New FDA regulations on Organic Sunblock

The FDA is putting new regulations on organic sunblock labels by the end of 2009. These new regulations will give consumers information on the amount of UVA screening in their products. UVA radiation (aging rays) penetrate the skin deeper than UVB (burning rays) Many labels that you see now such as SPF 50+, organic sunblock, and waterproof will be prohibited. Although the best organic sunblock for skin is long sleeves, pants, wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses, or staying out of the sun altogether, sometimes these choices aren’t practical in everyday life. A organic sunblock will actually block the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin and sunscreen will help filter out some of the damaging rays. A combination of both is ideal. To understand the difference between all the different organic sunblock and sunscreens available I have listed them here.

Chemical UVA (aging) sunblock: Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), Dioxybenzone, Ecamsule, Menthyl Anthranilate, Meradimate, Oxybenzone, benzophenone, benzophenone-3, Sulisobenzone, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.

Chemical UVB (burning) sunblock: Amniobenzoic acid, cinnamates, octyl methoxyxinnamate (OMC), Ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate (can casue contact irritation, non-comedogenic, widely used), cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, octisalate, oxybenzone, octyl dimethyl paba, padimate O, para-amniobenzoic acid (PABA), salicylates, octyl salicytate(OCS)-can cause contact irritation, widely used, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, trolamine salicylate, zinc oxide.

Physical Organic sunblock: These are UVB and UVA protection, non-irritating and non- allergenic: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.
Be careful to use the right organic sunblock to prevent sun burn.

Organic Body Lotion and Natural Sunscreen

Natural organic body lotion is a popular skin care beauty product.  Many organic body lotions are formulated with essential oils, plant extracts, natural anti oxidants, and vitamins.  The organic skin care product market has evolved over the years so that many skin care products offer a unique blend of function and fragrance.  Body lotion is just one segment of the organic skincare market.  There are herbal anti aging products, natural sunscreen, organic baby lotion, natural facial creams, and much more.  Each product is specifically designed to meet a skin care need.  The best part about organic skin care products is that there is something for everyone.  Many companies have focused their body lotion or natural skin care product to a specific demographic. For example the skin care needs of a woman are different than the skin care needs of a man. In addition, many organic skin care products are targeted for a specific age – a new born baby will have more delicate skin than a teenager or someone in mid life.  Lastly the organic skin care market is segmented into specific body parts.  The consistency of a natural body lotion will be different than a natural facial cream or something design for your hand or feet.  No matter which walk of life or which skin type you are, there is an organic skin care product for you.

Does Diet and Supplements Effect Skin Care

There are lots of things you can do with your diet and supplements that can help your dry skin. To combat dry skin, your body needs fats to build fat-rich cells that hold on to moisture. Saturated, monounsaturated and omega-3 fats are key components in the cell membranes . Vegetarians (who eat eggs and dairy products but not meat) eat about one-third less saturated fat than the average meat eater. Vegans (who eat no animal products of any kind) only receive about one half as much saturated fat as the average meat-eating American. As a result, they obtain from their diet much less cholesterol than omnivores.

Although cholesterol has received a bad name due to concerns about its connection with cardiovascular illness, recent studies show that it does have benefits, particularly for some post menopausal women. Cholesterol is needed for key body functions within the cellular membranes that impact the skin. For example, studies show that cholesterol-lowering drugs can lead to dry skin, while decreased levels of essential fatty acids have been associated with dry skin, dry hair, and brittle nails. If you have these symptoms and you are a vegetarian you may want to speak to your doctor to see if you may suffer from an essential fatty acid deficiency.

The best way to assure you get a healthy diet of skin-enhancing fats is by eating a wide variety of whole plant foods. You can get fats from nuts, seeds, olives and avocados Use olive oil, replete with monosaturated fat, for cooking and salad dressings. Coconut oil is also an excellent alternative for it retains its stability at high temperatures. Try to avoid processed foods and deep-fried foods that are rich in trans fats and omega-6 polyrrnsaturated fats. These fats contribute to the production of free radicals, the by-products of oxidation, which is a skin aging process that antioxidant vegetables help tame. Although for many years polyunsaturated vegetable oils, like canola, corn, safflower, and soy were recommended, canola oil is actually unstable when heated and the processed used to stabilize it turns a certain percentage of the oil into a transfat.

Eating the undesirable fats found in these oils (as well in trans-fat containing foods such as margarine, most baked goods, fried foods, processed foods and sweets )may increase both wrinkling and the risk of developing skin and other cancers including melanoma. Vegetarians can eat eggs and dairy to obtain saturated fats while vegans can obtain them from coconut oil.

Fish oils are good sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which can increase the lipid content of your cells. They can be obtained from fish like salmon, as well as supplements with Omega-3 or Cod Liver Oil capsules. Omega-3s help your skin by providing essential fats needed for cellular integrity while they also prevent inflammation which can lead to the formation of dark spots in pigmented skin types.

Antioxidants are helpful in fighting free radicals – renegade oxygen molecules that cause cellular aging and wrinkles.

Also look for products that contain natural ingredients that help your skin retain moisture, such as essential fatty acids along with ingredients like lecithin to strengthen skin cell membranes. Look for organic products that are also third party tested to ensure they are free of environmental toxins. It is important in purchasing essential fats to ensure that you find a pure, well-tested source, free of environmental contaminants.

Several studies have suggested that it is better to get antioxidants through natural food sources instead of supplements, but if this is not possible or additional vitamin intake is needed, supplements can be a valuable help.

SUPPLEMENTS
The following oral supplements that contain the below nutrients can all be helpful to your skin:

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant mineral. Selenium. Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of selenium may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive. Vitamins A, C, E, B5, alpha lipoic acid, and grape seed extract, Ester-C , CoQro, lutein, as well as zinc, selenium, copper, and lycopene. Take these supplements according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Taking glucosamine supplements increases hyaluronic acid production. Hyaluronic acid (also called Hyaluronan) is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. Vitamin C can be especially beneficial, although it is tough to get ample quantities from supplements, every little bit helps. Be cautious of a laxative effect from vitamin C. take small doses at first then build gradually to endure to reaction has occurred. Buffered vitamin C is also available for those with sensitive digestive tracks. Complementing your daily skin care regimen with skin supportive supplements can boost the benefits to your skin.

Five Lifestyle Choices to Improve your Skin

Below are five basic steps in keeping skin healthy, along with the use of organic skin care products.1. Drink plenty of water. A huge percentage of the body is composed of water. Water intake will help you clean the body. Water also hydrates the body and helps prevent dry skin. Well-hydrated cells function well. Cells that function well can help maintain youth. The more active a person is, the more water he/she needs. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount of water intake, however, as for athletes and energetic people, more is needed to replace the fluid they excrete through perspiration. There is no replacement to drinking plenty of water and this is not only a great organic skin care rule but a great habit to adopt.

2. Exercise. Aside from a boost in energy, moderate work outs promote blood circulation and increase oxygen in the blood stream. Both help in maintaining the youth of your skin.

3. Wash your face with mild cleansing products. Cleansing products with strong substances can harm cells. Ensure that you use clean water when washing the cleansing products off your skin. Don’t rub your skin vigorously with the towel – it irritates the skin. Wipe gently with soft cloth. Organic skin care products are milder than those with synthesized or processed ingredients and don’t need to be scrubbed off.

4. Use organic skin care products when possible. Products with natural ingredients will clean your skin just as well as those full of chemicals. The closer the ingredients are to their natural state, the less harmful for your skin. Most organic products work with the body’s natural process in fighting harmful elements and potential diseases as opposed to chemically forcing the skin to respond to treatment.

5. Moisturizers are recommended for all skin types. Even oily skin loses its natural moisture after using harsh cleansing products. If your skin is not properly moisturize, it will dry and age faster. Toners help in cleaning traces of dirt and cosmetics not easily removed with the use of cleansers. Try to use a product containing zinc or a natural sunblock agent to protect your face from the harmful UVB rays of the sun.  Organic lotion can unlock your skin’s natural glow.

Eat and maintain a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help you maintain a healthy skin the natural way. Avoid processed and greasy foods. Familiarize yourself with healthy, organic food that you enjoy and will promote better health. Supplements will also provide assistance in keeping your whole body healthy. Keeping the entire body healthy is the primary key for healthy cells. This is the most important organic skin care tip. Skin can only look as good as the nutrients you feed your body. The skin is the primary conduit for the liver to process toxins.

Organic skin care gives you the greatest opportunity to have a healthy skin, without using harmful ingredients. The appearance of your skin indicates the state of your health. If you are suffering from acne or any other skin condition, try treating it from the inside out first. Give your body a chance to balance itself with healthy foods and supplements before you spend hundreds of dollars on topical treatments. Your skin is your body’s armor, protecting your from the elements. Help it do its job.

Sun care if your skiing or in high altitude

Higher altitude means increased levels of harmful UV exposure compared to sea level areas. UV exposure increases 8-10 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. At an altitude of 9-10,000 feet, UV may be 45-50 percent more intense than at sea level. In addition, snow reflects about 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, meaning that you are often hit by the same rays twice. This only contributes to the problem, further increasing the risk for skin cancer.The combination of higher altitude and ultraviolet (UV) rays reflected by the snow puts skiers and snowboarders at an increased risk of sun damage and ultimately, skin cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but most people are unaware that UV rays can be even more damaging on the slopes than on the beach,it’s important to take proper precautions while on the slopes.

Both snow and strong wind can wear away natural sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness, so you have to take extra precautions. To protect your skin from the bitter cold, heavy winds and winter sun, follow these important sun protection tips:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors. Apply 30 minutes before hitting the slopes.Be aware that the sun’s reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin – most skiers and snowboarders do not use enough sunscreen and therefore do not get the maximum protection.
• Use a more moisturizing sunscreen. Winter conditions can be particularly harsh on the skin.
• Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, underside of chin, scalp and hands.
• Read the ingredients to learn which active ingredients are protecting you. Try to use Zinc or Titanium and organic inactive ingredients. Organic sunblock can prevent complications some chemical sunscreens may cause.
• Reapply at least every two hours, and more often after sweating or exposure to wind and snow.
• Carry a travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 on the slopes. Reapply on the chairlift, especially after a long, snow-blown run. Lips are very sensitive.
• Wear items like ski masks, which will cover most of the skin, leaving very little exposed to the wind and sun.
• UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles that offer 100% UV protection and have wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. The sun’s rays and glare can impair your vision, so it’s important to wear sunglasses or goggles to clearly see the terrain. Plus, it will increase your enjoyment and performance while skiing.
• Keep track of the time you spend in full sunlight. If possible, ski early in the morning and later on in the day, before 10AM and after 4PM. This helps avoid long lines and decreases the amount of time spent outdoors in the most intense hours of sunlight.
• If you are on the slopes for most of the day, take a few breaks indoors to reapply sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration from the sun.

Enjoy the winter season, but be sure to take care of your skin to avoid the damage the cold season can cause.

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