5 Natural Oils That Provide Sun Protection and Nourish Your Skin

Introduction: Sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to both your skin and the environment. Natural oils, on the other hand, offer a natural and effective way to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays while also providing nourishment and hydration. In this blog post, we will explore the top five natural oils that provide sun protection and nourish your skin.

1. Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Red raspberry seed oil is a natural sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E and carotenoids, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Red raspberry seed oil also contains essential fatty acids that provide nourishment and hydration to the skin.

2. Carrot Seed Oil: Carrot seed oil is another natural oil that offers sun protection. It has a high SPF and contains antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by the sun. Carrot seed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm the skin.

3. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a versatile oil that offers many benefits for the skin, including sun protection. It has a natural SPF of 4-6 and contains medium-chain fatty acids that help to moisturize and nourish the skin. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to soothe and heal the skin.

4. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a natural oil that is similar in structure to the natural oils produced by the skin. It offers natural sun protection and is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A and E, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Jojoba oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and inflammation caused by sun exposure.

5. Wheat Germ Oil: Wheat germ oil is a natural oil that is rich in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by the sun. It also contains essential fatty acids that provide nourishment and hydration to the skin. Wheat germ oil has a natural SPF of 20, making it an effective natural sunscreen.

Conclusion: Natural oils offer a natural and effective way to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays while also providing nourishment and hydration. Red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and wheat germ oil are all natural oils that provide sun protection and nourish your skin. Incorporating these natural oils into your skincare routine can help to keep your skin healthy and protected from the sun's damaging effects.

As always I welcome your comments and questions. I will try to answer them to the best of  my ability.

Raspberries come in a variety of shades and varieties. They range from sweet to tart and are a favorite fruit for both humans and animals. Raspberries, like most berries are considered to be some of the healthiest fruits. They are full of antioxidants and also packed with fiber. We often wonder,  if raspberries are good for your body, would it be also good for your skin?

You can access the benefits of raspberries by eating them of course, but your skin can also benefit from them by applying their extracts topically to your skin.

How does raspberry extract benefit skin?

One of the most beneficial properties for your skin that rasperries contain is its antioxidant properties. Raspberries are high in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and anthocyanins, which can help protect the skin from damaging free radicals and promote skin health. This is an important anti-aging property. 

Another important quality is its ability to hydrate. Raspberry extract is high in Vitamin E, which is a natural moisturizer that can help to hydrate the skin and improve its texture and appearance.

The Vitamin C and anthocyanins in raspberry extract can help to brighten the skin, improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

Raspberry extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation.

It is important to note that the specific benefits of raspberry extract will depend on the specific product and formulation.

Please leave any questions or comments below.

Happy New Year Everyone! Winter is still here and as most of us already know, winter can make your skin dry. Winter can have a negative impact on human skin due to the harsh and dry conditions that often accompany this season. Some of the common effects of winter on the skin include:

1. Dry skin: Cold air and low humidity levels can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dry, flaky, and itchy skin. When your skin is dry, it looks and feels rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. The location where these dry patches form varies from person to person. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and over-bathing. You can do a lot on your own to improve dry skin, including moisturizing and practicing sun protection year-round. Try various products and skin care routines to find an approach that works for you.

Dry skin is often temporary or seasonal and you might get it only in winter, sometimes you can get it in the summer for example, or you might need to treat it long term.

Signs and symptoms of dry skin vary based on your age, health status, skin tone, living environment and sun exposure. Here are some of them:

• A feeling of skin tightness

• Skin that feels and looks rough

• Itchiness (pruritus)

• Slight to severe flaking skin, which causes the ashy look that can affect dry brown and black skin

• Slight to severe scaling or peeling

• Cracked "dry riverbed" look to leg

• Fine lines or cracks

• Skin that ranges from reddish on white skin to grayish on brown and black skin

• Deep cracks that may bleed

2. Chapped lips: The skin on the lips is thin and sensitive, and is easily damaged by dry, cold air, leading to chapped and painful lips.

3. Eczema and other skin conditions: Dry skin can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

4. Rosacea: Cold winds and low temperatures can cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to redness and flushing, particularly in those with rosacea.

To minimize the impact of winter on the skin, it's important to take good care of your skin by keeping it hydrated, wearing gloves and a hat to protect it from the cold, and avoiding hot showers and baths that can further dry out the skin. Using a good moisturizer, a generous amount of lip balm, and drinking plenty of water can also help keep the skin and lips hydrated. For optimal hydration, you should also look for products that contain:

Hyaluronic acid: This naturally occurring substance helps the skin retain moisture, keeping it hydrated and plump.

Glycerin: This ingredient attracts and holds onto water, helping the skin to retain moisture.

Ceramides: These lipids are naturally present in the skin's barrier and help to lock in moisture, preventing it from escaping.

Urea: This ingredient helps to soften and hydrate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells.

Petroleum jelly: This ingredient forms a barrier over the skin, sealing in moisture and protecting it from the elements.

Dimethicone: This silicone-based ingredient creates a protective barrier over the skin, preventing water loss and helping the skin to retain moisture.

Essential fatty acids (such as omega-3 and omega-6): These fatty acids help to nourish and hydrate the skin, keeping it soft and supple.

When choosing skin care products, it's important to look for those that contain a combination of these ingredients, as well as ones that are suited to your skin type. You should also look for products that are free of harsh ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils, such as alcohol and fragrances.

There are natural sources of some of these ingredients:

1. Hyaluronic acid: Found in foods such as leafy greens, root vegetables, and soy products. It can also be taken as a supplement.

2. Ceramides: Found in foods such as brown rice, wheat germ, and sweet potatoes.

3. Urea: Present in the body naturally, it is also found in high concentrations in urine and can be used in topical skincare products.

Products containing petroleum jelly is frowned upon because it is a byproduct of fossil fuels. Glycerin although not found in oils, is a natural compound that is extracted from natural soaps. It helps your skin to retain moisture.

It's important to note that while these ingredients can be found in natural sources, the levels are typically much lower than what can be achieved through topical skincare products. Additionally, dietary sources of these ingredients may not have the same effect as when they are applied topically.

There are other ingredients that also help to moisturize the skin such as Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is a plant that has been used for centuries for its various health and skincare benefits. It is known to have moisturizing properties, thanks to its high water content, and can help to soothe and hydrate the skin.

I hope this post helps you to take care of your skin this winter. Please do not hesitate to ask questions and leave comments below. I will answer them to the best of my ability.

You may have heard of aloe vera or seen products in the store with the name aloe vera on them or in the ingredient list. But what is aloe vera and what is it used for? Since this is a skincare blog, you may also want to know if aloe vera is really good for your skin or if what you hear is just hype. 

What is aloe vera? 

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows in hot climates. Where I grew up on the islands, the aloe plant grew wild. When everything else was dry the aloe plant seemed to withstand the drought much better than most plants. Of course, since it is a succulent plant when there is more water, the leaves are fuller and when water is scarce, the leaves are flatter. Aloe is grown in some countries for commercial purposes due to its well-known role in nourishing and caring for skin. Traditionally, people have used aloe vera for skin ailments such as sunburns, wound care, and hair care, however, aloe has been and is being used as medicine for individuals with certain ailments.

Growing up on the islands, it was not unusual for islanders to use aloe as a laxative. The aloe leaf rind has a very bitter latex that when ingested will send you to the bathroom. Although the latex was used as a laxative, it was used sparingly a few times a year. The most commonly used part of the plant is the inner gel. This gel is used on the skin, the hair, and internally for other health benefits.

How does aloe benefit the skin?

It is important to note that aloe has a variety of benefits for the skin. Many of these benefits are anecdotal, but aloe vera is one of the plants that have been studied extensively to determine its benefits. Aloe vera is rich in vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids. Due to its active components, aloe is considered antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  Aloe vera is also very emollient for the skin and so you will notice, that it is included in many products such as soaps and hand sanitizer, where extra moisture is needed to combat the naturally drying effects of the products.

Because aloe is anti-inflammatory, it helps manage inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Aloe is also anti-aging, and it protects the skin from UV damage. The use of aloe gel also speeds the healing of wounds whether used orally or topically. Aloe also has an antiseptic due to its contents such as lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulfur. This may be partially responsible for the way aloe improves the healing of the skin.

Used internally, aloe also has health benefits. Your skin can reap the benefits of aloe topically, but the goodness of aloe will have a positive impact if taken internally. In recent years many people started using also vera to help treat and combat acid reflux.  In 2015 a randomized controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of aloe juice in reducing symptoms of acid reflux and after 4 weeks it was determined that aloe vera was a safe and effective way to reduce the symptoms of GERD.

So, although most of the good things you hear about aloe vera are anecdotal, keep in mind that there are studies that have established its value for skincare and certain diseases. Therefore my conclusion is that aloe being wonderful for your skin is more than just hype, it is truly beneficial. Next time you look at a skincare product and see aloe vera, know that it will be working to improve your skin's health. Aloe vera is not a newly discovered plant. It has been used for hundreds of years by many cultures for a variety of reasons and despite the passage of time, it has not faded into oblivion. It is tried and true skincare gold.

A word of warning

As with any product, you may experience allergies to the contents. Aloe vera is considered safe for most people but, some people can experience an allergic reaction. If you experience an allergic reaction to aloe vera, discontinue using it. Always do a patch test when you use a product for the first time, especially if you frequently experience skin sensitivities.

Check out our shop here for all your natural skincare needs. 

I would appreciate any comments or questions you have on this article. Thank you for reading, I hope I was able to shed some light on the topic for you.

Hardwater buildup or limescale is that icky (for lack of a more descriptive term) looking stuff that can be found on your faucets, in your coffee pot and kettle, depending on where you live. Hard water buildup is not just unsightly, it also causes damage to your appliances and reduces their life and performance. Much in the same way, hard water and limescale also has an impact on your skin and hair. For many people who have always lived in areas with hard water, they may just view certain skin an hair conditions as normal. However, once they use water that is not hard, they realize that their hair and skin feels and acts so different and many times better.

Hard water or water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium can be found in 85% of homes in America. Since there are varying degees of water hardness, persons in different locations may have different experiences when it comes to hard water. It is common knowledge that hard water gunks up your faucets and appliances, making them look not so pristine and possibly causing more than just cosmetic damage. But hard water can also have an impact on your body. Let's look at what hard water does to your skin.

I've had personal experience with hard water. I've washed clothes in it and I've showered and washed my hair in it. The difference between using had water on your body and using soft water is almost immediately noticeable. Hard water is not kind to your hair, nor is it kind to your skin.

If you struggle with dry, brittle hair, or danduff, it may not be just your hair care products, it may be as simple as your water. If you have hard water, it will cause buildup on your hair that will leave it dry, dull, brittle and maybe even with dandruff. Even with the best shampoo and conditioner, you may notice that you are not quite getting the results that you were hoping for. This may not be any fault of your hair care products but solely due to your use of hard water. Don't get me wrong, some products do not work even with soft water, but hard water will have an impact on how well your hair feels no matter what products you use.

Dry heels with thick buildup is also a side effect of hard water. For many years while using hard water I struggled with crusty feet and thickened skin on my heels. I managed this condition by exfoliating my heels with every shower and using a high quality cream on my heels. This kept my heels from cracking and at times my heels even appeared normal. I did not realise that the hard water was the problem. I just assumed that was the way things were now with my feet. I moved to a different location where the water was soft. Within one week of moving, the skin on my feet and heels had changed completely. They were as smooth as new born heels and that thickened skin that had become constant, never developed again. The only thing that had changed was the quality of the water.

I know hard water will not have exactly the same impact on every person, but it will impact many people negatively. Hard water leaves your skin dry, possibly itchy, irritated, and not feeling as healthy as it could. Hard water is especially tough on people with sensitive skin. It causes irritation and may worsen some skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Any skin condition that can benefit from having added moisture will worsen with hard water. To mitigate the fallout of the impact of hard water to your skin, you may have to invest in a variety of skin and haircare products while attempting to find one that may work for you.

You do not have to live with hard water. You can certainly invest in a water softener system for your home. Water softener systems vary in cost and having an entire unit may not be practical for everyone. There are water softening shower heads that are more affordable and would eliminate the problems that arise from using hard water to shower and wash your hair. Even though hard water may be hard on your skin, it is not something you just have to live with. You do not have to move to a place with soft water either, you can simply change your faucet in the shower and begin enjoying softer water and healthier, cleaner, softer skin.

If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this article, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can check out our shop for your natural skincare needs here: