In this blog post I’m going to share with you some of my favorite raw natural ingredients which when used topically on the skin can help protect, heal, and repair your skin from the damaging effects of the sun!
To prevent pre-mature aging on the skin we all know that sunscreen is a must but now more than ever many of us are searching for more natural alternatives to the common synthetic based sun protection products.
So are there really natural ways to protect the skin from sun damage? I believe Mother Nature has gifted us with all we need to keep our skin and body healthy and youthful from the inside out!
You may be surprised at some of the ingredients listed below which have the natural ability to provide protection, repair and renewal of the skin during and after long term sun exposure.
Raw Ingredients with naturally occurring sun protection:
While these may not replace a sunscreen they do offer a level of sun protection along with a range of other benefits to the skin and are a great addition to your daily summer skin care regime.
i. Exotic Raw Butters:
There are some exotic butters while not well known for their ability to protect the sun from UVA/UVB have the ability to do so naturally. These butter include; Mango Butter, Shea, and Capuacu to name a few. Butters also have the ability to repair, nourish, heal and deeply moisturize and are ideal to use on dry, sun damaged skin.
*Some products on the market that contain butters also contain synthetic ingredients such as mineral oils which tend to dry out the skin even more. Opt for more natural based products which contain some of these butters in their pure form or you can use them in their raw concentrated form.
ii. Natural oils:
Certain oils can provide a natural SPF to the skin ranging from 2 up till 6. In addition, oils can offer other benefits such as moisturizing, skin healing/repair, and providing needed nutrients. Some oils I recommend to use for this added protection and other benefits are: Coconut, Raspberry Seed, Safflower, Wheat Germ & Jojoba. These are also great to use as an after sun care treatment to replenish and revitalize dry, sun burned skin.
iii. Natural Beeswax:
Yes this ingredient actually contains naturally occurring sun protection!
iv. Acai Berries: 
This superfood is known for its high levels of anti-oxidant which help to prevent premature aging and reduce signs of age by repairing free radical damage. Acai Berries are also rich in omega fatty acids and have the natural ability to offer sun protection!
Natural Sunscreens: Is it possible to get full sun protection from both UVA/UVB rays from a natural sun screen? YES!
Some key ingredients to look for in a natural sun screen are:
i. Active SPF: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
**There are some companies that claim to have an “all natural” sunblock but use chemical sunscreens such as; Avobenzone and Octinoxate. Avobenzone is often not very stable and can break down easily when exposed to light. Octinoxate may not be enough of a sunblock on its own and is often combined with Zinc Oxide to offer a wider spectrum of coverage.
ii. Inactive Ingredients:
In addition to the butters, Acai and natural oils, other ingredients which can be beneficial when used in a natural sunscreen formula are: Aloe Vera Pure, Seaweed, Rose Hip Seed, Carrot oil, Vitamin C, Green Tea, Vitamin E, Olivate(from pure olive oil), essential oils such as Chamomile and Lavender.
As mentioned, some of these inactive ingredients are beneficial when used on the skin directly in raw form or when added to a sunscreen formula as they offer added protecting, moisturizing benefits, free radical damage repair, and also can help to calm, soothe and re-hydrate. Many of these inactive ingredients are also highly beneficial when used for after care and can be found in products such as face/body masks, moisturizers, and serums.
The key to healthy skin care this summer is to incorporate a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 to 30 and to try and select a formula that is as natural as possible containing some of the key ingredients above. Do try to include in your daily summer skin care regime a few of the above ingredients in their raw form or in a finished product to enhance sun protection and for their many additional benefits. Oh and don’t forget to exfoliate to slough off that dry/dead skin 2 to 3 times per week!
If you have any specific questions about your skin care concerns please contact me directly
(see the Ask Sherina link)
Products from my Beauty Through Balance spa line which can provide protection, repair & renewal from sun exposure include: All products The organic Acai Berry Series, Bio-Complex Face & Neck Serum(new), Green Tea Indian Spice Body Serum(new), Seaweed Body Butter, Pacific Seaweed Concentrate Soak, Hydra Skin Renewal Gel to name a few. Click here for further details www.beautythroughbalance.ca follow us on facebook for great tips and giveaways! www.facebook.com/beautythroughbalance
