Sunscreen Savings: Save 25%!

I have to tell you about an amazing deal we have going on right now at Nature's Basin: a phenomenal savings on top-rated Soleo Organics All-Natural Sunscreen.

We are offering 25% off this family-friendly natural sunscreen while supplies last. Now is a great time to replenish your sunscreen supply.

I know what some of you are thinkining: "It's fall.  It's cool and cloudy. I don't burn."


Let me tell you--I live in cloudy Rochester, New York. It's the 6th cloudiest city in the country, averaging 200 cloudy days per year. I apply sunscreen to myself and to my boys every single day of the year--cloudy ones, too.

Even on a cloudy day, it is estimated that 80% of the sun's damaging rays can get through the clouds. (source: American Academy of Dermatology)

So, apply that sunscreen.  Not only will it help to protect you from skin cancer, it is also a great anti-aging product!

Click here to save 25% on Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen.

Beauty and the Beach: Pedicure Hints

It's been a scorcher here in upstate New York the past few days. The weather forecasters are saying it could reach 100 for the first time since 1953 in this area. While it's going to be too hot for me to be at the beach tomorrow, I surely can look forward to my next outing.

Let's talk beach nails today. I'd like to talk about my favorite natural nail polish for a day at the beach and give you a couple of tips as well.

I've made it no secret that I adore Scotch Naturals in color 5005 Tartan Swizzle.  It's the color most often found on my nails, in fact. It is the perfect shade of fuchsia and I truly believe that this bright color can be worn by anyone, from those with skin tones ranging from porcleain to ebony.


Why is Scotch my favorite all around brand of water based nail polish? Not only is this line eco-friendly and completely safe, but is free of the nasties: toluene, phthalates, formaldehyde, acetone, and heavy metals. It also conditions the nails while it is on.


This natural nail polish is truly beach worthy in my book! You can find this in 17 beautiful shades at Nature's Basin.


While we're talking about beach nails, I want to remind you that applying natural sunscreen to the tops of your feet and on your toes is crucial. The tops of the feet can burn easily and are an often neglected part of the body when it comes to sunscreen application. There are many options available to you in our store and all are ranked among the best.


I will leave you today with a natural beauty hint. What is a great exfoliant for the foot, takes up no room in your bag, and costs nothing? Sand! That's right. While you're at the beach, use the sand under your feet as a beauty treatment.  Mix a bit of water from the lake or ocean into the sand. Make sure it's free of seashell pieces or anything else sharp. Make a "mud" from this and rub into your feet with a massaging motion.


The massage action will help to stimulate circulation and the texture of the sand with help buff away dry skin, making your feet smooth and soft.


Do you like what you've been reading on the Nature's Basin blog? Share the love! If you know anyone who is interested in going natural with their beauty products, please recommend Nature's Basin to them. We also are on Facebook and Twitter for your convenience. Simply click the icons below.

A Lesson in Proper Sunscreen Usage

I am so diligent about applying sunscreen.  I wear it every single day and am really careful to reapply as needed. Careful except on Thursday, apparently.

We were on vacation staying at a beautiful 1760 stone guest house on a farm in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and spent one day at a wonderful amusement park designed for the under 12 set called Dutch Wonderland.  They have a fabulous water play area for the hot days and we were out there for a good long time.  After we were all wet in our bathing suits, I sent my husband and the boys into the men's changing area with the natural sunscreen to reapply. I got changed and completely forgot to reapply my own.

The result? A really painful sunburn on my chest and tops of my legs. Never mind the grumpy look on my face-- I was sore!

I applied skin soothing aloe and now that I am home and ready to step up the care with a natural skin care balm made by Suki.  I highly recommend the Suki Organic Butter Healing Balm whenever your skin is irritated, itchy, dry, or otherwise bothering you.  Fortified with grape seed, evening primrose oil, organic Fair Trade cocoa and shea butters and more, this is just what I need to take away the irritation.

I am just starting to face the dreaded peeling stage and will make sure to apply this twice a day to help make the process easier.

I do have to say, though, that the Soleo Organics sunscreen worked liked a charm for everyone. The kids were kept protected all week long, as was my husband. My face didn't burn either, thanks to Soleo Organics. I want to reiterate the importance of reapplying sunscreen after being in the water. It's a lesson learned by even those of us who should know better!




Be sure to check out these two great products from Suki and Soleo Organics at Nature's Basin.

Sunscreen 101: A Guide for Parents

I was recently struck by a friend's Facebook status commenting on how her children both had nice tans from their beach outing.  This gave me pause because there is so much information out there about why using sunscreen, particularly natural sunscreens, is so important.

I was surprised that my friend, an educated woman, would be happy that her child has a "great tan".  I even am shocked lately when friends talk about sitting out in the sun to work on their tans.

The first thing I want to reiterate is that a tan is not a sign of good health.  A tan is a sign of damage at the cellular level. It damages the tissues and ages the skin. There is absolutely no such thing as a safe tan or healthy tan from the sun or tanning beds. Tans are a result of ultraviolet damage.

Using sunscreen on your children is a must.  We all are concerned about feeding children healthy foods and getting exercise and we should more more vigilant about protecting our children's skin from the sun.

Here are some tips from Nature's Basin about sunscreen:

*Making sure that a sunscreen's UVA protection is sufficient is very important. Both UVA and UVB rays are harmful, but UVA rays are generally more harmful because they penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause the cell changes that are linked to cancer.

*Do not choose powders or sprays. While I realize that a spray can be quick and convenient, you end up inhaling what is in the product and this can be harmful to your health. For this reason, the natural sunscreens we offer at Nature's Basin do not come in this form. Yes, it may take a bit longer to apply and thoroughly blend in, but you do not want to sacrifice good health and adequate sun protection by choosing the wrong formula.

*Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone. This is a synthetic estrogen and some believe it can be carcinogenic. Also avoid using sunscreens with Vitamin A. If the label doesn't say "Vitamin A", look for its derivative Retinyl Palmitate.

*If you see a product with a label of higher than SPF 50, be suspicious. I have seen products at the store claiming to be "SPF 100+." That sounds super protective, doesn't it? It isn't. The FDA says that numbers beyond SPF 50 are misleading. This gives people a false sense of safety and often makes them think they can stay in the sun all day long.

*Mineral sunscreens are best. Look for products with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.These are generally a safer option because they are what is known as a physical sunscreen. They provide a barrier and reflect the UV rays.  These ingredients are not absorbed into the skin.

What I recommend for children:

Badger Natural Baby Sunscreen SPF 30

Erbaviva Baby Sunscreen

Other Tips:


*Make sure you avoid excessive exposure to the sun between the peak hours of 10am and 2pm.


*Keep your child's head covered with a floppy hat such as a bucket hat to provide extra protection.


*Make sure you reapply your child's sunscreen every few hours.

A Truly Green Sunscreen

Those of us who are ingredients-conscious and seek out natural skin care and natural makeup products also tend to be eco-conscious.  We want to use products that are not only healthy to us, but kind to Mother Earth.

You should be running out of sunscreen right about now. Seriously. It's summer and if you're using the recommended amount (the FDA advises using 1/4 to 1/3 teaspoon to face and neck alone) of sunscreen, you'll be in need of more quite soon.  In fact, with my family of four, when it's summer vacation, we use about a tube a week and I admit that I do not measure out and apply quite that amount.

Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen is a healthy and green natural sunscreen. Last year, it earned the top ranking of the Environmental Working Group. That's not an easy task. Naturopathic principles were used to formulate this product and it is free of any synthetic ingredients. There are no questionable chemical sunscreen ingredients present in this product. 

In fact, natural oils such as macadamia, grapeseed, and cupuacu seed butter are blended with the mineral zinc oxide to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. More than 9 antioxidants are present in this formula, including vitamin E.   Read more about skin-protecting Vitamin E in Fiza's post below.

What makes this healthy for you product also healthy for the earth is the fact that the sunscreen is biodegradable. Think about this impact.  When you're in the lake or the ocean swimming with a traditional, chemical-laden sunscreen, the ingredients can remain in the water and leave a greasy residue--a residue of potential environmental toxicants. The ingredients get into the water that provides a home to fish and plant-life.

If you're looking for a truly green and natural sunscreen for your entire family, Nature's Basin offers one that is just that-- Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen. 

Sunscreen Giveaway!

As we mentioned earlier, the EWG's Skin Deep 2011 Sunscreen Report was just released last week and the natural sunscreens we offer at Nature's Basin ranked tops once again.

One of the world's top-ranked sunscreens can be yours! We are giving away Eco Logical Skin Care All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ to one lucky blog reader. This acclaimed natural sunscreen is 100% natural and is fortified with antioxidant Green Tea, nourishing Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil. This gentle, fragrance free formula is also lightweight and non pore clogging.

This natural sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and because it is hypoallergenic, it is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.

Our 3.5 ounce tube of Eco Logical Skin Care All Natural Sunscreen sells at Nature's Basin for $18.95 and will be awarded to one giveaway winner.

How to Enter:

1. Comment on this blog post. Please include a valid email address with your entry so we may contact you if you win. You must comment to win.

Earn Extra Entries:

* "Like" Nature's Basin on Facebook if you haven't already. Facebook fans will get an extra entry!

*  Follow us on Twitter. Twitter followers will also get an extra entry!

Deadline:

US entrants only, please. Enter today through Friday, June 10th. We'll draw a winning name at random and notify our winner by Monday, June 13th.



Don't forget to share this post with your friends so they have a chance to win, too!

5 Common Myths About Natural Sunscreen

Last week on the Nature's Basin Facebook Page, I posed a question about natural sunscreens. I wanted to find out why some people are still choosing to purchase more harmful, chemical sunscreens. Over the holiday weekend, I met with some of my friends. We were sitting outdoors and I pulled my sunscreen out to reapply since it had been many hours since my last application.

One of my friends was shocked that my Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen applied with ease and didn't leave a thick white residue. She commented that she thought all natural sunscreens left behind a white film, so she avoided them.

Today I'd like to discuss some reasons many people still opt to use chemical sunscreens when natural ones really are more healthful.

Myth #1: Natural sunscreens are all thick and hard to rub in.


Natural sunscreens generally are thicker than their chemical-laden counterparts. However, the natural sunscreen products at Nature's Basin are fortified with emollients such as olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, shea butter and more. These not only moisturize the skin, but they absorb beautifully into the skin.

Myth #2: Natural sunscreens leave a white film behind on the skin.


This is not always the case. When natural sunscreens first came on the market, they were usually formulated solely around zinc oxide.  This is the ingredient that blocks the sun's rays, but it also can leave that white residue. Products are being formulated to still protect the skin naturally, but also be more user friendly nowadays.

For example, micronized titanium dioxide and coated zinc oxide particles are often used in natural sunscreens. These ingredients can make the product go on sheer.

Myth #3: Natural sunscreens do not protect your skin as well as traditional sunscreens.

Not true. As long as you use the recommend amount, natural sunscreens will work just as well as chemical sunscreens. By the way, this applies to all sunscreens. If you're not using the proper amount, they won't work as well.

Myth #4: Natural sunscreens are too expensive.

Natural sunscreens generally are more costly than drugstore chemical-filled and potentially harmful sunscreens. This is true.

What is so important to remember, though, is that a good sunscreen is going to be your best anti-aging product. Since much of aging can be attributed to UV damage, sunscreen is imperative.

Most people will not hesitate to spend quite a bit of money on a night cream or serum or on a handbag or shoes. In fact, I know of people who will spend $250 on a handbag, but do not want to spend the money on an effective natural sunscreen.

Think of it this way: you only have one skin. It should only make sense that you take care of it. Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer AND help prevent the signs of aging. Not many products can say that!

Myth #5: Natural sunscreens are hard to find.


This used to be the case. Not anymore. As people become more and more aware of the importance of sun protection and harmful ingredients, more and more natural sunscreens are hitting the market.

At Nature's Basin, we offer several natural sunscreens, including the Environmental Working Group's top picks of 2010 and 2011. From EcoLogical and Soleo to Badger and Erbaviva, we offer the best sunscreens for your entire family.

Now is a great time to stock up. Remember we ship free with any purchase of $49 or more, plus we include complimentary samples with every order.

Sun Smarts

Over the past several years, there has been a very active–and necessary–campaign convincing the public to wear sunscreen daily in order to prevent damage from the sun’s UVA (skin aging) and UVB (skin burning) rays.

Wearing an effective sunscreen on a daily basis is something that can not only prevent burning, but it can help prevent skin cancer. In 2009, the American Cancer Society said that over 1 million people would be diagnosed with skin cancer that year alone. In addition to skin cancer, a majority of skin’s premature aging and damage can be linked to sun exposure.

If you get an up close look at the skin of those who do not wear sunscreen or who go to tanning beds (please don’t!), you most likely will notice brown spots, uneven texture and tone, more noticeable fine lines, and wrinkles. I know so many people equate a tan with good health. People will argue that having a tan will make you look thinner, younger, healthier, etc. A tan, though, is evidence of skin damage rather than good health. I am super fair. I burn very easily. Any natural “tan” I get comes a couple weeks after a painful sunburn. 

I am all for having a bronze glow. I don’t want to put on shorts or my bathing suit and see porcelain legs anymore than most of you do. I wear sunscreen and any tan I have comes from a bronzer or self tanner.

I really believe in my heart of hearts that wearing  a natural sunscreen is one of the single most important things we can do for our skin. There is so much credible evidence out there that advocates the importance of wearing sunscreen. I live in Upstate New York where it is cloudy for much of fall through spring. 

I wear my sunscreen even in January’s cloudiest days--and there are many of those days in this neck of the woods.  

Avoiding harmful ingredients when it comes to sunscreen, though, can be very difficult. There are some toxic ingredients used in sunscreens and it is up to the consumers to read the ingredients list and know what it good and what is not. I want to provide you with a simple guide to choosing the best sunscreen for your family.

Here are some tips that we recommend:

*Making sure that a sunscreen's UVA protection is sufficient is very important. Both UVA and UVB rays are harmful, but UVA rays are generally more harmful because they penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause the cell changes that are linked to cancer.

*Do not choose powders or sprays. While I realize that a spray can be quick and convenient, you end up inhaling what is in the product and this can be harmful to your health. For this reason, the natural sunscreens we offer at Nature's Basin do not come in this form. Yes, it may take a bit longer to apply and thoroughly blend in, but you do not want to sacrifice good health and adequate sun protection by choosing the wrong formula.

*Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone. This is a synthetic estrogen and some believe it can be carcinogenic. Also avoid using sunscreens with Vitamin A. If the label doesn't say "Vitamin A", look for its derivative Retinyl Palmitate.

*If you see a product with a label of higher than SPF 50, be suspicious. I have seen products at the store claiming to be "SPF 100+." That sounds super protective, doesn't it? It isn't. The FDA says that numbers beyond SPF 50 are misleading. This gives people a false sense of safety and often makes them think they can stay in the sun all day long.

*Mineral sunscreens are best. Look for products with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.These are generally a safer option because they are what is known as a physical sunscreen. They provide a barrier and reflect the UV rays.  These ingredients are not absorbed into the skin.

So how do you know which natural mineral sunscreen is best?

The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep just released the 2011 Sunscreen Guide and announced the winning sunscreens.

Nature's Basin is proud to offer some of the safest, finest sunscreens available and we're proud to have the product we offer to our customers rank so highly.

Two of the brands we offer, ecō Logical and Badger, scored tops with a score of 1 this year. The lower the score, the safer the product. We also offer another acclaimed natural sunscreen brand,  Soleo Organics. You may be familiar with this one since it was ranked #1 by the EWG in 2010.

Badger's Lip Balm SPF 15 also was one of the safest lip sunscreens on the market. I think we sometimes forget to apply SPF to our lips, but it is so crucial!

I am so careful about applying my sunscreen with diligence.  I even apply it to the tops of my hands to prevent age spots from sun exposure. I used to skip the lips. I use Badger on my lips because it is safe, unscented, and protects my lips from burning. Did you know that excessive exposure to the sun's UVA and UVB rays is actually linked to lip cancer? 

Spend that extra two seconds and protect your lips, too. While you're at it, if you have a husband like mine who believes that his tan will protect him from a sunburn, please encourage him to apply a natural sunscreen each day. Men are more likely to develop skin cancer, according to a Boston University study, but are less likely to use sunscreen. The study indicated that marketing may play a role because there are many more glossy sunscreen ads in the media targeting women.

Protecting ourselves from skin cancer and the other effects of damage due to sun exposure is something we all can do by applying an effective natural sunscreen. It’s simple, doesn’t take much effort, and can help save not just our skin, but our lives--and the lives of our loved ones.