When I was younger I used to suffer from eczema - and it was all over my face. I tried different types of treatments, but nothing really worked until I changed my diet and began eating fresh organic food.
Even after I changed my diet, one product that continued to cause me issues was sunscreen lotion. Every time after a beach vacation or going to the pool, I'd end up with a rash on my face or body. I wondered if I'd eaten something that I was allergic to. Little did I know at the time – the culprit was sunscreen!
Remember, your skin is your largest organ.
It covers and protects everything on your body. How you treat it is incredibly important to your health. However, the skin is one of the most unappreciated organs, and one that I used to totally take for granted, slathering products full of toxic chemicals on it day after day.
The unknown long-term consequences of the chemicals in sunscreen are just starting to be revealed and go beyond the common skin rash. Here in the United States, the FDA does not regulate cosmetics as rigorously as pharmaceuticals or food – allowing cosmetic companies to get away with using all types of chemical ingredients that are not used and in some cases banned in other countries. Sounds familiar – eh?
Now, I am very careful about not only the food that I eat, but also the products that I apply to my skin. Here are some general rules for choosing a safe sunscreen:
- Look for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide based mineral sunscreens, which do not penetrate the skin and provide UVA protection against the sun's most damaging rays.
- Choose non-nano products that do not have small particles that can absorb into skin.
- Choose sunscreens that are unscented or use essential oils as fragrance.
- Pick lotion based sunscreens that are labeled "Very Water Resistant".
- Choose sunscreen products that are rated "0" to "2" in the Environmental Working Group's Sunscreen Guide.
One brand that meets (and exceeds) these guidelines is Raw Elements, the first ever certified non-GMO and organic sunscreen. It is rated a "1" by the Environmental Working Group and is Leaping Bunny Certified.
I partnered with Raw Elements a couple years ago because I'm such a huge fan of their products. Their sunscreen provides amazing coverage when I'm out in the sun and you can even apply it while you are in the water! I use their tinted stick on my face and their lotion all over my body. I love to snorkel and scuba dive, so I need to have good protection in the water – this stuff stays on, which is a blessing! This year, they came out with new plastic-free packaging which is great.
As a partner of FoodBabe.com, they are offering 10% OFF all products in their online shop when you use the code: FOODBABE (expires May 20, 2016).
These products work great for children of all ages. Hope you enjoy the discount we are offering and the sun this week wherever you are!
Xo,
Vani
P.S. To get the 10% off please remember to use the code "FOODBABE" at checkout this week - a small portion of all sales go to supporting our mission - so thank you!
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