No matter your age, this list is for everyone. Everyone should be thinking about protecting their skin during the summer months when the sun is extra intense. The following “essentials” are tried-and-true favorites that I have spent my hard-earned money on. I suggest these products because they work well for me. I’ve found these products through lots of trial and error and also suggestions from my esthetician (if you’re local I go to Beauty Bungalow–Denise is amazing and has helped my skin tremendously over the years) and other skincare professionals.

8 Natural Skincare Essentials for Summer

1. Whole Body SPF by Suntegrity 

I live in Florida, which means the sun is particularly intense here (scorching). When we’re out and about for long hours, on a walk, doing yard work, or at beach or park, I always use this sunscreen stick. It’s the perfect travel size for my bag and easy to apply throughout the day. This particular brand is non-toxic and rates incredibly well with the Environmental Working Group who puts out a non-toxic sunscreen guide each year. (Check out the other sunscreen options I like in this post.)

2. Tinted Sunscreen from W3LL People 

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall: it doesn’t matter the season, this is my go-to daily makeup/sunscreen. A few years ago, my favorite esthetician, Denise, told me, “The best thing you can do to prevent premature aging of the skin is to wear sunscreen. It’s a must, an essential!” Ever since, I’ve been diligently wearing this sunscreen on my face every single day. I love that this sunscreen is tinted and feels thick like a foundation but doesn’t feel thick once on the face. I don’t wear any other makeup with this, except a translucent setting powder, a bronzer, and some blush on days when I want more of a “finished look.” (Check out my natural makeup favorites in this post.) Fair warning, this stuff tends to run pretty dark and orange. I use the lightest shade, even during the summer (I tend to have a lighter **read pale** skin tone. It’s the Swedish coming out).

3. Hats from Tula

I’ve become a summer hat girl. Not only does a good hat add great style to a summer outfit and covers up my 5-day old hair (I do eventually get around to washing it with my favorite non-toxic shampoo and conditioner), it also protects my face from the sun. I found this brand of hats from a farmer’s market vendor last year and I’m obsessed. The hats are great quality, are stiff and easy to clean, and have an SPF 50 rating.

4. Natural Deodorant

No one can live without deodorant during the summer. Deodorant should do two things: allow the body to sweat and keep icky odors at bay. If deodorant doesn’t allow your body to sweat (a very important detox path for the body–I recorded a whole episode on detoxing here), it’s time to ditch what you’re currently using and embrace the sweat without the funky odors. I love and use Schmidt brand (I like lavender), it works best for me and is easy to find. Piper, my 11 year-old, is getting near the deodorant phase and he’ll be using the same brand. I wrote a whole post on the best non-toxic deodorant options here. During the summer, you’ll probably need to reapply natural deodorant a couple of times to keep things fresh. It’s just part of the natural route. Embrace the sweat and reapplication this summer, your body will thank you!

5. Masks for Summer Breakouts

Sweating can equal in an increase in breakouts but so can harsh cleaners and exfoliators that strip the skin and disturb the skin’s natural microbiome and barrier function. I love this exfoliator/mask from Josh Rosebrook and this algae mask from OSEA (I have a coupon code for OSEA, live simply takes $10 off $90. I am obsessed with their face cleanser as well which I share about below.). If you want to go the DIY mask route, a simple betonite clay mask or yogurt mask are perfect for a summer skincare routine. I mask once a week during the summer months. I find this works best for my skin and keeps breakouts away and my pores clear.

6. Laurel Sun Serum for a Daily Moisturizer 

A few years ago, I switched from using lotion to an oil for my daily moisturizer, and I’m obsessed. My skin loves the richness of the oils and no, oil doesn’t make you breakout (well, some oils will make you breakout, like coconut oil, so this is why it’s important to use quality, nourishing oils that won’t make your skin breakout). I love True Botanicals True Radiance Oil and Laurel Skin. I use Laurel mostly these days and during the summer exclusively use Laurel’s Sun Serum as my daily morning and evening moisturizer as it “addresses the symptoms of overexposure to the sun.” All of Laurel’s skin oils are amazing. Just a couple of drops is all you need so one bottle will last all summer long.

7. Homemade After Sun Spray

There’s definitely a theme going here: the sun is not your skin’s BFF. The sun is amazing and has so many benefits but spending time in the sun can also lead to some unwanted skin situations both right now and in the long-term. When we’ve been in the sun too much, whether from a lack of sunscreen or forgetting to apply a sunscreen a few times in the day (after a long day at the beach), this homemade after-sun spray is soothing and takes away the sting of red skin.

8. OSEA Ocean Cleanser (or a good natural cleanser)

Wash your face daily during the summer, before heading to bed. We all need to be doing this all year long, but particularly during the summer when we spend more time outdoors in the heat and tend to sweat with makeup or sunscreen. I love this ocean cleanser from OSEA (pair this with the algae mask above and my coupon code live simply takes $10 off $90), it’s hands down the BEST face cleanser out there. It gently exfoliates and cleanses, without stripping the skin. The seaweed in the formula provides essential hydration for “clear, radiant skin.” If you want to go the homemade route, try this honey cleanser. And I share more natural cleanser options in this post.

What are you go-to summer skincare essentials?

The post 8 Natural Skincare Essentials for Summer appeared first on Live Simply.

Now that it’s summer, if we’re going to be out in the sun all day (the hot “Florida sun”), I pack sunscreen. As I age, I’ve also realized how important sunscreen is in my skincare routine.

Is Sunscreen Safe?

Ursa Major shares in an article titled How Do Toxics Enter Our Bodies?

“Over the past 15 years, more than 10,000 Americans have had their blood tested by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an attempt to determine their ‘chemical body burden.’ The results of the CDC study were stunning: even those who lived in remote areas were found to have hundreds of synthetic chemicals in their bloodstream. More disturbingly, this chemical exposure begins even before we take our first breath— an astounding 287 chemical toxins have been detected within the umbilical cord blood of newborns.” 

And according to the Environmental Working Group, “In recent FDA testing, all non-mineral sunscreen chemicals absorbed into the body and could be measured in blood after just a single use, and many sunscreen ingredients have been detected in breast milk and urine samples.”

The concern is NOT chemicals (back to high school chemistry class: everything has a chemical composition); rather, it’s the effect particular chemicals may have on the body (such as disrupting hormones).

The Environmental Working Group wrote an informative article about key chemicals used to make sunscreen products and rated each chemical based on safety. Read it over here.

If you want to learn how to read sunscreen labels, This Organic Girl (a friend of mine and also a podcast guest) wrote this fantastic article.

A quick note about using non-toxic sunscreen options. Most mineral-based sunscreen products start off very white on the skin so it’s easy to tell when you need to apply more. This is only true with traditional sunscreen, not tinted moisturizers, facial products, or tinted lip balms. I’ve also found that most of these mineral-based products need to be applied a few times during the day, especially if you’re swimming. 

The products listed below are my favorite sunscreen options. I’ve included the EWG score for each brand/product. 1 is considered the best score for a product. The score increases from there based on concerning ingredients used. You can search how well your sunscreen scores using this link (use the search bar “search for your sunscreen”).

For the body and face…

• Think Sport or Think Baby: Currently, this is my favorite sunscreen. It’s easy to find at most health food stores and Whole Foods or on Amazon. And it’s very well priced. Environmental Working Group Score: 1
• Badger:  I’ve used the Badger line of sunscreen products on my kids for several years. The products are available at most health food stores and on Amazon. The sunscreen options range from SPF 15-35.
  Environmental Working Group Score: 1
• All Good: This company sells squeeze tubes, sticks, and metal tin options. The sunscreen butter, which is my favorite in the line, is labeled “very water resistant” and “reef friendly.” All Good also makes tinted lip balm with SPF 15. The sunscreen options range from SPF 18-50. Environmental Working Group Score: 1
• BeautyCounter: I used BeautyCounter sunscreen a couple of summers ago and was pleased with how well it works. I didn’t continue using it due to the price ($32!) and the fact that I can only order through the BeautyCounter website. BeautyCounter sells a variety of application options. The sunscreen options range from SPF 15-30. BeautyCounter also makes a tinted moisturizer with SPF called Dew Skin. Environmental Working Group Score: 1-2
• Suntegrity: This line came recommended by my holistic esthetician. The line features everything from tinted products for the face to unscented sunscreen for the whole family to SPF lipstick. I love the mineral stick as it’s easy to apply and great for the face and body (and easy to keep in your purse or beach/park bag). All sunscreen products are SPF 30. Environmental Working Group Score: 1-2

For the face…

• W3LL People Tinted Moisturizer: I love this company’s makeup and the accessibility of the products (sold at many Target stores in the US). The tinted SPF goes on smooth and the coverage is fantastic. I go with the light shade. Environmental Working Group Score: 2
• Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream: Everything Josh makes is incredible and he puts such intention and care in his formulations. The day cream with SPF 30 comes in a non-tinted and tinted option. It’s on the higher end of price ranges, but it’s fantastic and one bottle lasts a long time. I use the tinted version most days. Environmental Working Group Score: no score as this is a smaller company
• Suntegrity: This line came recommended by my holistic esthetician. The line features everything from tinted products for the face to unscented sunscreen for the whole family to SPF lipstick. I love the mineral stick as it’s easy to apply and great for the face (and easy to keep in your purse or beach/park bag). All sunscreen products are SPF 30. Environmental Working Group Score: 1-2

I’d love to hear what you’re loving and using in the comment section below. Sharing is incredibly valuable for the community. We’re all on this journey together. 

The post The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Guide appeared first on Live Simply.

If you’ve been around here for long, then you probably know that I have this constant love/hate relationship for my home state and current residence: Florida.

I regularly tell folks in other states that Florida is an amazing vacation spot. We have gorgeous beaches and sunsets. But I’m not sure anyone was ever supposed to permanently live in Florida, which of course, in 2016, thousands of us call Florida home. To live here means…

1. You get used to seeing roaches and giant bugs, everywhere.
2. You develop a deep and almost fearful respect for thunderstorms and the lightening they can produce.
3. You completely give up on trying to do your hair, or attempt a makeup routine, between the months of May and November. #humidity
4. You know that hanging out on the beach or at a park for longer than a couple of hours during the summer months (100°+ temperatures + extreme humidity) will result in buckets of sweat, a sunburn, frizzy hair (frizzy might be an understatement), and dehydration.

Maybe Florida isn’t that extreme, and maybe I’m over-exaggerating just a bit. But one thing is true: Once you’ve lived in Florida, you certainly develop an understanding of what the words hot, humidity, thunderstorm, roach, and too much sun truly mean. Of course, living in Florida (at least on the West Coast of Florida) also has major perks, like being minutes from the water and gorgeous beaches.

The sad fact is that we don’t make it to the beach as often as we’d like, just because life is busy with school, work, and just surviving the daily tasks of parenthood ;). So when it comes time for a family vacation, there are two options that always top our list for Florida vacation spots: the beach and Disney World. One is completely relaxing and the other, well, I’ll just let you imagine what Disney World is like in the summer.

For several years now, we’ve spent a week on Anna Maria Island for our family vacation. Anna Maria is very quaint (think: not touristy) and the beaches are absolutely gorgeous (think: white sand and clear water).

As we prepared for our beach vacation last month, I purposed to be extra prepared this year with sun protection, so I packed long sleeve bathing suits for the kids, hats, a large beach umbrella, and sunscreen (I purchased BeautyCounter’s sunscreen this year). I knew, even with the extra sun protection, that our skin was sure to get lots of intense sun exposure. With this in mind, I whisked together a few soothing ingredients from my DIY cabinet to create a soothing sunburn relief spray: green tea, chamomile tea, aloe, apple cider vinegar, and lavender essential oil.

Within two days of our vacation my sunburn relief spray was already being used. Because sometimes life happens and you don’t realize that you should have applied more sunscreen 30 minutes ago, or I missed a major spot of skin when I applied the sunscreen. #Yikes!

We kept the all-natural sunburn spray in the fridge the entire week of our vacation and brought it out each night after showers. The cool mist helped soothe our sun-parched skin and, I believe, also helped keep our skin from any crazy peeling that usually results from getting too much sun. I was so happy with the spray that I posted my recipe creation over on Instagram, and now I’m sharing this simple spray here on the blog.

Let’s take a look at the soothing ingredients…

Green Tea: Green and black tea contains tannic acid that may help to soothe a sunburn and reduce redness. Green tea also contains antioxidants. I’ve also read about people using straight-up (cooled) black or green tea directly on sunburns.

Chamomile Tea: I didn’t actually use chamomile tea bags, but rather, loose chamomile flowers. You’re welcome to use either one. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile may help to relieve inflammation, and helps soothe the skin.

Aloe Vera: There is no end to my love for aloe vera in skincare products.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends aloe for treating sunburns, and there’s a good reason why. Aloe is incredibly soothing and healing, so it’s ideal to use for skin that’s been exposed to a bit too much sun. Aloe vera is also moisturizing, which helps keep skin from drying out and then peeling. When purchasing aloe vera gel avoid the bright green variety with added artificial green coloring. Real aloe vera gel should be completely clear.

You could also use fresh aloe vera gel in this recipe. I prefer to use Real Aloe, which is the brand I keep on hand to make my homemade facial cleanser.

Apple Cider Vinegar: I decided to add this ingredient to my spray after reading that apple cider vinegar may help neutralize a sunburn. Since I didn’t want to bring a bottle of apple cider vinegar on vacation, I added a tablespoon of vinegar to this sunburn relief spray. I recommend skipping this ingredient if you don’t like the smell of vinegar.

Lavender Essential Oil: I added lavender essential oil to this spray to help heal our sunburns. The scent of the oil is canceled out in this spray by the overpowering scent of apple cider vinegar, so the oil is added for its soothing properties versus fragrance.

Print

All-Natural Soothing Sunburn Relief Spray

The cool mist helped soothe our sun-parched skin and, I believe, also helped keep our skin from any crazy peeling that usually results from getting too much sun. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Sunburn Relief Spray

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 cup

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 TB dried chamomile or 2 pure chamomile tea bags
• 1 green tea bag
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel I like Real Aloe brand. I purchase it from our local health food store.
• 1 TB apple cider vinegar
• 10 drops lavender essential oil I like Plant Therapy or Aura Cacia.

Instructions

• Add the chamomile tea bags, or loose flowers, and green tea bag to the hot water, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea bag(s) (and loose flowers, if using) away from the tea water. I use a cheesecloth when working with the loose flowers. If you're just using tea bags, simply remove the bags from the infused tea.
• Whisk together the tea, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, and essential oil. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a spay bottle. Store the spray in the fridge for 1 week. Discard after 1 week.

Notes

To Use: Shake the bottle, then spray the mixture directly on the sunburn area(s). Massage the spray on the skin. Repeat as needed.

Ingredient Notes

If you don’t plan to use the spray within a week then I recommend either freezing the extra, or reducing this recipe in half.

If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, which this product definitely has, then I recommend skipping the apple cider vinegar. You could also replace the vinegar with alcohol-free witch hazel. The vinegar scent won’t remain on your skin.

You’re welcome to use fresh aloe vera in this recipe since it will be tossed within a week, and it’s refrigerated. I prefer to use my bottled aloe vera from Real Aloe. If you don’t have any aloe vera gel on hand, you may also be able to use 100% aloe vera juice.

Orginally, I also added 5 drops of peppermint essential oil to my spray, but since I know many readers may be using this spray on younger children, I decided to leave it out of my posted recipe just to be extra safe.

The post All-Natural Soothing Sunburn Relief Spray appeared first on Live Simply.

There are two consistent seasons in Florida (AKA “home-sweet-home”): summer and not-summer.

Florida and Summer are best friends, I’m sure of it.  During the not-summer months (also known as “winter”) Florida must hang with her good ol’ buddy Summer. They are true best friends with a love/hate relationship in full effect. One moment Florida must hang with Summer. Then, they break off their friendship and the sixties roll-in. Trust me friends, sixty is cold… break out the parka and boots!

During the official summer months, Florida and Summer are best friends…completely in love with each other. Think of weather in the hundreds and the scorching sun beating down on your “I-just-can’t-take-it-anymore” shoulders.

After spending much of the not-summer months in the house (sixties are way too cold for venturing out), the presence of Summer means it’s time to play! Beaches must be visited. Don’t forget the neighborhood ducks to visit and juicy watermelon to eat. All this fun means sun protection must be planned.

In our pre-simple days, sun protection consisted of a bright pink tube bought from the store. Slowly over the years I’ve changed the products we use for effective homemade recipes.

The thought of making homemade sunscreen appears daunting, at least it did to me! But, I’m here to say, “it’s simple”! I’m not a gal who enjoys complicated (“Live Simply”). With a few simple ingredients and ten minutes of time sunscreen can be made. Let’s talk about the simple ingredients. If you’re already making homemade products, you probably own a few homemade sunscreen ingredients.

1. Coconut Oil: Protects the skin and tissues from sun damage and successive exposure. Coconut oil doesn’t block the sun completely, allowing the skin to absorb beneficial Vitamin D. Consuming coconut oil during the summer months can help prevent sun damage. Make sure the coconut oil is pure and not processed. Note: Coconut oil alone will not protect against the sun.

2. Sweet Almond Oil: Contains a smaller SPF (around 5). Also provides Vitamin E which nourishes the skin.

2. Shea Butter: Contains fatty-acids along with Vitamins A & E. Shea butter moisturizes and provides a small amount of sun protection.

3. Carrot Seed Oil: Contains high levels of Vitamin A and boasts a high SPF (estimated around 30-40). I also use carrot seed oil in my homemade lotion for it’s amazing antioxidant properties.

4. Zinc: Provides physical protection against damaging rays and SPF. A non-nano zinc will not absorb into your bloodstream.

5. Beeswax: This ingredient simply solidifies the oil producing a spreadable lotion. Beeswax will melt when exposed to heat.

Along with homemade sunscreen I also include foods in our summer diet which aid in sun protection, such as: dark leafy greens, berries, carrots, egg yolks, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

When our family plans to be out for a long period of time (such as an all day trip to the beach), I add extra sun protection by using: hats, long-sleeve swim shirts, and a beach umbrella. I also reapply my homemade sunscreen throughout the day.

Print

Homemade Sunscreen

With a few simple ingredients and ten minutes of time sunscreen can be made. Let’s talk about the simple ingredients. If you’re already making homemade products, you probably own a few homemade sunscreen ingredients.

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Sunscreen

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1 4OZ Jar

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
• 2 TB shea butter
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 4 TB zinc powder non-nano
• 20-25 drops carrot seed essential oil

Instructions

• On the stove-top, add 1 cup of water to a small saucepan. Place a heat-resistant glass bowl on top of the saucepan. Bring the water in the saucepan to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. This creates a homemade double broiler to keep ingredients from over-heating.
• In the glass bowl add: coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Melt the ingredients, stirring frequently.
• Remove the bowl from the heat, add to the coconut oil mixture: almond oil, carrot seed oil, and zinc powder. Stir.
• Once removed from the heat the beeswax will begin to set.

For an on-the-go option: using a dropper pour into lip balm tubes [(like this)|http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQNFFDA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DQNFFDA&linkCode=as2&tag=livsim07-20&linkId=ZJNSQIVV5SCFM2I7]. This option produces a small amount of sunscreen per tube, but I like the portability of this option. I keep a small tube in my purse (wrapped in a Ziploc bag) for just-in-case summer moments.

• The sunscreen will solidify after about five minutes. The final result will be a spreadable lotion.

Ingredient Notes

Using this recipe, I make one 4oz. mason jar and six lip-balm tubes of sunscreen.

I’ve included “where to buy” links to show the products I enjoy using. Many of these ingredients can also be found at local health food stores.

If you’re planning to be in direct sun for hours, I highly recommend using sun protection such as hats and protective clothing along with sunscreen. This sunscreen alone may not provide the full protection needed if you are fair-skinned and burn easily. Sunscreen is just one component of protecting the skin from the sun. Homemade sunscreen can perform differently than store-bought sunscreen and should not be relied on for full protection during a long day at the beach or pool.  

More Recipes You May Like:

DIY Hand Scrub

Nourishing Homemade Body Wash

Homemade Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (Without Coconut Oil)

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