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Addressing Spring Skin Problems

April 13, 2018

Addressing Spring Skin Problems

Spring weather is finally starting to make an appearance. Winter is the season for skin concerns, right? It may not seem like lovely breezes, fresh air, and mellow sunshine could possibly bring along spring skin problems … so why are my skin and lips so parched and rough?

You too?? Just when skin starts to get the hang of freezing temps and cold winds, spring shows up and throws things off balance. This dry skin dilemma has less to do with the weather, and more to do with the products you are using.

Your skincare regimen changes in the winter, as it should. Richer oils, moisturizing creams, and skin balms all make the scene and help you get your complexion through those chilly months in one piece.

So what about the change to nicer weather causes this skin upheaval?

Most of us probably tend to slack off on exfoliation and moisturizing treatments once nicer weather arrives. Also, you are likely spending more time outdoors, and spring breezes and sunshine can sap skin. Plus, spring is notorious for random weather. One day it’s 75 and beautiful, the next it’s dark and snowing. Dust and pollen also increase in spring, and outdoor time means skin comes into contact with more pollution. All tough on skin.

So what’s a spring lovin’ gal or guy to do? Read on for healthy spring skincare tips that’ll have you tip-toeing through the tulips, healthy glow intact.

5 Steps to Dealing With Spring Skin Problems

1. Switch up your exfoliation game: Yes, it’s important to exfoliate year-round. But did you know there are a variety of ways to get this job done effectively and it all depends on what your skin needs at the moment. If your skin is feeling sand papery and taut, your exfoliator needs to have a bit of moisture. My go to right now is Amala Hydrating Face Polish.

2. Keep on keepin’ on with the moisturizer: If you’ve been using facial oil, moisturizer, and balm during winter months, don’t put any of them away just yet. Sure, higher temps and a touch more humidity make skin that’s in flux feel like it needs less oil. A great way to make sure your complexion still gets its healthy oil infusion is to layer those rich products on before you go to bed. This way you can avoid any daytime greasiness and still get in on the hydrating goodness.

3. Treat with care: No mindless skincare treatments. When it comes time to add in the extras, like masks, special serums, and nighttime treatments, choose with care. Hone in on what your skin is lacking and deliver in a targeted solution. If it needs softening, use a mask made with honey. Need smoothing? A treatment made with fruit extracts, like True Botanicals Antioxidant Booster does wonders. Just add a pinch to your favorite serum. Want a supercharged hit of moisture? In Fiore Fleur Vibrante Healing Floral Essence Face Balm Concentre can’t be beat for slathering on at bedtime.

4. Protect like it’s summer: It can be tempting to sit in the sun without sun protection. We have been waiting months, after all. You can still get sunburn, dark spots, and skin damage even in the spring. If you have been skipping the daily facial sunscreen this winter, now’s the time to start. A cool new product I’ve been using is Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer for non-whitening protection that is also offers hydration.

5. Don’t forget your lips: Has anyone else been experiencing super dry lips lately? Lip sunscreen helps to prevent dryness and skin damage when outdoors. As for healing that poor pucker, Vapour Organic Beauty Luxe Lip Balm is the most awesome.

Image: Social Squares from SC Stockshop

The whole affiliate disclaimer thing: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a percentage of purchases from them. It’s one of the ways I support my business. The two things you need to know about that … I only recommend products I 100% believe in and only support shops I care about.

Why Words are So Important When Shopping Natural Beauty

March 21, 2018

Why Words are So Important When Shopping Natural Beauty

Natural beauty is all about being good to your skin and body. Using the best, healthiest ingredients. Getting a glow that’s as naturally gorgeous as your products are good for you. Right?

Of course, using natural beauty IS healthy, and better for you and the enviro. And yes, it IS all about the highest quality, natural and organic ingredients. So what the living heck do words have to do with all of this?

Words are the first tip off to who you can trust, and who you can’t.

If you’ve even tip toed around the natural beauty world, you know that not all brands are as pure as they’d like you to believe. Yep, greenwashers have always been (and still are!) a big ugly zit on the face of healthy beauty products.

Why? Money, honey. The natural beauty biz is a-boomin’ and folks want in. For a more in depth look at how this looks in today’s natural beauty climate, check out an article I wrote for Organic Authority with the help of some of the most authentic natch beauty brand founders around.

Back to those faux naturals. It’s all about marketing and most greenwashers are good at it. They use words that make them seem super natural and nontoxic and hot button phrases that catch consumer attention. Once you get the hang of how these posers work, you’ll be on your way to identifying fakes in a flash and stick with supporting the authentic brands who make the planet a better place for all of us.

Think words can’t possibly sway your view of a product so easily? Think of it this way. You meet up with a new acquaintance for coffee. She seems super nice, smiles a ton, and makes appropriate eye contact. But once you are seated and sipping your coconut milk latte, she can’t quit complaining. She looks sweet, her expression is happy, but she’s bitching and bashing to no end. Would you overlook her words and set up another coffee date simply because she looks good on the outside? Please tell me you would not.

You choose friends based on what’s on the inside. You should do the same with your beauty products. That cool label means nothing compared to what a product is truly made of, and hopefully that’s healthy ingredients.

Words to Look Out for on Natural Beauty Product Labels

Natural — I know, I know. We ARE talking about natural beauty products here. Is it really so weird that the word would appear in product marketing? The problem with the word natural is that it has no legal definition, and is flung far and wide on beauty product labels. Don’t put stock in a product that is merely labeled as “natural”.

Organic — This one seems like a no brainer, right? Organic is good, but it’s the other ingredients comingling with the organic ingredients you need to be concerned with. If a product is labeled “100% Organic” you can trust it is made entirely with organic ingredients. Otherwise, more investigating is required to ensure a product is toxin free.

Pure — Again, no legal definition. This one can be spotted on authentically healthy products and those who simply want to appear that way.

Paraben Free (or Phthalate Free, Petroleum Free…(you get the picture) — A decent marketer knows which ingredients have made the most headlines and will grab consumer attention. A product can be free from parabens or phthalates or petrolatum or any other nasty ingredient and still contain other toxins.

The moral of this story? Read ingredients listings. Check out a brand’s story and commitment. Follow and support brands who back up their labeling with clear information, and have values that align with your own.

Let’s Talk Healthy Ingredients In Cosmetics

January 19, 2018

Let’s Talk Healthy Ingredients In Cosmetics

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get tired of covering all of the nasty ingredients in mainstream cosmetics. Yes, it is super important to know which ingredients to avoid and why. Of course, you want and need to know how to ID them on products labels. But sometimes it’s nice to talk about the healthy ingredients making up beauty products. Here are some of my absolute faves!

5 of My Favorite Healthy Ingredients In Cosmetics

1. Natural oils: Oh, man. Do I love plant oils. Not only are they more compatible with skin than synthetic oils, there are oils for every skin type. Yep, even oily skin types can benefit from the right oils. The key is to find the ones your skin loves. I am crazy about jojoba (most closely matched to skin’s own natural oils, so pretty much works for everyone), sweet almond, rosehip, and sea buckthorn just for starters. I have, however, found that my skin does not get along well with argan and coconut, but I know many people who get great results with those two oils. So, do some experimenting and find out which are best suited to your skin.

2. Natural butters: Nothing beats slathering dry skin in a rich balm when dryness has reached it’s peak. Using natural butters, like mango seed, cocoa, and shea, before you get to the chapped and irritated stage helps. I love to pat In Fiore Fleur Vibrante onto my skin right before going to bed at night to wake up to skin that looks supple and glowing, and feels super soft and smooth.

3. Witch hazel: This astringent ingredient is much milder than alcohol or other harsh ingredients, and great for quickly cleansing the skin. I use it on nights when I don’t need to remove much makeup or am too tired for a full on cleanse.

4. Caffeine: Yep, the same stuff that puts a pep in your step perks up skin too. Green tea and coffee bean extracts are both good for making skin look firmer and brighter. LOVE caffeinated eye cream or serum to diminish signs of dark circles and puffiness.

5. Rose: I know, rose may seem old fashioned. But over the years it’s turned out to be one of my all time fave ingredients. There’s rose oil, rose extract, rose hydrosol … so many ways to get in on the goodness of this lovely ingredient. Rosehip oil is lightly moisturizing and doesn’t feel greasy on skin, and is perfect for lessening the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and dullness. Rose hydrosol, used on its own or as the main ingredient in a toner, is so gentle on skin, and has a refreshing and softening feel. Plus, the smell is light and not at all obnoxious.

What You Need to Know About Getting Started With Natural Beauty

October 6, 2017

What You Need to Know About Getting Started With Natural Beauty

When I first started out in the natural beauty biz over a decade ago, I wrote about greening your routine and how to get started with clean beauty a lot. Back then high quality natural brands and products were slimmer pickin’s, research and knowledge on ingredients and practices was skimpier, and there weren’t as many experts around to share their good stuff.

Even though there are loads of clean products today, and the market is continuing to grow at lightning speed, many are still wondering … how do I get started with natural beauty?

I love this question! It’s like a reality check. Whenever a reader posts this in a comment or email, it reminds me that people want to know more and they want to use healthier products.

It also reminds me of how difficult it was when I tried to clean up my own beauty cabinet. All of those ingredients to avoid, where to buy new products, how to buy new products.

So, I’ve compiled many of those posts I wrote on getting started into one handy guide. Whether you are looking to get started with natural beauty and personal care, want a refresher, or even if you would simply love a great list of places and products to shop, this guide has it.

Your Guide to Getting Started With Natural Beauty

What’s Your Type?

We All Have Issues

Choosing Skincare: A Worksheet

Choosing Skincare: Some Real Life Examples

How to Make the Switch to Natural Products

Dealing With Cheats

Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid

Ingredient Listings Decoded: A Handy Cheat Sheet

Ingredient Navigation: How to Tell If a Product Is Truly Safe

Favorite Places to Shop Natural Beauty

Now that you are armed with the tools to ID safe products, know what you and your skin want, and have a plan for getting started, it’s time for the fun stuff. Where to shop! My two favorite online shops are Beauteabar and The Detox Market. As for products and brands? There are so many, but here are some of my top picks.

A Handful of My Favorite Brands

The brands and products I love are too many to list in one blog post. But here are a sampling of some of my top picks, must-haves, and daily use items.

Vapour Organic Beauty

Image: freestocks.org at Unsplash

This Is the Best Way to Use Facial Oils for Summer

August 15, 2017

Ok, ok. School has started, which means it seems much less summery than it did a week ago. But summer weather is here to stay (for a little longer, anyway) and that means summer skincare is still a necessity. And there is a special way you should be using your favorite facial oil for the season.

While summer may bring along sticky, sweaty skin and an upswing in breakouts, the complexion can also become dry. And summer dry skin is way different than winter dry skin.

Summer dry skin feels thin, droopy, and sandpapery. This calls for a dose of softening, smoothing, plumping ingredients.

If it were winter, you’d probably reach for rich facial oils to hydrate and repair parched skin. Here’s the deal with oils … they are perfect year-round. It’s your delivery method that needs to be switched up.

Rather than swapping out facial oils for the season, I have my favorites and use them throughout the year. If you feel your facial oil leaves your skin greasy this time of year, you are going to love this trick.

Maybe you’ve heard of skincare cocktailing but are unsure exactly what it is or how to do it? Skincare cocktailing is the technique of mixing products to either bolster their effectiveness or treat more than one concern.

Take cleanser for example. Sometimes, if my skin is feeling both dirty and dry, I will mix a cream cleanser with a bit of gel cleanser to clean my skin and add a hit of moisture at the same time. Other times, when my skin is feeling dry and rough, I’ll mix a bit of exfoliant with my creamy cleanser. Adding a few drops of facial oil to your daily moisturizer is skincare cocktailing too.

3 Steps to Summertime Skincare Cocktailing

1. First, make sure the facial oil you’ve chosen is good for your skin. Below are a few oils that work well on the different skin types. This is just the tip of the iceberg where healthy facial oils are concerned, but should get you going.

Sensitive — In Fiore Calme Complexe Face Oil Concentré

Normal to Dry — RMS Beauty Beauty Oil

Dry + Mature — Maya Chia The Super Couple

Acne Prone — Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Oily — In Fiore Pur Complexe Face Oil Concentré

2. Next, you will need a facial mist, essence, or toner. Choose a product designed for your skin type that’s made with ingredients to address your skin issues. Here are some of my top picks.

Dry + Sensitive — In Fiore Vitale Toning Floral Essence

Sensitive + Mature — May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist

Oily + Mature — La Bella Figura Jardin De Fleurs Skin Revitalizer

3. Now for the delivery. Spritz or spill a dime-sized amount of the mist or essence into your palm. Add three or four drops of facial oil and blend lightly, then pat onto skin. Patting, rather than rubbing, gives the complexion a bright and glowy look, and a velvety soft, cushiony feel.

Delivering oil to your skin with the help of a facial mist not only means no greasy look or feel, but offers a hit of refreshment to skin and even more amazing ingredients going to work. Feel free to use all year if you like. Now that’s a summer cocktail I can truly get behind.

Photo by Tanja Heffner on Unsplash

10 Organic Beauty Brands Pretty Enough To Display

August 4, 2017

Because there’s always room for more gorgeous organic beauty bottles sitting on your vanity, I’ve updated this list to include a few more product lines that are a must for any beautiful bathroom shelf. Oh, and they do lovely things to your skin too!

Beauty products are supposed to make you look great, right? Well, these will give your bathroom shelf a makeover too.

Pretty products are one way to boost your bathroom’s curb appeal. These are my best in beauty for product packaging. Oh, I also love the stuff that comes in them too.

Modern Aesthetic

1. Kjaer Weis The sleekness of every single thing from this line is mesmerizing. High performance, healthy, and refillable too.

2. Vapour Organic Beauty Can’t stand the cool factor when I whip out the Lip Conditioner. All of the makeup items in this line offer unbelievable color and feel.

3. Kahina Giving Beauty Mmm, the perfect go-with-everything print on these beautiful bottles. Gentle, nourishing formulas are a dream.

Apothecary Cool

4. SW Basics Straight forward labeling that looks so good. Have the Cream on my counter at all times.

5. Yuli Seriously, has a product line ever looked better? This brand takes high quality formulas and minimalist packaging to a new level of loveliness.

6. Fig + Yarrow The ultimate in straight-forward, small batch style beauty. A no nonsense line that is a pleasure to use. Added bonus … available at Target too!

Boho Vibe

7. Kypris Beauty A facial oil lovers dream come true, this brand offers up highly curated combinations of powerful oils that make skin look fabulous. The exotic looking bottles don’t look too bad sitting on your vanity either.

8. La Bella Figura Positano Perfume As if you’re traveling Europe, circa 1977, and pulled this out of your fringe bag. Exotically scented, easy to use, and all natural.

All Glam

9. May Lindstrom Skin So, chic. This line gives that high end look and feel with results to match. A ritual for skin that has massive label appeal.

10. In Fiore Super stylish packaging makes you want to try this brand. Amazing results keep you coming back for more. I can’t get enough of the Fleur Vibrante Healing Floral Essence/Face Balm Concentré.

Top image via Beauteabar.com on Instagram @beauteabar

What You Need to Know About Layering Summer Skincare for Beautiful Skin

June 29, 2017

When you think layering skincare, do you think cold weather? We like to pile on the products in the winter when skin is dry and dull. You may be wondering how to use all of your important summer skincare products in the heat without looking like a grease slick.

Layering is an important process when it comes to getting the most from your healthy products. And that goes for summertime too.

We may not be slathering on the thicker, super emollient products that our skin craves in winter months, but there are plenty of sunny weather essentials our skin needs too. The key is getting maximum benefit from all of your healthy products without causing clogged pores, breakouts, or greasy looking skin.

Summer Skincare Products You Need

So, what are the most important skincare products to use in the summer? The following will get you started setting up a summertime skincare routine your skin will love. And all items are available in my Shop.

A gentle cleanser that removes dirt, debris, and makeup, without stripping the skin or being overly emollient is essential. In Fiore Treate Gentle Cleansing Emulsion gets skin clean without irritating or disrupting pH balance.

Summer is the perfect time to add a toner or facial mist to your beauty arsenal. Not only is it refreshing and cooling, but is the perfect way to add light hydration that is non-greasy. Try La Bella Figura Beauty Jardin De Fleurs Skin Revitalizer and In Fiore Vitale Toning Floral Essence.

It’s always nice to see that dry, rough skin of winter disappear with the season. But have you noticed a bit of rough texture now that we are a few weeks into summer? Exfoliation is key to smooth, healthy skin year-round. The lovely Kypris Glow Philtre Mask smooths skin and clears pores at the same time. Use once a week for silky softness and fabulous glow.

Yes, you can totally use a facial oil in the summer. And In Fiore Complexe De Fleur Cellular Renewal Complex is what I’m all about right now. If your skin is happier with a gel type serum, try Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, which is making my sun spots vanish.

As you can probably tell, I’m totally in love with anything In Fiore right now. (watch for a full review coming soon!) And that goes for In Fiore Crème de Fleur Complexe Rejuvené. This moisturizer offers light hydration that doesn’t leave a greasy feel on skin, but soaks in and makes skin happy. If you tend to have dryness in the summer, you’ll also love In Fiore Fleur Vibrante Healing Floral Essence Face Balm Concentré. I pat this luscious balm onto my skin each night before going to bed. It is a super skin softener, has a lovely scent, and makes me feel like movie star.

We can’t talk summer skincare without covering sun protection. Read all about my favorite sunscreens for face.

Layering Your Summer Skincare

Now, how to apply all of these glorious products so your skin gets all of the wonderful benefits of the healthy ingredients. The easiest way to remember how to layer products is to go from lightest weight to thicker products. Another tip: Apply your most important product closest to skin. So, if you are treating acne or lines, you’ll want to put that puppy on before your heavier lotions and creams.

1. Always start your skincare protocol with clean skin. Tip — cleansing is the perfect time for a facial massage. Work your cleanser into your skin in gentle circular motions, working up and out. You’ll be amazed how this revs up your glow.

2. Next up is that scrumptious facial mist you are excited to try out. Spritz onto clean skin and allow a minute to soak in. I give my skin 30 seconds to a minute (or so) between each product, so they can soak in and go to work.

3. Now it’s time for your facial oil or serum. Remember to pat your products on rather than rubbing them into skin. I can’t believe the difference in the way this makes my skin look. When I take the time to pat on my products my complexion looks firmer, smoother, and brighter.

4. Once the serum or facial oil has had a chance to soak in, you can apply your moisturizer. Again, pat onto skin. Same goes for sunscreen, which you can use in place of moisturizer if it is hydrating enough for your skin, but you will need to blend sunscreen into skin a bit. Like I said above, for nighttime I give my skin a good dose of balm so I wake up hydrated instead of parched.

Summer skincare trick: If you’ve layered it up and your skin looks or feels greasy, give it an extra hit of facial mist. Adding this product on top of your moisturizing products will tone down excess oiliness and give you a matte finish. Feel free to mist throughout the day to combat greasiness or perk skin up.

That’s it. Not so tough. And if you use the right products for your skin type you shouldn’t see any shine or greasiness. Just healthy vibrant skin. Now go enjoy that sunshine, girl.

Image :: Ishan @seefromthesky at Unsplash

Product Review :: Amala Beauty Rejuvenate

June 14, 2017

You know how sometimes you find a product that totally lives up to its claims? Such is not often the case when it comes to anti-aging products. Maybe my goals for serums and creams are too lofty. Still, it’s disheartening to get your hopes up and cash in on little results.

Which is why I was so pleasantly surprised by Amala Beauty Rejuvenate products. Wait … that doesn’t even cover what I was. Astounded and pretty dang happy is more like it.

I’m a big fan of facial oils. They soften, smooth, plump, and hydrate skin. And my skin can use all the plumping and hydrating it can get. But, while I sample many different products on a regular basis, my daily skincare routine has remained the same for a long time now. And oils are a big part of it.

The truth is, I’d been feeling the need for some bigger gun products. Yes, I was still getting the smoothness and glow from my favorite oils. But loss of firmness and vitality was an issue I felt needed dealing with.

I received two products from Amala Beauty to test out. They are both from the Brightening line. Something I felt would be a great fit for summertime stories if I liked the products. And I do. More on that soon.

Along with them came a couple of sample-sized testers from the Rejuvenate line. Due to personal experience and a dermatologist recently telling me to keep expectations low where anti-aging skincare is concerned, my hopes for amazing results were in check.

Well, let me just say that these two products chuck those reality checks right out the window. Now that I know skincare can offer real results where wrinkles and loss of firmness are concerned, I won’t be able to help but measure other products to them.

What is this amazing duo? Advanced Firming Concentrate and Targeted Wrinkle Treatment.

So, here’s how I use these two rock stars. In the morning, I pat the concentrate onto clean skin and allow it to soak in for a second or two. They’ve done clinical tests on this stuff that show bigtime results in 1 to 4 weeks, but my skin looked better instantly. Good to know the effects may build over time, though.

Then I go over my trouble spots with the wrinkle treatment (forehead wrinkles, lines around mouth, jawline, and under chin. This roller ball tube feels so good on skin and is fun to use. I let this soak in a bit too before patting on my daily moisturizer.

I swear, my skin hasn’t looked as good in years. I love, love these two products. My complexion looks firm, smooth, and glowing.

Alas, youthful radiance comes with a price. You’ll be handing over around 400 clams for both products. Ouch, I know. But if you think about going in for laser or other invasive treatments this seems like a steal. That’s how I’m choosing to look at it anyway.

I always suggest trying to get ahold of samples before purchasing expensive skincare, or at least checking a brand’s return policy. Amala accepts returns of opened products within 30 days as long as you have the original packaging and less than 30% of the product has been used.

If you buy one or both of these products, would you please let me know your experience? I’d love to see how they work for you!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some writing to do. Have to make some bank to keep up my new skincare habit.

My Favorite Nontoxic Mineral Sunscreens for Face

May 11, 2017

Have you hit the mineral sunscreen section of your favorite online shopping spot yet this season? Let’s give you a boost.

Shopping for sunscreen may not be as fun as shopping for, say, a new lip gloss or personal fragrance. But it’s as necessary as deodorant or shampoo. Especially in summer months when you’ll be spending even more time hanging outdoors. Yipee!

I’m going to be honest here. While I stick with a clean beauty routine and do my best to make healthy choices, sunscreen is one area where I have been lax over the years. Growing up , my Mom laid out in the sun to get tan, so I did too. I absolutely love the way sunshine feels on my skin and spending time under it is one of my favorite things. I’m a true summer girl at heart.

And a tan looks great. When you have 18 year old skin. At forty something, I’m much more freckly than smoothly bronzed. Plus, I don’t love the brown spots that are showing up year round and know that many of my wrinkles were earned under the sun.

Time to invest in some decent facial sunscreen and make a habit of wearing it. Do you wake up and apply sunscreen to your face every morning? More and more women do, and that truly deserves recognition. No better way to protect your skin and keep it looking youthful.

Of course, mineral sunscreen is the way to go. Not only do minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, protect against both types of UV rays, they don’t carry the dangers of hormonal disruption and potential carcinogenic attributes that come with chemical sunscreen ingredients. Minerals for the win!

Grab my free 10 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid download now!

Next up, you need sun protection that is also free from other nasty ingredients. This is where the nontoxic part comes in and you need to put your label reading skills to work.

Download my free Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid list now!

My Top 3 Favorite Mineral Sunscreens for Face

Natural sunscreen brands keep getting better and better at creating protection that is easy to use, effective, and looks and feels good too. All three of the following feel good on skin (not heavy or sticky), are non-whitening (and I really mean that, no whiteness of any kind), and are not greasy on skin.

Kari Gran Three Sixty Five 28 :: I love this one and wore it every day while we were in Maui over spring break. You’d think that an oil-based sunscreen would be greasy right? Especially one with zinc. But oh no, this beauty sinks into skin nicely and my face wasn’t all parched at the end of a beach day. Will definitely use it all summer long.

Kypris Pot of Shade: Heliotropic SPF 30 :: The deluxe facial sunscreen, mineral and otherwise, hands down. This product goes on like a high performance facial cream, is moisturizing without being greasy, and makes skin look a little radiant. It is also scentless and super gentle, so everyone can get in on its goodness, and makes the perfect makeup primer. A must try.

True Botanicals Everyday Sheer Coverage SPF 20 :: It’s tough to shop mineral sunscreens without running into this guy. It seemed like every time I hopped on to Instagram, True Botanicals sunscreen was staring me down. Of course, I had to see what all the fuss is about. Since I’m no foundation wearer, the thought of putting a mineral sunscreen with tint on my face sounded a bit daunting. No worries, this beauty performs like a dream. Go for sheer coverage or layer it on for fuller coverage. You are going to love it!

Image :: Carlos Alberto Gómez Iñiguez at Unsplash.com

How to NOT Get Scorched on Spring Break

March 1, 2017

Spring break is coming right up. Woohoo! We can all use a breather between winter and spring, even if it’s in the form of a relaxing weekend.

But for those of you heading somewhere warm, sunny, and fabulous over the holiday, you need a few must-haves. Bikini…check. Flip flops…of course. Anti-sunburn plan…huh?

I know, you have good intentions where monitoring your sun exposure is concerned. Don’t we all. But it’s tough to stay out from under the feel good rays of that glowing orb which we’ve barely laid eyes on since last September. Time to construct a plan to keep you from spending your entire trip nursing a nasty burn.

Your Anti-Sunburn Spring Break Plan

1 Choose the Right Sunscreen :: We know that mineral sunscreen is the best way to protect against UV damage. Even chemical sunscreen makers know that mineral is best, that’s why they add a bit of it to their toxic concoction so they can claim their products are mineral sunscreens. But we know the truth, and that is that you have to choose sunscreen that is free from chemical sunscreen ingredients and other junk.

Chemical sunscreen ingredients are not only less effective in preventing skin damage, but have the potential to cause free radical formation when worn in the sun, and have links to hormonal disruption and allergic reaction.

Check this guide for a mineral sunscreen to suit any sunny situation.

2 Use Sunscreen the Right Way :: Ok, here’s the hard part. You have to use your super effective sunscreen properly to get the benefits. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying at least one ounce (that’s about a palm full) to all exposed areas. Reapply every two hours or sooner if sunscreen has been rinsed off by sweat or water. Set a timer on your phone so you don’t forget. Time goes fast when you’re having fun.

3 About SPF :: While the number on your sunscreen is not the most important factor, it does matter. When protecting skin that hasn’t seen the light of day in a few months, you may think the higher the better, right? Or will a lower number deliver the same benefits for less time? Here is how to decipher those SPF numbers and choose which is right for you.

Fair skin tones — 10 minutes in sun before beginning to burn
Medium skin tones — 15 minutes in sun before beginning to burn
Dark skin tones — 20 minutes in sun before beginning to burn

The SPF number multiplied by the number of minutes it takes before you burn is the amount of protection you will get. For example, an SPF 20 product used on medium skin tone will offer 300 minutes of protection. 20 x 15 = 300.

Now, grab yourself a big hat and don’t be afraid to take a lunch break indoors to give skin a rest from UV exposure. And most of all, have a fabulous time!

Image :: Tomas Salas at Unsplash.com