It's All About Skin Love

Summer is almost here, so this week's Blended For Wellness is focused on how to show your skin some real love from the inside & out. We're giving you the low-down on SPF, natural sunscreen options, natural remedies & vitamin picks for healing your skin, and our favourite blends for skin health.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor):
UV radiation from the sun is the most serious threat for skin cancer, so sun protection is always important. Sunburn damages skin cells and blood vessels, and UV exposure may be responsible for up to 80% of visible facial aging signs. The higher the SPF, the more protection, so stick to 30 SPF at a minimum. Look for sunscreens that are water-resistant and "broad spectrum", "multi-spectrum", or UVA/UVB Protection (UVA rays affect your skin beneath the surface, and UVB rays cause sunburns). UVA 30 SPF, when used as directed, prevents 97% of UVB rays. It's best to apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

Pro Tip: Studies show that the daily use of sunscreen can significantly lower your risk of aging skin and skin cancer. 

Natural Sunscreen Options

Some common sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and butylparaben harm coral reefs (full list here), ocean ecosystems, and marine life. Check the ingredients before purchasing, and look for biodegradable, mineral-based, free-of-nanoparticles products when possible. 
Here are some of our favourite reef-safe, natural, and pro-skin health sunscreen options:

1. Skoah's SPF Collection 

2. The Ordinary's Suncare Collection

3. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen

4. All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen

Natural Sunburn Remedies

- Aloe Vera (apply directly to irritated area) 
- Cooled chamomile tea: sponge on with a clean cloth 
- Baking soda & oatmeal: add 1/2 cup of each to a lukewarm bath and soak it up)

Top 4 Vitamins for Skin Health

Vitamin C protects collagen, fights cancer, and decreases cell damage and skin aging. Oranges, lemons, pineapple, mango, broccoli, bell peppers, kale & spinach. 
Vitamin D is essential for healthy skins cells, and can be found in fortified breakfast cereals, orange juice, yogurt, and fish. 
Vitamin E protects against sun damage by absorbing harmful UV light. Try eating more nuts and seeds to get more of this vital vitamin.
Vitamin K is a powerful aid for skin healing, and can treat a variety of skin conditions. It is found in kale, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, and green beans. 

Blended For Your Healthy Skin

These are our top skin health picks: 
Greens Daily Dose
Greens D-Tox
Green Beginnings
The Remedy
Shroom Energy
Acai Radiance
Inside & Out Acai
Coming next week:
Acai Organic Berry &
Vita-C Immunity