoo. Are they causally related? Sun damage in the child may be more severe than in the adult. Is this due in part to the absence of sebumin the preadolescent?My advice: wash with cool water, minimize or eliminate the use of soap, and wear a hat! - Ralph Douglas Wilkinson
So after reading the links and information above you are pretty convinced that sunscreen and sunblocks are not the way to go. Other than gradual sun exposure and protective clothing, what can you do to protect delicate skin on those days where you will be out in the sun a lot? There are a lot of natural, healthier sunscreen and sunblock products that are not as chemically laden as other. For a comprehensive review of natural sunscreens, read this great post.
There is also another alternative and quite frankly the most natural one of all. Natural oils in their purest form. Certain natural oils offer SPF protection from the sun that is better than protection found in any commercially produced sunscreen. Combine one or more of these oils and you have created a divine concoction of safe sun protection that anyone in your family can confidently use. Here is a list of the natural oils that can be used as sunscreens:
Red Raspberry Seed Oil - Red Raspberry seeds contain high levels of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids in addition to antioxidants and natural vitamin E. According to Anthony J. O’Lenick, author of “Oils of Nature,” red raspberry seed oil has a natural SPF between 28 and 50 and may also contain clinically significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Carrot Seed Oil - Carrot seed oil is an essential oil with significant antioxidant, antiseptic, antifungal and fragrant properties with high levels of vitamin A. When applied topically to the skin in the form of a diluted carrier oil, carrot seed oil also provides natural sun protection. According to a study published in “Pharmacognosy Magazine” in 2009, products containing carrot seed oil have a natural SPF of 38 and 40.
Wheatgerm Oil - Wheatgerm is one of the best sources of natural vitamin E and is also a good source of vitamin K, B vitamins and choline. When applied to the skin, wheatgerm oil helps to moisturize tissues and acts as an antioxidant to prevent free radical damage. In a study published in “Pharmacognosy Magazine” in 2009, a sunscreen comprised of wheatgerm and vitamin E had a natural SPF rating of 20.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!
Yesterday (my yesterday, your two days ago or something like that, ruddy time zones), I posted about making your own lip chap. It was then I realised that I should have included some information about some of the oils mentioned (like coconut and shea butter), actually have a natural SPF.
And since over here in Inner Mongolia we are starting our summer early this year (got a tan yesterday BOYAH!!!!), something should be posted about some natural ways to protect our skin rather than using a store bought chemically loaded sun screen.
So. Here it goes...
I just simply copied and pasted this whole section from this website link
Natural Sunscreen
By Jennifer of Hybrid Rasta Mama
There is a lot of debate about sunscreen, its effectiveness, and more recently, it’s potential to actually increase our chances of developing skin cancer. Yes, that’s right. Studies are showing that sunscreens are not all they are cracked up to be. I could get into this topic here, but instead, I would like to direct your attention to a wonderful article which succinctly outlines why sunscreen may indeed cause cancer. You can find it here link. You can also read a little further to learn why sunlight actually prevents cancer by clicking here link. And to further enlighten you, here is one more article which outlines the pros and cons of sunscreen and sun exposure link.
An important factor in preventing skin damage of any kind from too much sun exposure is understanding your skin type and your resulting SPF needs. Here is a quick breakdown:
Type 1 skin burns and freckles but never tans. If you’re red haired with blue or gray eyes, you may fit into this category and should use a sunscreen with the highest SPF rating.
Type 2 eventually develops a tan but always burns after 20 to 30 minutes in the sun. Type 2s are light blondes with blue or green eyes and should stick to a high SPF (45) sunscreen.
Skin cancer occurrence drops drastically at Type 3. People with this skin usually have dark blond or light brown hair and blue, green or brown eyes. They can develop a dark tan but will burn moderately, so should begin with a high SPF (30) sunscreen and gradually work down.
Type 4 is naturally dark complected, has brown hair and eyes and always tans dark brown. Still, they can burn minimally and should start tanning with an SPF of 15 and work down.
With Middle Eastern or Latin American ancestry, Type 5 hardly ever burns but should use a slight sunscreen of SPF 4.
Type 6, with black hair and dark skin, usually never burns but should play it safe with a sunscreen of SPF 4.
Here is an expert from a report in the Canada Medical Association Journal by Dr. Ralph Douglas Wilkinson entitled, “The Xerotic Nephrologist.” This is some pretty interesting information regarding proper care of the skin before sun exposure:
"Homo erectus existed for over a million years using the cool-water,no-soap system. The earth’s general fauna still use this system,which removes sweat without disturbing the waxy barrier. Housing and clothing have afforded us much protection, and our lipid layer has become somewhat expendable. Human sebum has a tendency to oxidize to a brownish hue, muchlike earwax. It is the “ring around the collar.” Sebum has a sunblock action estimated to be about SPF 6–8. Its removal may lead to cleaner collars, but it leaves the skin at higherrisk for sun damage.The sun can cause skin damage on bald spots, which are sebumpoor. The incidence of skin cancer on the head and face is high in North America. So is the use of soap and shampoo. Are they causally related? Sun damage in the child may be more severe than in the adult. Is this due in part to the absence of sebumin the preadolescent?My advice: wash with cool water, minimize or eliminate the use of soap, and wear a hat! - Ralph Douglas Wilkinson
So after reading the links and information above you are pretty convinced that sunscreen and sunblocks are not the way to go. Other than gradual sun exposure and protective clothing, what can you do to protect delicate skin on those days where you will be out in the sun a lot? There are a lot of natural, healthier sunscreen and sunblock products that are not as chemically laden as other. For a comprehensive review of natural sunscreens, read this great post.
There is also another alternative and quite frankly the most natural one of all. Natural oils in their purest form. Certain natural oils offer SPF protection from the sun that is better than protection found in any commercially produced sunscreen. Combine one or more of these oils and you have created a divine concoction of safe sun protection that anyone in your family can confidently use. Here is a list of the natural oils that can be used as sunscreens:
Red Raspberry Seed Oil - Red Raspberry seeds contain high levels of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids in addition to antioxidants and natural vitamin E. According to Anthony J. O’Lenick, author of “Oils of Nature,” red raspberry seed oil has a natural SPF between 28 and 50 and may also contain clinically significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Carrot Seed Oil - Carrot seed oil is an essential oil with significant antioxidant, antiseptic, antifungal and fragrant properties with high levels of vitamin A. When applied topically to the skin in the form of a diluted carrier oil, carrot seed oil also provides natural sun protection. According to a study published in “Pharmacognosy Magazine” in 2009, products containing carrot seed oil have a natural SPF of 38 and 40.
Wheatgerm Oil - Wheatgerm is one of the best sources of natural vitamin E and is also a good source of vitamin K, B vitamins and choline. When applied to the skin, wheatgerm oil helps to moisturize tissues and acts as an antioxidant to prevent free radical damage. In a study published in “Pharmacognosy Magazine” in 2009, a sunscreen comprised of wheatgerm and vitamin E had a natural SPF rating of 20.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!
