While winter definitely takes its toll on moisture, summer seems to be a constant flurry of protecting skin from the sun and soothing it when it’s seen too much damage. And though there are tons of over-the-counter products to help with this, the traditional Indian healing system of Ayurveda has a few tips, too.

Ayurvedic Oils as Sunscreen

After scientific research showed that certain Ayurvedic oils had SPF powers, many natural health gurus pounced, claiming that these oils could be used in lieu of sunscreen. And according to Anna Pamula of Renu Day Spa in Illinois, traditional Ayurveda does call for using these oils to help protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

“All vegetable oils have UVB And UVA protection qualities,” she says, noting that while plants certainly depend upon the sun to grow, they also need to protect themselves from sun damage.

Different oils have different SPF values, ranging from SPF 2 in the case of coconut oil to SPF 4 for sesame, SPF 6 for hemp, SPF 10 for soybean, and a whopping SPF 40 for carrot seed and SPF 50 for raspberry seed.

That said, some doctors, like Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, note that lab results aren’t enough to prove that applying these oils instead of sunscreen will help in practice.

“In theory or in the lab, an oil may give [some] protection, but in the real world, you’re applying it to the skin with other ingredients and you’re sweating and it’s exposed to UV light — the conditions are very different,” Dr. Zeichner tells NY Mag. “It may not be stable.”

You may be better off opting for a natural sunscreen and boosting your skin’s natural sun-repelling power by consuming lots of antioxidants and avoiding certain essential oils: bitter orange, angelica, and lemon verbena can increase sun sensitivity, so shelve those until fall.

Ayurveda for Post-Sun Skin

One thing that experts do agree on across the board is that Ayurveda can be used successfully and safely if you’ve accidentally overdosed on sun exposure.

“You generally want to opt for cooling, calming and soothing oils,” says Kerri Axelrod, a certified holistic health coach. She suggests coconut oil after over-exposure to the sun to reduce inflammation, heal minor sunburns, and prevent redness.

Vasant Lad, founder of the Ayurvedic Institute, meanwhile, suggests mixing equal amounts of powdered sandalwood and turmeric and applying the paste to a sunburn to help it heal itself.

Classic aloe vera is yet another great way to soothe a sunburn. Choose fresh, organic aloe vera and apply the juice directly to the sunburn to help it heal.

For dry skin associated with too much time in the sun, sand, or sea, Axelrod suggests shea butter or a combination of lavender oil and sandalwood oil for their soothing properties. Placing a few drops of these essential oils into your bath a few times a week to can help you take advantage of their cooling effects after a bit too much time on the beach.

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The post Soothe Your Summer Sunburn with Ancient Ayurveda appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ever wonder how some women look daisy fresh under the sun, while you seem to wilt? These simple summer beach essentials will keep you looking hot while playing in the surf and sand.

You put effort into getting ready for the beach. The key to getting your look to last is some smart planning and using summer worthy products.

Prep items, melt resistant makeup, skin fresheners, and sun protection are musts. They’ll make your day at the beach seem like, well you know…

7 Beach Essentials for Your Beauty Kit

All Good Sunscreen Butter

1. Best SPF: Let’s start at the top. Safe and effective sunscreen is an absolute must when spending time in the sun. And when at the beach, make sure it is reef safe. Remember to reapply every two hours, or if you’ve been sweating or swimming, whichever comes first.

inVitamin Cleansing Micellar Water

2. Skin refresher: Hydrate and revitalize overheated and dry skin with micellar water. Tiny beads of oil make sure skin isn’t parched once you return from fun in the sun.

Earth Tu Face Dead Sea Salt Scrub

3. Smooth Operator: Before heading out into the sun, give skin a thorough sloughing. Also key to a smooth application of self tanner.

URSA Major Fortifying Face Balm

4. Ingrown hair treatment: Sleek, hair-free skin is a no-brainer for beach season. If you are still experiencing ingrown hairs on bikini line even with the best shaving technique, try applying a dab of soothing balm post shave to ward off those little buggers before they become a problem.

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15

5. Lip color with protection: Lips get sunburned too. Choose a safe lip sunscreen to protect your pucker. Want color with your UV protection? Ilia Beauty has two delicious hues.

Little Barn Apothecary Coconut + Mint Cooling Mist

6. Body refresher: Natural deodorants are good for keeping odor at bay. But no deodorant can last through a full day of 90-degree temps, swimming, and sweating. Refresh your bod with a spritz of this body mist made with aloe, dead sea salt, jasmine, and peppermint.

NCLA Bikinis & Martinis

7. Perfect polish: What do you need to complete your look other than a pretty hat and maybe a new pair of shades? Perfectly polished tootsies. This shade ought to do nicely.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Sunscreen season is here. We opt for the safest sun protection for ourselves and our little ones because chemical sunscreen is not the healthiest choice. And guess what, it’s not a day at the beach for marine life either.

My family and I took a vacation to Mexico a few years ago and did some snorkeling. Before we even set foot on the boat that would take us out to the reef where we’d get to see gorgeous fish and even a barracuda, the guides checked all of our sunscreen bottles and tubes.

No, they weren’t concerned with the number of SPF we’d chosen, but made sure everyone was using reef-friendly sunscreen. They even had a stand selling the stuff in case you’d toted along your chemical sun protection.

Chemical Sunscreen and Marine Life

Harmful chemical sunscreens, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have a toxic effect on young coral, causing endocrine disruption, DNA damage, and death. Essentially, killing off coral.

Coral reefs support more species than any other marine environment. It is estimated that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen washes off of swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers every year. Tons! That is huge exposure to these delicate and important ecosystems.

Even worse news, it only takes a small amount (the equivalent of a drop of water in six Olympic-sized pools!) to cause damage. Concentrations of oxybenzone in seawater near coral reef populated Hawaii and U.S. Virgin Islands have been estimated at 12 times what is needed to harm coral.

And it is not just the chemical sunscreen ingredients that are detrimental to the health of reefs. Synthetic preservatives, like parabens, have been linked to problems like coral bleaching.

Safe Sunscreen Ingredients

Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen that, unlike oxybenzone and other chemical sunscreens, dissolves in saltwater and eventually settles on the seafloor and becomes buried in sediment. This makes zinc a reef-friendly option.

Of course, it doesn’t stop with minerals. Choosing sun protection that is also free from other harmful ingredients, like synthetic preservatives and fragrance, and chemical emollients, is not only better for marine life but human bodies too.

Because sunscreen is important in protecting against premature aging and disease, we can’t simply go without during a day at the beach. The best way to protect coral reef life and ourselves at the same time is by using nontoxic mineral sunscreens. Water resistant options help sunscreen to stay on our bodies longer too.

Reef Safe Sunscreens for Days at the Beach

Here is a list of sunscreens that are made with zinc oxide and contain no parabens or other harmful ingredients. Reef safe claims are not regulated in the U.S. As with all cosmetic products, it is important to read beyond the front label, and check ingredient listings and brand information. All of the following sunscreens have been proven to be reef safe.

All Good: Makes A selection of sun protection for the whole family, from Sunsticks to Lip Balm. Broad spectrum and Sunscreen Butter is water resistant.

Badger Balm: This brand has been creating reef-friendly sunscreens since before we knew about the issue. A wide range of sun protection for the whole family in a variety of formulas. Active and Sport sunscreens are water-resistant and broad spectrum.

True Natural: Another extensive line of healthy sunscreens. This brand offers protection in a variety of SPFs and even a sunscreen stick for your beach loving pooch. All are broad spectrum and Sport Stick is water resistant.

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Image of woman snorkeling via Shutterstock

The post Is Chemical Sunscreen Killing Marine Life? appeared first on EcoSalon.

How do some women do it? Able to pull off the fresh faced, youthful look when going makeup free, rather than death warmed over. If you feel more scary than dewy when going out bare, try these tips on how to look better without makeup.

Whether you never wear makeup, occasionally go without, or wouldn’t be caught dead bare-faced, there are ways to improve your naked face game.

There are times when you simply have to leave the house before putting on your face. Running late, under the weather, fleeing a fire…some of us are hard pressed to go anywhere without at least a little eyeliner or mascara.

Then there are the women who pull it off with ease and actually look younger without makeup. What is their secret to going makeup free and how can the rest of us get in on it?

Looking great makeup-free boils down to a few simple tricks, some regular maintenance, and a dash of self-assurance.

6 Tips on How to Look Better Without Makeup

1. Skin Love: A well cared for complexion looks healthy and glowing. It is also low maintenance, which means you can skip the foundation. Exfoliate regularly to get rid of dry, dead skin cells, which cause lack luster skin and clogged pores. Always cleanse with the appropriate product for your skin type and remove makeup before bed. And maybe the most important step in radiant skin? Making sure it is getting adequate moisture with your choice of facial oils, lotions, or creams.

2. Protect and Prevent: Yes, this falls under the prevention category but is so important. Regular use of nontoxic sunscreen protects skin from lines, wrinkles, and brown spots, making it easier to go makeup free. (Check our sunscreen guide for top picks for face.)

3. Wow Brows: On fleek brows may be a trend, but they also help to frame the face. Plus, well groomed brows lend polish to your look.

4. Lash Out: Want to make eyes pop in an instant? Curl your lashes, stand back, and admire those peepers. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is a makeup artist favorite.

5. Mane Game: Good looking hair means you can get by with almost anything (or nothing) for the rest of your look. Don’t have time to coif? A sleek pony, cute headband, or pretty scarf can easily dress things up.

6. Own It: If you are going out makeup free, smile and radiate confidence. Nothing looks better than a woman who feels good about herself.

Still not comfy with a completely bare face? Go the “no makeup” makeup route for a fresh faced look that only looks bare.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 6 Tips on How to Look Better Without Makeup appeared first on EcoSalon.

Summer means lots of time spent enjoying the great outdoors. One drawback? This may mean sun spots. Learn how to lighten spots and brighten skin naturally.

Sunshine makes us feel good. Why does there have to be a downside? We know that overexposure means skin aging and can even lead to skin cancer. It also causes skin discoloration and those nasty dark spots we hate to see.

Obvi, the best way to deal with sun spots is to prevent them in the first place. Proper sun protection will help to ward off discoloration. Still, you may end up with a spot or two. Before you go running to the nearest laser spa or purchase a bullet proof concealer, read on.

It’s true. There are natural ingredients that do a great job of lightening spots and brightening skin. And most are gentle enough for sensitive skin. Regular use can help to lighten damage and get your glow back.

Natural Ingredients to Lighten Sun Spots (Plus Product Picks!)

Rosehip oil is nature’s Retin-A. It contains a healthy dose of retinol (Vitamin A)which is a great anti-ager and, you guessed it, skin lightener. Can be used on its own as a spot treatment or facial as part of a facial serum. One note of caution – when using a product that contains Vitamin A, avoid direct sunlight as it may form free radicals which accelerate skin aging and the spread of existing skin cancer. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Night Crème delivers this healing ingredient to skin while you sleep.

Vitamin C is another effective skin brightener. Try Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Crème with Vitamin C complex to repair damage during the day. Aloe helps to soothe upset skin. This moisturizer is very light. For dry skin types, use in combination with a facial oil or serum.

Turmeric calms inflammation, slows skin aging, and promotes even skin tone. It also adds the lightest touch of natural glow. May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver is an antioxidant rich facial mask, which includes detoxifying charcoal, to bring skin back into balance.

Licorice Root extract lightens sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and lends overall brightness to skin. Also said to boost the mood, this ingredient is definitely worth a shot. Try Amala Rejuvenating Serum which also addresses anti-aging issues, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Can’t decide which of these fabulous ingredients to enlist first? No worries. The lovely RMS Beauty Oil contains Rosehip, Turmeric, Licorice, plus skin brightening Tamanu in a super light, divinely scented facial oil.

Seeing spots on backs of hands? Amala Hydrating Hand Cream contains Papaya Fruit extract. The fruit contains an enzyme called papain, said to boost cell turnover and brighten the skin.

Adequate SPF plus some of these natural power lighteners equal even, healthy skin. Now go enjoy your summer!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post How to Lighten Sun Spots and Brighten Skin Naturally appeared first on EcoSalon.

You’ve got this whole mineral sunscreen thing. How difficult can it be? Mineral is safer than chemical, use a facial sunscreen on face, body sunscreen on body, choose your appropriate SPF/Broad Spectrum/Water Resistant option as needed, and make sure you use safe sunscreen ingredients. Off you go into the UV bathed sunset.

Then you wake up and realize you have an issue or two with your bare bones sunscreen selecting method. Are non-whitening sunscreens invisible even on darker complexions? Will your facial sunscreen give you zits or dry your skin out? What if your sensitive skin doesn’t like your sunscreen? Do you put foundation over or under your sunscreen? Is it okay to wear foundation with sunscreen, is that even done?

Yikes! You’ve gotten yourself into quite the sunscreen conundrum. Not to worry, we are here to help. Yes, mineral is the safe sunscreen choice. Yep, it is best to use products designed for face on your face. Sure, SPF and Broad Spectrum protection are valid concerns. And of course, avoid toxic chemicals.

But there are other concerns to take into account too. Like skin type and tone. You wouldn’t purchase any old facial moisturizer and expect to be happy with the results, would you? Of course not! You would make sure it is designed for your skin type. Same goes for makeup. A foundation has to match your skin tone and it is equally important to use a sunscreen that does the same.

Lucky for you, there are options. Products for every skin type and tone that provide serious UV protection. Oh, and you are going to love them.

Safe Sunscreens for Face by Skin Type

Oily/Acne: Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30 is made with aloe and ultra light oils to provide non-greasy hydration and is fragrance-free, so ideal for sensitive skin too. Pratima Skincare Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30 provides anti-aging benefits in a light, breathable formula. Bonus product: Use Kahina Giving Beauty Serum while not in the sun for anti-aging benefits along with spot and sun damage diminishment, all in a breakout-proof formula.

Dry/Mature: A rich formula that absorbs into skin, True Natural Sunscreen: Face Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is perfect under makeup. Karen’s Botanicals Lovely Lavender Day Cream SPF 15 is thick and creamy, hydrating to mature skin, but also gentle enough for sensitive skin types. Bonus product: Get max anti-aging support with absolutely no irritation with Yuli Modern Alchemist.

Sensitive: RawSkinCeuticals Rosacea Day Cream SPF 30 is strong protection for delicate skin in a super mild formula. (Also see products marked sensitive in oily and dry categories) Bonus product: Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend calms and protects skin, while fading scars and spots. Perfect post-sun skin recoup.

Normal/Combo: Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30 is a moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup primer in one. Non-greasy and provides anti-aging benefits. Bonus product: Hailed as an anti-aging miracle, Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum minimizes fine lines, improves texture and tone, and reduces inflammation.

Tinted Facial Sunscreens

Now about that makeup over or under sunscreen problem. How about nix the makeup and use a tinted, moisturizing sunscreen instead. If that sounds too good to be true, hold onto your bikini bottoms because these natural tinted mineral sunscreen moisturizers are going to makeover your summertime get ready sesh.

Suntegrity5-in- Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30 offers high quality sun protection, super natural color, and feels great on skin. Use in place of your daily moisturizer and foundation for ultra natch UV protection with light coverage. These tints are so blendable, they easily match any skin tone. Suited to all skin types, especially good for mature, dry, and normal/combination.

Those with sensitive or oily skin will love Ilia Beauty Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. A semi-matte facial moisturizer with mineral sun protection and easy to blend tint. Six natural shades to suit all skin tones.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Chemical sunscreens, vitamin A, parabens, phthalates, petro-chems. At this point, it’s safe to say you know what you don’t want in a sunscreen. But have you thought about what you do want in a natural sunscreen?

It is not just about avoiding this nasty chemical or that risky ingredient. Think of sunscreen as you do skincare. You wouldn’t buy any old facial or body product just because it was free from harmful ingredients, right? Same goes for sunscreen. What you really want is optimum protection that also offers healthy ingredients in a product that suits your skin.

Sound like a dream? Not with natural sunscreens. High quality, nontoxic SPF products are designed with the betterment of your skin in mind. Brands dedicated to safety in cosmetics don’t just put up sunscreen that sounds healthy. They walk the talk, using nourishing, anti-aging, antioxidant ingredients to nurture and support skin.

It is not difficult to find information on what you should avoid in sunscreens. We know that chemical sunscreens oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause hormonal disruption and allergic reaction. We’ve heard plenty about vitamin A and its link to accelerated tumor growth when exposed to sunlight. And the usual synthetic suspects? We can see those coming a mile away.

We are talking about ingredients you do want to see when perusing sun protection product ingredient listings. Healthy plant oils, butters, and extracts that hydrate skin. Protective antioxidants and natural anti-aging ingredients to ward off further UV damage. There are even some natural plant ingredients with SPF.

Mineral Sunscreen Ingredients

So, what are these highly beneficial ingredients to look for? Let’s start at the top. Mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are much safer than chemical sunscreens and provide far better protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate to deeper layers of skin and are responsible for more serious damage, like premature aging and skin cancer. UVB rays affect the top layers of skin and are the ones associated with sunburn.

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into the skin, allowing UVA rays to reach deeper layers. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. All have been detected in human urine and/or breast milk, and most are linked to hormonal disruption and allergic reaction.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are derived from chalky minerals with reflective properties. Zinc is often used on its own in sunscreen products, while titanium dioxide is generally used in combination with zinc. Titanium dioxide has come under scrutiny by some critics as having health risks when inhaled. The FDA is currently doing more research on the health risks and effectiveness of spray and powder form sunscreens. For now, we advise staying with creams, lotions, butters, and stick sunscreens.

Mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier on top of skin, providing immediate, effective protection and are less likely to cause allergic reaction. A much safer choice over chemical sunscreen ingredients. All products listed in our guide are mineral sunscreens.

Moisturizing Ingredients

Sun and wind tend to be drying, so hydration is key even in hot, humid months of summer. Sunscreens made with rich plant butters and oils keep skin supple and help to hold in natural moisture. Shea butter, mango butter, and sunflower seed oil contain fatty acids and skin-supportive vitamins, to soften and moisturize dry skin.

Try these moisturizing sunscreens:

True Natural Sunscreen: Face Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Unscented
Goddess Garden Facial Natural Sunscreen
Goddess Garden Everyday Natural Sunscreen Lotion

Calming Ingredients

Strong ingredients and sun exposure can upset delicate skin. Skin calming ingredients protect and soothe at the same time. Aloe vera lightly hydrates and soothes skin. Cucumber cools and reduces puffiness. Chamomile is ultra mild and helps to tone down redness or irritation.

Try these calming sunscreens:

Badger Balm Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 – Chamomile & Calendula
The Honest Co. SPF 30 Sunscreen
Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 30

Balancing Ingredients

Sunscreen can present a whole new dilemma for those dealing with excess oil or acne. You don’t want to use a greasy moisturizer that could leave you with breakouts, but going unprotected is out of the question. Naturally balancing ingredients that offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are best for this skin type. Rosemary is naturally antibacterial to help keep skin clear. Turmeric calms inflammation and evens skin tone. Light oils, like coconut and jojoba, offer oil-balancing hydration that won’t overwhelm oily skin.

Try these balancing sunscreens:

DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+
Ilia Beauty Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
100% Pure Green Tea Oil Free Hydration SPF 30

Firming Ingredients

Yes, you can have your sun protection and anti-aging benefits too. Products made with natural anti-agers, like hyaluronic acid and green or red algae, support skin and diminish the appearance of discoloration. Antioxidant rich pomegranate oil and green tea prevent further damage.

Try these firming sunscreens: 

Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30
Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Sunscreen For Body SPF 30
DeVita Solar Body Moisturizer SPF 30+

*You can check out and shop all of the sunscreens here:

image of woman on beach via Shutterstock

*Disclaimer: help support ecosalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you need to purchase any of the products.

The post Healthy Sunscreen Ingredients: What You Want in an SPF appeared first on EcoSalon.