For the longest time, we have heard the warnings to stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen at all times to reduce the risk of skin cancer. And yet our bodies naturally produce vitamin D from sunshine. In fact, regular sunscreen use, not only limits our vitamin D intake, it can lead to skin issues, poor bone strength and general depression. The sun is not the enemy and is not the cause of skin cancer, but it is essential to practice safe sun exposure.

How do we do this when a large concentration of the sunscreens on the market today are more harmful than beneficial? Touted for their ability to decrease our risk of skin cancer, most modern day sunscreens may actually increase our risk and disrupt our hormonal balance in the process.

These chemical based sunscreens are absorbed into the skin via a chemical reaction with the UV rays. These ingredients vary widely, as do their safety, but the byproducts of the chemical reaction between your sunscreen and the sun, called free radicals, are known to cause cancer. Many sunscreens also use parabens and oxybenzone as a preservative, known endocrine disruptors that mimic hormones in our bodies. Look for mineral only zinc oxide natural sunscreens that do not absorb into the body, or bloodstream instead.

And for more healthy summer sun tips visit The Environmental Working Group’s Guide to sunscreens. They are a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.

https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/#.W19FtNhKgWo

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AFTER SUN RELIEF SPRAY 

This cooling spray helps calm skin and reduce inflammation induced by over exposure to the sun.

Makes 8 ounces

  • ¾ distilled water
  • 1 tea bag holy basil (tulsi)
  • ¼ cup aloe vera water
  • juice from 1 lemon

Steep 1 holy basil tea bag or 1 teaspoon of dried tulsi herbs in ¾ cup boiling water for one hour. Strain the infusion and add the aloe water and lemon juice. Blend together and pour into a spray bottle.

To use, shake well and spray on your sunburned or windburn skin as often as necessary.

Store in a sealed glass bottle in the refrigerator between uses. For maximum freshness, use within 1 week.

Recipe from Fresh and Pure, Organically Crafted Beauty Balms and Cleansers.