(This blog was written before Covid19. Things are now different. School has been out for several weeks and well, vacations are now staycations. Our lifestyle is a little more laid back, but it has come with a price. May you find the balance between what was, what is, and what will be.)
Yes, its summer! The 70's song, Summer, by War is playing in my head (and now yours, you are most welcomed!). I do love this time of year! School is out. Families are together. Vacations are scheduled. Our lifestyle is more laid back and carefree. Don't you wish it could be like this all year? I know I do. The balmy breezes on your face and the sun on your skin warms the mind, body, and soul. For most, the sun can cause a litany of health concerns. These days everyone is trying to block out the sun's amazing benefits by slathering on sunscreens. Did you know that sunblock and sunscreens contain many toxic chemicals that can do more harm than we realize? MindBodyGreen's blog has 10 Healing Benefits of the Sun and is a great read to dispel a lot of myths. To highlight a few toxins in sunscreens:
Oxybenzone, which is linked to hormone disruption and cell damage that may lead to skin cancer.
Retinyl palmitate, which has now been proven to be a carcinogen.
Octyl-methoxycinnamate causes oxidation damage to the skin, which ages your face.
Butyl-Methdiebenzoylmethane, which releases free radicals into the body.
Benzophenone 2 (BP2), decreases the function of the thyroid, in a population that is already seriously suffering from hypothyroidism (underactive).
The overuse of sunblock sunscreens actually prevents our bodies from absorbing Vitamin D from the ultraviolet rates. Most of us are very deficient in Vitamin D. A daily dose of 15 minutes in the sun is recommended to reap these benefits:
promotes bone health
supports healthy cellular growth supports the immune system
protects against dementia and brain aging
good for releasing excess fat
promotes skin health
lifts moods
Oils with a Natural Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Reapply when wet.
Jojoba Oil: SPF 4
Coconut Oil: SPF 4-6
Shea Butter: SPF 4-6
Almond Oil: SPF 5
Olive Oil: SPF 15
Aloe Vera: SPF 20
Raspberry Seed Oil: SPF 30-40
Carrot Seed Oil: SPF 35-40
Essential Oils with a Natural SPF: (5-10 drops per ounce)
Lavender
Myrrh
Roman Chamomile
Natural Sunscreen:
2-ounce stainless steel spray bottle
10-20 drops of either Lavender, Myrrh or Roman Chamomile
Top off with Fractionated Coconut Oil
Spray and reapply as needed
Combine all ingredients, mix well and pour into a spray bottle
Natural After-Sun Spray
4 oz spray bottle
½ cup of water
2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
20 drops of doTERRA's Lavender essential oil
20 drops of doTERRA's Peppermint essential oil
20 drops of doTERRA's Frankincense essential oil
Combine all ingredients, mix well and pour into a spray bottle
After Sun Soothing Spray
1 cup aloe vera juice
1 teaspoon vitamin E
8 drops Lavender oil
8 drops Melaleuca oil
8 drops Peppermint oil
Combine all ingredients, mix well and pour into a spray bottle
Enjoy the time spent outside and let the joy of life fill your heart as you gather with family and friends this season.
Until next time....be well, balanced and happy!