If you are super skeptical about what you put on your skin before you head out under the summer sun, there’s reason to be just as skeptical about what you put on your skin afterwards.

The following cooling after-sun spray recipe is made with pure ingredients and is free of synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol. It’s as soothing to sun-kissed (or burnt) skin as it is to your other senses.

I am not a huge fan of sunscreen, simply because for so long it was hard to find a reliable brand that protected my skin not only from the sun but also from unnecessary cancerous chemicals in the sunscreen itself. These days, there are plenty of all-around safer sunscreens out there, and that notion should extend to after sun sprays. Unlike an effective sunscreen, an effective and safe cooling after sun spray is easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen.

This recipe has long been my go-to concoction. Based in aloe vera and witch hazel, this recipe packs in superhero anti-inflammatory, protective, and healing powers. Anti-microbial eucalyptus oil cools and lightly numbs the skin while lavender oil calms irritation.

To prepare for this recipe, assemble the ingredients. While the essential oils may be slightly costly, you will stretch your dollar by finding other ways to use them beyond the after sun spray.

Make sure to have a spray bottle ready to fill up with the mixture. For best results, store the after-sun spray in the refrigerator for even more cooling effects and a longer shelf life. The spray will stay fresh for about two months if stored in the refrigerator.

Cooling After-Sun Spray Recipe

Makes about one cup

Ingredients

• ½ cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 ounce vitamin E oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• ¼ cup witch hazel
• ¼ cup water

Directions

Add all of the ingredients into a glass jar. Shake the jar until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed. Fill the mixture into the spray bottle and store in the refrigerator when not in use. Before use, shake the spray bottle. Enjoy the cooling sensation after a day out in the sun.

Note: Do not use the spray before going into the sun, as the UV rays and heat may react negatively with the essential oils.

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The post Lavender-Eucalyptus-Aloe After-Sun Cooling Beach Spray appeared first on EcoSalon.

Lower maintenance is always best when it comes to beauty, right? Not that you have to go makeup free or even as low key as the ‘no makeup’ look, but fast and efficient is never a bad thing. That’s why this one beauty product is sure to be your next big favorite.

Makeup and skincare sticks are the name of the game when it comes to quick, easy application and on-the-go essentials. They are easy to stow, fun to use, and come in pretty much any beauty staple you can dream up.

Spring is the perfect time to clear out your makeup kit, purchase a few new products to freshen up your look, and stock up on sunscreen. Find out which beauty sticks you must get ahold of now.

8 Best Beauty Sticks for Spring

1. Think it’s too early in the season to purchase sunscreen? It is important to protect yourself year-round to ward off UV damage and premature aging. If you’ve been neglecting this area of your beauty routine, time to go sunscreen shopping. A stick sunscreen, like Promise Organic SPF 30 Coconut Sunscreen Stick, is not only convenient to carry and use, but well-suited for use on the face. Pack in your bag and swipe on nose, cheeks, forehead and lips if you find yourself having lunch outdoors this spring or end up taking a stroll through the park.

2. We love what highlighter does to skin … brightens and gives instant glow! But most of us use this beauty product once a day and don’t take a pot of cream highlighter along for the ride. What if you could apply highlighter whenever you wanted without getting fingers messy? Dream come true! W3LL People Bio Brightener Stick does all of those things. The perfect way to perk up midday or as an after work refresher. See if it’s at a Target near you.

3. A new pimple cropped up while you were sleeping. You treat the little rascal, then get on with your day. Only to find it’s returned over lunch break. If only you had a portable zit zapping stick on you to nix that nasty blemish on the go. Indie Lee Blemish Stick is a convenient combo of zinc, witch hazel, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid that goes on clear and helps to disintegrate zits. Yes, please!

4. Cream eyeshadow is another one of those beauty products best applied at home. Until Ilia Silken Shadow Sticks came about, that is. Smooth, velvety color for lids in six slightly metallic shades. Great for touch ups while you’re out.

5. For hydrating and smoothing skin anywhere, anytime, pick up Earth Tu Face Skin Stick. Made with olive oil, vitamin E, and flower oils, this baby is gentle enough for face, lips, and body.

6. Give the skin a revitalized look and natural glow with Vapour Organics Aura Multi-Use Blush stick. Can be used on cheeks, lips, and eyes, and comes in a super wide range of hues. Try Charm, Whisper, or Spark for spring.

7. Suntegrity Lip C.P.R. SPF 30 has it all. It softens and smooths lips, repairs damage due to dryness, offers a wide selection of pretty colors (try Sunrise Peach or Fuchsia Flare for spring!), and has mineral SPF. A practically perfect beauty product.

8. Ilia Beauty Balmy Rays Lip Conditioner SPF 15 gives soothing protection to lips, great for upcoming sunny days. Made with healthy oils — sunflower, avocado, and jasmine — for a super soft pucker.

*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 The One Beauty Product Absolutely Everyone Must Own 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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Image of girls at beach via Shutterstock

The post 7 Beach Essentials to Keep You Looking Good Under the Sun appeared first on EcoSalon.

You wear sunscreen every day, exfoliate regularly, and never go to sleep with your makeup on. Still seeing troubled skin? It’s true: some healthy skin habits are too much of a good thing.

Taking good care of your skin and using healthy products is key in maintaining beautiful skin. But overdoing it can damage skin, cause irritation and blemishes, and speed up aging.

Let’s take a look at the top healthy skin care habits women tend to overdo.

6 Healthy Skin Habits You May Be ODing On

1. Over-cleansing: Didn’t know you could get skin too clean? Using a foaming cleanser has definite benefits, but using this product on skin that is dry or sensitive leads to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Curb your sudsing by washing skin only when it actually needs it (post workout, when it feels greasy…) and use a cream or oil cleanser the rest of the time.

2. Over-exfoliating: Another skin care technique that tends to get overused is exfoliation. We’ve all heard that this step helps with acne, and keeps skin fresh and glowing. More than once per week (twice if skin is not sensitive) is overkill, and can irritate and damage skin. The best way to exfoliate the face is with non-abrasive fruit acids, which remove dead cells without abrasive granules.

3. Using the wrong healthy skincare: Yes, going nontoxic with your skincare is the healthiest choice. But if you are using skincare that is wrong for your skin type it can be causing problems. If you are experiencing dryness, zits, irritation, or excessive oiliness, chances are you are using the wrong skin care products. Choose skin care designed for your skin type.

4. Going oil-free: For those who battle oily skin, steering clear of excess oil is essential in keeping the complexion clear. But did you know drying out the skin leads to breakouts too? That dry, flaky layer traps the oil your skin creates naturally and causes pimples. Choose products made with healthy natural oils that are formulated for oily and acne prone skin types, and skip the super drying potions.

5. Sticking with your tried and true: So you’ve found the skin care products you love and they love your skin right back. Great! Do you find they don’t work quite as well some months as others? To keep skin balanced and happy year ‘round, switch up your routine for the seasons. It doesn’t have to be a drastic overhaul, but a bit more moisture in the winter and lighter products in summer make all the difference.

6. Using chemical sunscreen: Wear sunscreen daily. We’ve all heard this precaution a thousand times. And you are applying your moisturizer with SPF every day like a good girl. But if that product is made with nasty chemical sunscreens you are doing more harm than good. Opt for a safe mineral sunscreen for face. You can even use a tinted moisturizer and ditch your foundation.

Related on EcoSalon:

Are Your pH Levels Causing Acne or Wrinkles?

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Image of woman looking in mirror via Shutterstock

The post Healthy Skin Habit OD: Too Much of a Good Thing? appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s Made In America Box features items that are made right here in the U.S.A! July is an all-around patriotic month here in the states, so join your fellow eco-friendly patriots with a box of products worth $494.85, for just $129 + free shipping!

Sold Out!

You see it everywhere: The words “Made in America” are proudly-displayed symbols of the self-made American spirit. With this edition of The Box, you’ll be sporting your (ethically dyed) reds, whites, and blues especially proudly – and consciously – as your skin glows and your hair shines. With everything from beautiful hand-crafted jewelry to the perfect makeup, you’ll be ready to shine as brightly as the stars and stripes themselves.

There are only 40 Boxes available.

Beginning on Friday, July 24th, we will reveal between three and four of our fabulous participating brands per day. The Box will go on sale Monday, July 27th, at 8 o’clock AM Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast! Check back daily to see the latest reveals, and read on to discover today’s products!

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Lip Glaze + Gift

Did you know that your skin absorbs 60 percent of anything that is applied to it? That includes those products made with petroleum, artificial colors, toxic chemicals and harmful preservatives. What’s the result? Clogged pores and aged skin! Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques has a solution to this dilemma, creating products from natural and certified organic plant oils and extracts, flower essences and minerals from the earth. This makeup is the kind that your skin craves. Filled with vitamins and nutrients for moisturizing and anti-aging, it leaves the skin rejuvenated and soft. With makeup that can do all that, AND give us the confidence that comes from that perfect shade of lip gloss, sign us up!

$50 gift card redeemable Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Products

ColourFusion Lip Glaze: $9

Total value: $59

Nurture My Body Luscious Duo

Get ready for your best body – instantly – with these two nourishing products. Improved elasticity and skin revitalization comes from Nurture My Body’s Wild Eucalyptus Body Wash, while proactive repair and broad spectrum protection is provided by their Organic Sunscreen (SPF 32). Both products are made with organic ingredients that help keep your skin healthy and protected. While the invigorating scent of Wild Eucalyptus will make your shower energizing and fun, the fragrance-free sunscreen is made without nano-sized particles, which can get into the bloodstream. This nutrient-packed combo will give your skin everything it needs to stay safe and good-lookin’ for the rest of the summer.

BONUS: Just catching The Box after it’s sold out? Nurture My Body is offering 15% off to all EcoSalon readers, even after all 40 Made In America Boxes have been purchases. Just use the coupon code ECOSALON to redeem this great offer!

Organic Sunscreen: $29.99

Wild Eucalyptus Body Wash: $26.95

Total Value: $56.94

Tyramin Succulent Stud Earrings

These beautiful earrings are made by socially-conscious Tyramin (only the most sustainable materials are used whenever possible, with jewelry crafted in small batches), whose unique designs are sold in high-end boutiques, museums, and fine art galleries. These earrings are especially unique; they are cast from real succulent plants in pewter. From everyday to special occasion, these fun studs will catch you compliments no matter where you go.

Value: $53

Osmia Organics Facial Calibration Serum

This serum is everything but the (all-natural) kitchen sink. Not only does it nourish the skin, but also, it helps your cherished epidermis balance and become even and smooth, helping oily and combination skin learn to behave itself over time. Plus, your skin will get a blast of antioxidants and vitamins from acai and organic black seed oil. It even smells heavenly. This super powered serum checks every box on our skin-needs list, and it’s made in the U.S.A.

Value: $50

Good Karma Skincare Lux 7 Age Defying Four-in-One Face Cream

Let’s be honest: We don’t always have the energy to apply all of the products we know they should use, day-in and night-out. Well, Good Karma Skincare doesn’t believe you should have to. Cynthia Ransom created Good Karma to address the needs of real women, including the need for a simplified system. This revolutionary face cream acts as a daily moisturizer, skin refining serum, eye cream, and night cream, all in one. Made to make skin glow, this detoxifying cream will leave your skin smooth and radiant. As a bonus, a portion of every sale goes to feeding animals in shelters.

Value: $48

Sprayology Hair + Nail Tonic

Did you ever get an awful haircut, and wish you could grow your locks back faster to recover from the hacking? With Sprayology’s Hair +Nail Tonic you can do that, and more. This homeopathic oral spray contains 17 ingredients that will also give you healthier nails and heal a dry scalp, which means you’ll see a reduction in hair shedding. The best part of this magic potion? You’ll never find anything easier to ingest. Simply spray twice under your tongue, and be on your merry way.

Value: $29

Raw Materials Skin Grit

This top-selling exfoliator is a true wonder. It can be used both by women and men, and is versatile enough to handle your face and body. Your skin will be fine tuned and softened by this antioxidant-packed exfoliant. Using everything from jojoba beads (which gently soften skin and slowly melt to release natural moisturizing components) to finely crushed walnuts (to boost up the cleansing experience by unclogging pores and removing dead, dull skin), your pores will be clear, and your body will be happy.

Value: $27.95

Divining Oil Designs Personalized Healing Bracelet

Treat yourself to a beautiful, uniquely healing bracelet with a $25 gift card from Divining Oil Designs. These beautiful, customized pieces are intended to provide holistic healing to the mind, body and soul. Each bracelet’s beads slowly diffuse oils over time, with a bead composition personalized to fit your needs. The wonderfully scented bracelets can also be refreshed as they begin to fade, simply by adding another drop of the desired oil to the beads. Take your favorite scented oils with you, everywhere you go, and enjoy the healing that they provide.

Gift Card Value: $25 (with free shipping!)

Good Clean Love Oils Rollerball Gift Set

These nourishing oils are good for your skin, and good for your love life. These love oils have aphrodisiac qualities that work with the brain’s chemistry to smell unique to everyone that uses them. How many products are in your beauty supply stock that can actually enhance a kiss? These oils send a clear message, and will excite your foreplay…only in the safest, vegan, and most edible manner possible.

Value: $23.99

Au Naturale Organic Creme Eyeshadow

We won’t say that Au Naturale’s creme eye shadow is the best thing since sliced bread, but it’s pretty close! This stuff is dripping in gorgeous color, and can be blended, used as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, or brow polisher. Not only will these eyeshadows leave you looking sultry and sexy, but they’re also free of nano-particles, sulfates, and additives. “Good for you” looks good on you.

Value: $20

Aura Sensory Hair Care Set

The problem with using shampoos and conditioners that aren’t natural, is that the chemicals will actually strip your hair of its natural moisture. That can make hair look damaged and frizzy, but have no fear: Aura Sensory’s sulfate-free Shine Enhancing Shampoo and Deep Hydration conditioner are here. These products work together with a promise to bring life back your hair, thanks to the natural vitamins, oils and amino acids that are packed into the duo. Your scalp will be healthy, and your hair will be safe with these top-selling miracle workers.

Value: $20

Beautiphyed Age Defense Antioxidant Mist

The truth is, we could all benefit from some more antioxidants in our skincare regimen. This age-defying face mist, which also doubles as a toner, makes the task easy and fun; only a couple of quick squirts will protect your face from environmental toxins with hydrated, protected skin. The spray also works to fight aging and irritation, without any funky stuff; as dictated on Beautiphyed’s website, “Good nutritional advice tells you: ‘If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it!’ It’s no different for your skin.”

Value: $20

Rejuva Minerals Mega Lash Mascara

If you came here looking for makeup that made you look like a movie star, you came to the right place. Rejuva Minerals’ Mega Lash Mascara is a clump-free top seller used by celebrities and their makeup artists alike! In fact, every single Grammy nominee and VIP guest received this incredible gift at the 2015 Grammy nomination ceremony. What makes this mascara star-worthy? It actually conditions your lashes with organic cotton flower extract and avocado, as well as lengthening and thickening them.

Value: $20

Sona Organics Custom Soap (made exclusively for Ecosalon!) and Natural Deodorant

Yes, you read that correctly: Sona Organics is including an organic soap in that’s only available in THIS Box, made exclusively for the fabulous readers of EcoSalon! On top of the exciting exclusivity of this gift, Sona is also providing its awesome, all-natural, vegan deodorant to keep you smelling sweet and fresh all day. The formula is so good, it only takes a maximum of two swipes for this product application to have maximum effectiveness. Body odor is fun for no one, but this product works on everyone!

Custom Natural Soap Exclusively For EcoSalon Readers: $3

Vegan Natural Deodorant: $12

Total Value: $15

Hello Products Toothpaste Mint Medley

An all-natural toothpaste that tastes so good, it actually makes you want to brush? It’s the truth! While most toothpastes are packed with sweeteners, triclosan, artificial dyes and microbeads, which can get stuck under the gums, Hello toothpaste is free of all of those offenders, and leaves out polyethylene and microplastics found in many oral care brands. Not to mention, these great toothpaste flavors also deliver cavity and enamel protection for your pearly whites. Hello products have reached major chains like Target and Walgreens, but with our Box, you get to try three awesome flavors, including the latest flavor, peach mango mint, and decide which one you like best.

Peach Mango Mint Toothpaste: $4.99

Supermint Toothpaste: $4.99

Mojito Mint Toothpaste: $4.99

Total Value: $14.97

All Beauty Water Beauty Bundle

What if you could enjoy a drink that not only made you more beautiful, but also tasted good? Now you can, with All Beauty Water’s nutrient-enhanced water that works to make you more beautiful from the inside-out. With All Beauty Water’s patented combination of “SkinVitamins®” and “SkinNutrients®,” your skin will get everything that it needs that it can’t get from regular water, like minerals, antioxidants and electrolytes. This product is a great tasting alternative to skin-harming soda and other sugary drinks. Each box comes with four bottles of water, with delicious flavors that include Pomegranate Rose, Strawberry Açaí, and Cucumber Aloe.

Value: $3 per bottle

Total value: $12 (for 4 bottles)

Total Value for the Made In America Box: $494.85

Sale Price: $129 + free shipping! That’s a 74 percent savings. It’s our salute to you, and your loyalty to an eco-fabulous lifestyle!

Sold Out!

The Box will go on sale Monday, July 27th, at 8 o’clock AM Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast (the last one sold out in under one hour)!

Note! We recommend purchasing The Box from a desktop device vs a mobile device (while we dial in mobile purchases).

Offer good anywhere in the continental U.S. International shipping is not available at this time. Buy, one, two, or three boxes! Please allow up to three weeks for delivery. All sales are final. Due to the nature of this exclusive one-time sale, we cannot accept any returns or exchanges. Any inquiries or concerns regarding purchased Boxes must be submitted via Customer Service within 30 days from date of purchase.

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The post A Salute! With EcoSalon’s The Box: Made In America appeared first on EcoSalon.

Men’s grooming needn’t be complicated; these 7 natural and organic products for shaving, cleansing, and more are designed for guys and won’t leave them smelling like cheesy aftershave. 

My husband generally isn’t interested in the art of skin care, other than once building me a shelf in the bathroom to prevent us from being crushed under a random avalanche of my products. Still, I keep an eye out for the best grooming products for men. Here are seven fantastic creations so good they might change your guy’s perspective on skin care—if you don’t decide to keep them for yourself.

1. Clarisonic Face Brush, Mia Collection ($119)
Gadgetry is a god to many men (and women!) and the reigning Zeus of skin cleaning is this handy face brush from Clarisonic. Ubiquitous to most malls, you can find these brushes displayed as you run through the makeup and perfume sections, pursued by fragrance sprayer-demons. Next time, take a breath-holding moment check out the Clarisonic, which offers up one of the most comprehensive face washings outside of a spa. Using sonic technology to clean out oils, bacteria, and more, it can sanitize even the roughest skins.
You may want to substitute Clairsonic’s recommended cleansers with a more natural alternative. Consider the Original Face Wash from Bull Dog Skincare for Men, which offers up a fragrance and paraben-free cleaning for $9.99.

2. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Fruit Enzyme Scrub ($17.19)

Not eager to use a plastic and battery-powered device to clear out pores? Consider this Fruit Enzyme Scrub from MyChelle Dermaceuticals. Vegan-friendly and gluten-free, this product contains both fruit and bamboo extracts to buff away skin debris and clear out clogged pores. It also offers up an excellent fruity scent.

3. Aubrey Men’s Stock City Rhythms Shave Cream ($7.30)
Men’s skin is thicker than women’s and notoriously less sensitive. Still, many men take a daily razor to their skins, which can wreak havoc on their pores. This shave cream from Aubrey Organics provides a cool shave while protecting skin from razor burn. It leads with organic avocado and wheat germ oil, offering up a witch hazel antiseptic and organic eucalyptus extracts.

4. Lavera After Shave Balm ($20.75)
Organic horsetail and natural marine minerals provide the basis for this soothing after shave. Meanwhile, extracts of organic calendula, echinacea and witch hazel calm and disinfect irritation. Containing natural essential oils and some organic ingredients, this BDIH-certified vegan product is cruelty-free and gluten-free.

5. Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 ($27.00)
A lightweight moisturizer offering up a built-in broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, this product from Jack Black moisturizes without leaving a face feeling oily or greasy. It also contains Blue Algae Extract, a rich source of Vitamin E, as well as Sea Parsley, which is claimed to be an effective anti-irritant to help improve the overall look of skin.

6. Sow Good Men Natural Shampoo, Shower and Shave Gel ($14.99)
Some women may balk at the idea of using a combination shampoo plus conditioning product. (If there’s one out there that doesn’t leave your hair greasy, sign me up.) However, put a 3-in-1 product in the shower of many men, and they’ll be lathering up faster than a feminist waving her first-world-problems card. (Mine is hot pink.) Made in the USA, this shampoo, shower, and shave gel is certified by the Natural Products Association. It promises a close shave, as well as moisturized skin and hair. Best of all, it leaves your recycling bin a little emptier with just one bottle instead of three.

7. Straight Razor (Price as determined)
The indisputably most bad-ass way to shave is also the most eco-friendly. The carbon footprint for shaving is high—check out this great article on it from our friends at Slate—and the champion shaving device for saving water and energy while keeping plastic disposables out of landfills is the straight razor. There’s a wide variety of straight razors on the market, from vintage beginner blades to artisanal ones developed by Alex Jacques.

Photo Credit: pol ubeda

The post Men’s Grooming: 7 Naturally Sexy Products Sans Fake Scents appeared first on EcoSalon.

When the summer heat is on, sun protection is a must. But how do you determine a truly safe sunscreen from the many options out there?

Recently, the northeastern seaboard turned into a giant microwave oven, searing its occupants with 90-degree plus weather and, I’m pretty sure, 10,000 percent humidity. With sunscreen and summer still a novel concept, people frolicked care-free in the sun in madras pants and flowing dresses. I was one of them. Spending almost the entirety of Saturday in the sun, I diligently applied and reapplied my favorite certified organic sunscreen.

What happened? While my sunscreen held up, my applications skills did not. A bright red splotch still beams from the top of my foot. A streak of angry red runs along my neckline. There are actual thumb prints on my knees. I am an excellent walking public service announcement for why sunscreen matters.

Sun safety is paramount, and this includes safe sunscreen options. What do we mean by safe? As we recently outlined, some ingredients in conventional sunscreens might act as suspected hormone-disruptors and support the acceleration of tumors and lesions. Suddenly, a little sunburn doesn’t seem so bad—except sunburns, of course, may cause skin cancer.

Luckily, the safety-conscious sun worshippers among us have options. The Environmental Working Group recently released their 2013 Guide to Sunscreens, outlining their picks of the best sunscreen and SPF products on the market. This list includes 184 beach and sports sunscreen, as well as 22 moisturizers containing SPF.

Which ones to pick? We’d sign off on any of them, as well as these EcoSalon-approved protectors. Here are five of our favorite sunscreens from the EWG’s 2013 compilation.

1. John Masters Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($32.00)

From organic specialist John Masters Organics come this lovely, lightweight sunscreen suitable for all skin types. With titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offering a broad spectrum protection, it also acts as an excellent moisturizer. Made with extracts of green tea, shea butter and jojoba oil hydrate, this certified organic product is biodegradable and reef-friendly. The EWG gives it a 2 (a 1 is the highest rating), citing excellent sunscreen stability and a good UVA/UVB balance of protection.

2. Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm, SPF 15 ($29.45)

This mineral sunscreen offers up a solid chemical-free protection. Acting as a physical sunblock that bounces the sun’s rays off your skin (chemical sunscreens absorb it), this balm brings an intense 22 percent zinc oxide protection. It also contains natural vitamin E, the gold-standard ingredient for skin health. The EWG gives it an overall rating of 2, citing an excellent balance of UVA/UVB protection and stability.

3. Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Face Stick SPF 50 ($9.99)

Aveeno—yes, that Aveeno—offers up this easy-to-use sun protection in a handy stick. Using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for its protection, this product is both oil and fragrance free. The EWG gives it a rating of a 2, citing excellent sunscreen stability and good UVA protection. Who knew the aisle at your local drug store could be so EWG-friendly?

4. DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ ($20.76)

One of the best trends in sunscreen is light protection that doesn’t make you feel like a 1970s lifeguard smearing white streaks of zine oxide on her nose. (Though, 40 years later, said lifeguard likely has a lovely, sun-protected nose.) I, for one, am so adverse to that oily sunscreen feeling that I’d rather walking around in a personal radiation suit. So, three cheers for the moisturizer plus sunscreen from DeVita Solar. Given a rating of a 1 from the EWG, it offers up excellent UVA protection, as well as sunscreen stability.

5. Episencial Sunscreen SPF 35 ($15.00)

For “ages 0-150 years,” this broad spectrum sunscreen offers up a light, water-resistant protection. Made with organic green tea and zinc, it can be worn in the water (or sprinklers!) for up to 80 minutes. The EWG gives it the highest rating of a 1, citing its excellent stability, as well as good UVA and UVB balance.

Photo: Flickr/M00by

FTC Compliance 

The post 5 Super Safe Sunscreen Options for Summer appeared first on EcoSalon.

As the thermometer climbs and we see more sun each day, it’s time to (sigh) reach for the sunscreen. 

As we all know by now, UV rays cause skin damage, accelerate aging and skin cancer. While there is some debate as to whether sunscreen prevents skin cancer,  it does, at the very least, reduce the incidence of sunburn and slows photo aging   caused by too much UV exposure. That said, some sun exposure is important to help your body produce vitamin D, so total avoidance is also not advised.

The key here is to prevent sunburn and skin damage while avoiding a slew of  chemicals used in many sunscreens that may pose significant health risks.  The most commonly used active chemical UV absorbers are Oxybenzone, Octyl / Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Avobenzone.  The biggest offender is Oxybenzone, which has been shown to cause cellular changes, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, and organ toxicity. It also tends to be persistent in the body and accumulate over time. Oxybenzone also acts as a penetration enhancer, which means it, and other less than desirable ingredients in the formula such as parabens, may be more readily absorbed by the skin. Translation?  Steer clear.

While a few of these chemical UV absorbers do rate a low risk level on the EWG’s cosmetics database, I still prefer to avoid them, opting for a mineral physical block instead. Part of the challenge of mineral sunscreens, though, is the ‘suck factor’ in using them.  They’re hard to put on, spread and get rubbed in, they’re uncomfortable to wear in warm weather, they’re tend to be sticky or really greasy, and often, they leave you looking chalky, which no doubt isn’t your preferred poolside look.  The solution?  A spray.

Spray sunscreens tend to lead to better compliance because the ‘suck factor’ is significantly reduced by lighter weight formulations that are easier to apply, spread and rub in.  They also tend to be more comfortable to wear in warm weather than their heavier, cream-based counterparts. But, a truly non-toxic spray sunscreen is hard to come by, since the only two options in the non-chemical realm are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide–minerals that act as physical UV blockers that reflect the sun instead of absorb it.

Ideally, you want to avoid products that use nano-sized minerals  as well, which are small enough to be absorbed into the blood stream or inhaled, which some feel post health risks. If a spray is what you want, your best bet is a non-nano sized, zinc oxide based formula, and honestly, there aren’t many out there. Here are the top 3 we’ve found:

1.  All Terrain Terra Sport SPF 30.  The winner here, this lightweight, easy to use formula is perfect for everyday use when spending long hours outdoors sweating, swimming and sporting. Proven to be highly water resistant, it’s also proven to still be effective after 80 minutes in the water, and is virtually sweat proof.  Uses 19 percent non-nano, transparent zinc oxide for UVA and UVB protection at 30 SPF, and won’t leave you looking chalky and white, though you will be a little shiny.  Free of fragrance and any other potentially harmful chemicals and it doesn’t sting the eyes if it happens to get in them.

2.  Aubrey Organics Unscented Natural Sun SPF 30. Made using 15 percent zinc oxide for broad spectrum UV protection, this spray lotion comes in a hand squeeze trigger bottle for easy of application. Highly moisturizing, it’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes of swimming and perspiring and free from any concerning chemicals. Virtually scent free other than the natural smell of the ingredients, it’s a great option for those who really prefer something with very little odor.

3.  Goddess Garden Kids Natural SPF & Continuous Spray. This continuous spray, 94 percent certified organic formula is super easy to apply to hard to reach places when you don’t have anyone on hand to get your back, so to speak. Made using sheer 6.4 percent titanium dioxide and 6 percent zinc oxide, it provides broad spectrum SPF of 30, but not quite as much protection as the higher concentration of zinc oxide in the All Terrain. It’s made using gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO ingredients.  The non-aerosol container is fully recyclable and it’s made in the USA.

Have fun in the sun, but keep your skin safe and remember to reapply any sunblock after any time spent in the water or sweating, despite claims of water resistance. Better safe than lobster.

 Top image: Youthful Sins

The post Top 3 All Natural, Mineral Spray Sunscreens appeared first on EcoSalon.

Not all sunscreens are created equal.

Every summer for the past decade, the media has issued staunch advisories reminding consumers to wear sunscreen. But this year, their tone has changed. Studies are showing that not only are many sunscreens filled with potentially harmful chemicals, but also that sunscreen wearers can actually be more susceptible to dangerous skin cancer strains like melanoma. Too much time in the sun can increase the risk of damage, but too little can lead to vitamin D deficiencies. What gives? This week’s Behind The Label attempts to explain the current debate around sunscreen, just in time for Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

The Good

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, a scary statistic that doctors and dermatologists say can be prevented through regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens are formulated to block two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun: UVA rays, which are associated with premature aging and skin damage, and UVB rays, which are linked with sunburns. The SPF level of a sunscreen specifies its level of protection against UVB: an SPF of 15 filters out about 93 percent of incoming UVB rays, while an SPF of 50 keeps out approximately 98 percent. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, most SPF 15 sunscreens do a sufficient job of protecting against UVB rays, but the added protection provided by sunscreens over SPF 50 is negligible.

It’s UVA rays that are trickier to understand and protect against. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, damaging skin cells in the basal layer of the epidermis where most skin cancers occur. Sunscreens marked “broad spectrum”, “multi spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” usually contain UVA-blocking ingredients like stabilized avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

And now, those sunscreens will be easier to decipher thanks to a set of new regulations passed by the Food and Drug Administration last December. The new regulations introduce restrictions on using the terms “broad spectrum,” “waterproof,” and “sweatproof,” and it requires that any sunscreen under SPF 15 be labeled with a warning that reads. “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.” 

The Bad

Despite better labeling standards, the Environmental Working Group’s 2013 Guide to Safer Sunscreens, released earlier this year, cautions consumers against taking manufacturer claims at face value. The annual review found “only minimal improvements” in products on the shelves and concludes that “many sunscreens available on the U.S. market do not filter sun-damaging rays safely and effectively.”

The guide reports that melanoma rates have tripled over the past 35 years, despite the fact that Americans seem to be more aware of the sun’s dangers. The EWG believes that one reason for this paradox may be misleading sunscreen marketing – “hype that causes people to believe, wrongly, that their products are blocking harmful rays.”

While the FDA’s new regulations may help to mitigate the hype, the EWG points out that the FDA’s criteria are weak compared to European Union standards. “Half of the U.S. sunscreens that meet the FDA rules would not make it to store shelves in Europe,” states the report.

Then, there’s the recent obsession with high SPFs, which can lead consumers to believe that they can stay in the sun longer than usual. But while a high SPF sunscreen can effectively block against UVB rays, they do nothing for skin-damaging, cancer-causing UVA rays. The European Union already levies a cap on SPF claims at 50+, and the FDA is considering a proposal to do the same.

And finally, there is the preponderance of potentially harmful chemicals present in conventional sunscreens. A form of vitamin A called retinyl palmitate (or retinol) is present in 20 percent of sport sunscreens and has been linked to the acceleration of skin tumors and lesions when exposed to the sun, according to the EWG. Oxybenzone, found in 80 percent of chemical sunscreens, is a suspected hormone disruptor.

The Skin Cancer Foundation maintains that both retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone are safe and effective when used as directed, and that claims otherwise are based on “questionable science that is not properly reviewed by experts in the field of photo medicine.”

So What Now?

Look for broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens.

One thing that the Environmental Working Group and Skin Cancer Foundation can agree on is the continued need to include sunscreen as part of a comprehensive sun safety plan. But not all sunscreens are created equal. U.S. consumers have the choice between chemical sunscreens, which penetrate the skin and may contain hormone disruptors, and mineral sunscreens, which often contain micronized particles of zinc or titanium, which are suspected to be toxic if absorbed. While each option has its chemical downside, the EWG recommends broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens as the safest option, since they don’t appear to penetrate the skin, are stable in sunlight, and offer superior UVA protection. Check out EcoSalon’s list of Eco-Beauty Approved Sun Care Products for our recommendations, or the EWG’s 2013 Guide to Safer Sunscreens report for a full list of the 180 products that met its criteria this year.

Stock up on European formulations.

Unlike the United States, the European Union requires that all sunscreens offer UVA protection that is at least a third as potent as its SPF – meaning that if a sunscreen is SPF 30, its UVA protection must be at least 10. Europe allows manufacturers to use seven chemicals specifically designed to filter UVA rays; the U.S., in comparison, has only approved three. According to the EWG, three chemicals – Tinosorb S, Tinsorb M, and Mexoryl SX – are effective in blocking against UVA rays, but their use in America has been held up by delayed FDA approvals.

Apply enough.

Make sure that you’re applying at least one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body, a half hour before going into the sun. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Dress appropriately.

That means dark clothing, a broad rimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Some performance activewear lines also include sun protection, such as prAna.

Avoid sunlight during peak hours.

Seek shade between the sun’s peak hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sun exposure during this time can be particularly harmful.

Get a free skin cancer screening.

The Skin Cancer Foundation sponsors the annual Road to Healthy Skin Tour each May at Rite Aid Pharmacy locations across America. For this year’s dates, visit skincancer.org.

Images: Robert S. Donovan, nemuneko.jc 

The post Behind The Label: The Safe Sunscreen Debate appeared first on EcoSalon.

Welcome to the seventh and final installment of our seven-part Eco Salon Eco-Beauty Approved Guide: Sun Care Products. 

We’ve worked really hard to gather this list from professionals in the field, including Kristen Arnett, Paige Padgett, Jessa Blades, Greta Eagan, Sophie Uliano, Todra Payne, Renee Loux, Starre Vartan and others, along with our very own editors and writers. We’ve looked at ingredients, brand missions and philosophies, considered skin and hair types, all types of concerns and tested several products in each line. We’ve broken it down by category, with multiple options in each, so get ready for lots of options.

We’ve also considered price and tried very hard to include a broad range from luxury to affordable for just about any budget. Even though we’ve listed just one or two product recommendations per brand, it’s hard to go wrong with these companies, so experiment until you find your new must have products! Without further ado, please read on for the 2013 EcoSalon Approved Eco-Beauty Guide!

1. Chocolate Sun 

Created by natural skincare enthusiast Susie Phillips and a botanist using botanicals, herbs and essential oils as the foundation for all formulas, the ingredients is what differentiates the Chocolate Sun Collection from other products on the market.

Product Pick:

Self Tanner (three shades for a variety of skin tones, streak free application)

2. COOLA Suncare 

High performance suncare products that are both delicate and luxurious enough to compliment anyone’s daily skincare regimen, COOLA offers sun protection for a range of skin types and lifestyles; from the sensitive nature of the FACE and LIPS, to the versatile BODY, and the demands of SPORT.

Product Picks:

Face SPF30 Cucumber Matte Finish (everyone, especially oilier skin prone to shine)

Sport SPF35 Citrus Mimosa (for everyone, especially active)

3. Devita 

One of the fastest growing all-natural, 100% PARBEN FREE, PETA Certified, Vegan cosmeceutical skin care line in the country, offering over 100 different DeVita Natural Skin Care products, a complete line of revolutionary aloe-infused mineral color cosmetics, and a professional line of skin care products sold exclusively through

Product Pick:

Solar Body Block (moisturizer with spf, for all skin types & those who hate to wear sunscreen)

4. Love True Natural 

The LoveTrueNatural Team studies and stays current on matters of organic cosmetic news, rules and regulations. They keep their finger on the pulse of the organic and conventional beauty worlds, to provide you with the most cutting edge and safest natural beauty products.

Product Picks:

Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Baby & Family Water Resistant Sunscreen (for everyone, stays put well)

Anti Aging Face & Body Self Tanner (for everyone, good natural color, not orange or streaky)

5. Suntegrity

Suntegrity Face and Body SPF 30 products use only the best physical block (non-nano size zinc oxide) to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, super anti-oxidants and amino acids to enhance protection and assist skin repair, paired with  non-toxic preservatives to maintain product integrity without sacrificing safety or health.

Product Picks:

Suntegrity “5 In 1” Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Spf 30 ( Light & Medium skin tones, normal to dry – can use instead of a lightweight foundation)

Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer, Broad Spectrum Spf 30 (everyone, better for normal to dry skin)

And there you have it.  Our First Annual Eco Salon Approved Eco Beauty & Personal Care Guide.  If that doesn’t provide you with at least ONE option to trade out, well, you’re way more high maintenance than us.  No excuses!

Read Eco Salon’s 2013 Eco Beauty Approved Guide Part 1: 19 Bath & Body Products here.

Part 2: 41 Facial Care Products.

Part 3: 11 Hair Care Products.

Part 4: 17 Makeup & Color Products.

Part 5: 8 Personal Care & Hygiene Products

Part 6: 6 Fragrance Products

Looking to try healthy beauty products before you buy?  Goodebox delivers 6-7 personalized samples per month to take the guess work out of cleaning up your beauty routine. Try Goodebox today.

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