sunblocks

One of the most popular posts that I have made is the one on sunscreens so I thought that it was a good idea to give you an update. Today on Treehugger they gave out some great information along with the results of the Enviornmental Working Groups study on sunscreens. I think that this is a very hot topic -- should you use sunscreen or not? What about vitamin D? What about the ingredients in sunscreen? I think that this article in Treehugger gives us some firm answers and helps you to make the decision for you and your family what is best. It is very important to look at the environmental working groups list of sunblocks and see how your sunblock rates!

Treehuggers article (or click here to see full article and links):
by Pablo Päster

Does Your Sunscreen Have You Covered?
The sun produces a wide spectrum of light, including the three bands of ultra-violet light that we call UVA (400-315 nm), UVB (315-280 nm), and UVC (280-100 nm). UVB is the band of light that causes sunburns and the only category of UV that sunblock is regulated for by the US FDA. Unfortunately for us, UVB only represents 4% of the UV radiation entering the atmosphere and UVA is much more responsible for causing skin cancer, premature skin aging, and other skin damage. Since UVA protection is not regulated by the FDA, many claims of UVA protection are not credible. Either the UVA protection is insufficient, or the active ingredient degrades too rapidly when exposed to sunlight, leaving you with inadequate protection after some time.

An additional concern is actually too much coverage. UVB light is required by the skin to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency seems to be the new medical buzzword and 30-50% of the US population are said to be affected by it.

Carcinogens and Hormone Disruptors In Your Sunscreen?
Some sunscreens, like Coppertone ultraGuard Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 15) contain oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is used because it blocks UVA and UVB but it gets absorbed into the skin, acting as a photosensitizer. Because of this it is believed to be a likely photocarcinogen. As if that weren't enough, oxybenzone is also a hormone disruptor that has been found in the urine of 97% of Americans over the age of six (CDC). Fortunately there has been a decrease in the use of oxybenzone but it is still approved by the FDA for use in sunscreen.

An additional area of concern are nanoparticles. Nano-sized (<100>

What Can You Do To Protect Your Family?
In order to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun and the unintended consequences of using some sunscreens here are a few suggestions.

• More is not better: Sunscreens rated with SPF 55-100+ block just 1-2% more sunburn rays than an SPF 30 rated sunscreen.
  
• Check your sunscreen: Find your sunscreen here and dispose of it properly if it doesn't pass muster.
  
• Sunscreen loses its effectiveness. Check the manufacturer's date stamp and replace it if it is expired.
  
• When you buy sunscreen follow Environmental Working Group's list of recommended sunscreens.
  
• Look for sunscreens with avobenzone, Mexoryl, titanium dioxide, and zinc for UVA coverage.
  
• Avoidance is best. If you don't have to be out in the sun between 10am and 4pm, stay in the shade.
  
• The best sunscreen is the kind you wear. Outdoor clothing manufacturers are producing SPF-rated clothing to keep you comfortable and sunburn free.

Thank you Treehugger for providing this great information!

Environmental Working Groups list of sunblocks (it takes awhile for it to come up because it's a long list of over 1800 products)- find your sunblock on this list and you can see if you need to throw it away or keep! It's that simple. There are only FIVE sunblocks listed that get a zero (0) rating which is the best! -- on the other hand there are 48 who receive an eight (8) which is the worst rating! alarming isn't it... When I look at the basket at my kids school every one of those products are listed in the range from 6 to 8, Neutrogena, Aveeno baby... it's all there in black and white. You can click on each of the products to see what it is that is giving the product a low (or high) score and you can see immediately those with Oxybenzone (including Neutrogena and Aveeno baby!)

click here to read Treehuggers article
click here to go to the Enviornmental Working Groups study
click here to visit the list of sunblocks and their ratings

sunscreens

I think it's a good idea that each year you toss out the old stuff and bring in the new stuff, I'm talking sunscreens that is (my husband would like me to think of EVERYTHING in this way, but if I did I would toss him out! ha, just kidding!) maybe two years, tops! Depending on where you live, sunscreen might be a year round thing for you in which case this is no problem. But check dates on the package and see when they expire, and if it's in questions, toss it!

This year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) updated it's top sunscreens as they do each year and for me, I think that the list of okay products is growing, which is such good news! In this house we like to use Vivesana, I think it's a great product, and much like the old Dr. Hauschka sunscreens (no longer sold here in the USA) you can put it on in the morning and it does a pretty good job of sticking around most of the day unless you are at the beach from morning until night, in which case I would apply twice.

I think that the best option for kids is hats and cotton clothing to block the harmful sun rays instead of using sunscreen each and every day but you need to be the judge of that, and it varies where you live. Take a look at the EWG list of top sunscreens and make sure yours is a good one! (otherwise toss it!)


click here to see the EWG sunscreen list
click here to look up your sunscreen and see how it rates
see previous posts on sunscreens here

sunscreens

I felt this was a good time to talk about sunscreens because many of you are on vacation as we speak... and the rest of us are here at our desks slaving away... at any rate, we all run out to the sun in the summertime (ya-hoo! can't wait!) and I found an interesting article in this months W magazine where they report on sun protection. Did you know that since 1978 the FDA has been trying to finalize a monograph, or set of rules, governing UVA and UVB sunscreens? It seems it's comes down to a lot of red tape and there was a close monograph published in 1999 but it did not cover the issue of UVA. And while it looks as though something will be brought forward this year (finally) the new packaging will not be seen in stores until 2011.

Currently, the US 'SPF' system only looks at the UVB light (these are the rays that cause sunburn), the new system will be looking both at UVA and UVB rays (UVA = wrinkles but can also lead to skin cancer). Europe, Asia and just about everyone else has a system in place already that looks at both UVA and UVB rays. The cap on the new system will put SPF protection at 50+ (UVB) and then there will be a star system that rates the UVA rays (from one to four stars). There is also a discussion about the word "waterproof" yes, it seems that a product is not 'waterproof' if you swim in a pool all day and then jump out and wipe it (yourself) off with a towel... oops you just wiped off your sun protection. Waterproof will be replaced with the term 'very water resistant'.

Well because W magazine is W magazine they can't upset any of their advertisers and tell you that most of these US made sun protection products are full of chemicals anyhow, we will just tell you what what we do...in our family we just don't use them and we stick with only Dr. Hauschka sun protection--it follows all of the European standards so I also feel that it has safer labeling (it says "very water resistant" already). And you may crucify me for this but we usually put Dr. Hauschka on in the morning (before we leave the house so that it can soak in a bit, it's so expensive this all we can afford!). This is usually it for sun protection for the day, now we do not spend the hours of noon - 3pm at the beach so this usually works for us (both of my kids have never had a sunburn) and I feel that the vitamin D they get from the sun later in the day is better than blocking out all of the sun completely from their skin. I must add that we live in Rhode Island and I think the California sun, and the like, have a completely different story (so please share with us what YOU do all of you Californians!). But I think it's important to have some time in the sun without products (yes, this is usually at about 4-5pm so the sun is not so harsh) but it's healthy. (oh, I can just feel some comments coming on... I know this is a sore subject!) So please comment and let us know 'what' you are using, 'how long' you use it, if you don't what do you do... all of that!


and now some real NEWS:
as I went to make the link for you to the Dr. Hauschka website to buy their sun care products I found this bit of alarming information:

New European regulations for sunscreens will soon require levels of UVA protection that are impossible to achieve with natural mineral sun filters such as the titanium dioxide in Dr.Hauschka Sunscreens. In order to meet the requirements of these new regulations and maintain our products' SPF ratings, we would be forced to reformulate using synthetic filters.

Our unwavering dedication to pure, holistic skin care and BDIH guidelines for natural ingredients prevent us from using synthetic sun filters in our preparations. As a result, Dr.Hauschka Skin Care has made the difficult decision to discontinue our existing sun care range.

As of January 1, 2009, Dr.Hauschka Sun Care products will no longer be available in the U.S.

hheellllPPPP!

sunscreens

I try to be all relaxed about it but I just know how harmful some of these sprays and chemical-laden sunscreens can be so it's hard to keep my mouth shut. But as soon as someone asks me, what kind of sunscreen am I using I get my chance to launch into the weary troubles of some of these sunscreens and to my surprise even the most healthy eaters do no realize what they are putting on their skin and then going out into the sun and cooking in it... I am no expert, but I really trust the folks at the Environmental Working Group and I check my products out with them on their website.

HERE IS A LINK TO THEIR GUIDE "SKIN DEEP"
through the link you can also download their SKIN DEEP app and have your product answers on-the-go! Because a lot of times your sunscreen is a last minute purchase, I can't tell you the amount of times I have been in a tropical place (Florida) and couldn't find a seriously non-toxic sunscreen.

At the moment we are using Aubrey - they have a very good rating on the Skin Deep cosmetics database, with almost the lowest (to none) rating on harmful chemicals. And it stays on pretty well in the water. I am adverse to using tons of sunscreen so we either go to the beach in the early in the morning or in the evening but if we have to we use Aubrey.

If it's a day at the beach we are after then I take a Hollie & Harrie Sombrilla with me (which I sell on the website) it just gives you a place to get out of the sun when you can't take it anymore - or if you are like me you just lay under the darn thing the whole time and hang out! - it's Perfect - problem solved!

At any rate I just think it's a good idea to be aware of what's out there and if there is something that is less-toxic then why NOT!?

The database is also good to check out your cosmetics.. don't stay in the dark...

have a great day at the BEACH!

Environmental Working Group 2010 Sunscreen report is out

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has issued the 2010 Sunscreen report, so before you go out and buy your new sunscreen for the summer check the report and get educated as to what you want to offer for you and your kids. The report is very easy to read, you can even check your favorite brand and see how it rates. The good news is that there are some products that are okay out there (39 to be exact on their list of 500 sunscreens tested) and only 21 with a recommended rating of 2 or lower!

New to look out for... Vitamin A (which is found in 41% of sunscreens)- it has been discovered that this compound is possibly photo-carcinogenic (can accelerate skin damage when exposed to sunlight). The evidence against vitamin A is not conclusive, but as long as it is suspect, EWG recommends that consumers choose vitamin A-free sunscreens.

The EWG also suggests that the best source of 'sunscreen' is wearing a hat, the shade and wearing clothing to cover up from the sun. The obvious staying out of the sun from the hours of 10am - 2pm are important. The suggest "Products with high SPF ratings sell a false sense of security because most people using them stay out in the sun longer, still get burned (which increases risk of skin cancer) and subject their skin to large amounts of UVA radiation, the type of sunlight that does not burn but is believed responsible for considerable skin damage and cancer. High SPF products, which protect against sunburn, often provide very little protection against UVA radiation. Also, most people don’t get the high SPF they pay for: people apply about a quarter of the recommended amount.

So don't miss this chance to check out your sunscreen and read-up on what is better for you and your family!

The Environmental Working Group's 2010 Sunscreen Report

Halloween - some safety tips from the Enviornmental Working Group

In a way I hate to make this post, but in another way I was happy to know this information so maybe you will be too. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) are the people behind the studies I published this summer on Nonchalant Mom on the safety of sunscreens (click here to see the blog), now they are reporting on some of the things we commonly use for Halloween and the actual safety of those items.

FACE PAINTING - EWG tested 10 face paints and out of the 10 all 10 contained lead ranging from 0.05 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm). Experts say that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that parents avoid using cosmetics on their children that could be contaminated with lead. Furthermore, 6 out of 10 products contained the potent allergens nickel, chromium and/or cobalt at levels ranging from 1.6 to 120 ppm – far above the safety recommendations of industry studies.

click here to find out more and to download the report.

There are a few recipes that they recommend so that you can make the face paints yourself, but test them first on yourself to make sure they will not be 1) allergic and 2) stain your kids skin. Do not substitute synthetic food coloring for natural food coloring. Click here to find recipes and more information.

You could also use Rose Marie Swift makeup as it is completely non-toxic and is food grade (you could actually EAT it). Click here to visit her website for more information.

More suggestions from EWG:
1) choose makeup carefully
2) no hairspray
3) burn beeswax candles or candles without the metal wire in the wick. Traditional paraffin-wax candles are made from petroleum by-products
4) don't wear synthetic face masks or teeth.
5) choose treats that you would like your kids to have!
6) create a low impact costume, make one yourself or re-use or swap with friends.

click here to visit our Halloween contest winners from last year! Some great inspiration!!

Boo!

EWG's Dirty Dozen: Cancer Prevention Edition | EWG

EWG's Dirty Dozen: Cancer Prevention Edition | EWG

I thought that I knew all the things I need to avoid but some of these are points were surprising to me... it's always nice to stay on top of these things and the Environmental Working Group is always my destination for the facts - be it in my personal care products and sunscreens, to checking which foods are pesticide laden (and which ones are maybe okay to buy non organic).

Here is their current guide to Cancer Prevention

beauty-truth | rose-marie swift

I recently had the good fortune of being introduced to the products of Rose-Marie Swift called "rms beauty" and it IS beautiful.

One of my most popular requests is to talk about the 'beauty' products that I use and instead of saying that "I have and it's Dr. Hauschka..." I wanted to find something that I was really proud of using and felt really strongly about it's wholesomeness (and that it wasn't a cosmetic company feeding pretty stories). I am so very excited to introduce you to Rose-Marie Swift and her eponymous beauty line.. rms Beauty -

'An original, pure, organic color cosmetic line created by make-up artist Rose-Marie Swift. Based on living and organic principles each product is created to hydrate and illuminate vital, radiant skin... Consider it skincare with mineral color - giving make-up a whole new meaning.."

visit her website for LOTS of information and startling facts about what you may be using on your skin now. Your skin is your most vital organ and it's very important to know that you are putting on it. As she explains, you may or may not eat organic foods and at least your body and intestines have acids to break it down, when you put things onto your skin to goes directly into your lymph system. On her informational website: beautytruth Rose-Marie shares with you many of facts as well as her personal story that will open your eyes to the truth of the beauty industry and it's chemical-laden products. I can assure you, even as an ardent label-reader I tossed many products in my bathroom after reading what she had to say. She specifically gives you a list of ingredients that you need to look out for, their derivatives and what they really are - it's worth taking a look and her website against what you have in your bathroom.


I thought it would be a good idea to talk with Rose-Marie (isn't she beautiful!) about what she does to get herself ready to go out the door and some more questions, So here is our conversation:

NCM - I loved your tip on your website to take off makeup with olive oil (was it olive..?) and keeping things simple in that way, what is your morning and night routine? do you do anything weekly ie. mask or anything?
RMS - I have never used soap on my face or my body>>>>>yes that is true. I hated the feel and the residue it left as a child so I refused to use it and my mom couldn't use anything on my skin as a baby or I got a rash. . I have always just used raw organic virgin coconut oil which will be added onto my product line in a few weeks. This oil is not the same as the organic oil you buy in the store. It is a raw oil that has never had heat or chemical alteration done to it whatsoever. So it is alive with all its healing enzymes and anti-oxidants . Coconut oil in its living state is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal so is amazing on eating bacteria and germs on the skin etc as well as an natural anti-aging oil.

NCM - What do you not go out of the house without?
RMS - My lip and skin balm......works for everything including cuticles

NCM - And what do you think woman over 30 need most?
RMS - To start using products that feed the skin with healthy products to get a jump start on a natural anti aging regime rather then the toxic chemicals ridden cosmetics that give the illusion that the skin looks younger. Those age the skin faster then anything.
NCM - what about over 40?
RMS - Use way more natural pure oils on their skin and cosmetics that contain them so the skin glows and doesn't look dry and flat.

NCM - are there any supplements that you take for your skin?
RMS - I take fresh organic ground flax seeds everyday and fish oil ...all for Essential fatty acids which are great for the skin........plus a shot of wheatgrass...the best purifier

NCM - Speaking of supplements there is a lot of talk out there at the moment about vitamin D, I noticed that you encourage at least 20 minutes of sun a day, if you use a sunscreen what do you use? or do you completely stay away..
RMS - I do not wear sun screen because the oils I use on my skin and in my line have natural spf factors and I also do not bask in the sun. We need the sun contrary to what people think for the vitamin D. Vitamin D protects against cancer and synthetic sunscreens stop the absorption of vitamin D. Vitamin D does not work effectively in synthetic form

NCM - My daughter got into my cosmetic bag once and used a blush that I had in there, she got a huge rash from it and it freaked me out and I threw it away, (and I wanted to throw everything in that bag away just by implication...) I am excited by your products because my daughter can use them, not that I want to encourage it, but as you said yourself you loved to make your sisters up at a young age! - maybe you could make a 'girls' kit?
RMS - I would love to make a girls kit . I hope I can one day for sure. The sooner young people learn about healthy cosmetics and start using ones that do not contain chemicals that wreck havoc with their hormone system the better.

NCM - are you vegan or something like that? or are you pretty casual about your food?
RMS - I am a vegetarian except when I am in the islands on a photo shoot where I will eat fish caught fresh everyday. To eat meat is a serious problem for people due to the additives ( growth hormones, steroids, anti-biotics, ....the list goes on ) I really wish people understood that and what it is doing to their bodies.

NCM - do you have any remedies for you that you would like to pass on?
NCM - No High Fructose Corn Syrup.....no Aspartame or artificial sweeteners...... no soda pop and no processed and fast foods foods.....basically nothing from a bag. EVER. Only fresh organic fruit and vegetables ( home cooked meals) and fresh water, air, and life

NCM - I know that you are busy and what are you working on at the moment?
RMS - I am doing 2 lip glosses....a new eye shadow which will be gorgeous and just finishing the packaging on the pure raw coconut cream cleanser/make-up remover.
NCM - Can you talk a little bit about your ingredients, why do I intrinsically feel that yours are better!
RMS - My ingredients are beyond traditional organic raw materials that the cosmetic manufacturers use in production. I take it one step further by using raw food grade raw materials for their superior healing ability and antioxidant quality (heat used in production of raw ingredients destroys the enzymes and antioxidants)

Now I must leave you to clean out my cosmetic bag and fill it with rms beauty! how exciting! I think that rms beauty together with the Britt Beautiful Skin System (see previous post) could be a perfect Spring gift to yourself!

visit rms beauty by clicking here
visit beautytruth by clicking here

Rose-Marie will also be a part of the Goddess Gather at Organic Avenue if you want to meet her and find out more! - click here to get more information on the Goddess Gather.