Fun in the Sun

Hello!!

I just wanted to start off this post by saying that today has been a great day for learning about the future of food and the sustainability of our planet. There was a conference today in DC and I have been so encouraged by what was spoken because it means that I am not alone in my quest to find a better way of life. There are so many people that have no idea the effects of the food they are eating and the things they put on their body. They just assume that if it's on the shelves at the store, it's safe. We live in a country concerned about ourselves. We are very selfish people in the United States. For instance, each week Americans, representing 5% of the worlds population, comprise 25% of the world's consumption of resources. Wow! Things need to change, and I can only hope that I will be able to be apart of bringing change to the world. Now that I have done a little bit of rambling--- I want to talk to you about something that totally blew my mind!

Summer is fast approaching, and we have all grown up being told to put sunscreen on every 30 minutes to avoid getting a sunburn and ultimately skin cancer. I try to be so cautious when I'm out in the sun because I don't want to get skin cancer. I want healthy skin with a bit of a tan! So I'm sure many of you are thinking... What could be so wrong with sunscreen? We are protecting ourselves from those harmful rays. Well you are right, but those sunblocks and sunscreens that are intended to protect your skin also introduce harmful chemicals into your system through your skin! From this point on, please no longer think of your skin as a barrier, but as a sponge. What you put ON will go IN!

In the book I am reading, "Living Green," the author states that suncreen/sunblock exposes our skin to suspected carcinogens, including (but not limited to) diethanolamine and related ingredients (DEA, TEA). Other ingredients are suspected endocrine disruptors: benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (oxtinoxate), and the parbens (methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-).

I know that this looks like a just went crazy on the keyboard and typed some letters, but these are actual words. :) Even though you and I can't pronounce them and more than likely have no idea what they are, we should avoid them at all costs! Also in the paragraph above, "endocrine disruptors" is used. This simply means that those chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormonal system-- which is something that you do not want to disrupt. In doing research on chemicals and their effect on the body, I have found that the majority of them are known endocrine disrupters. For women it's especially a big deal because they take on an estrogen-like form and cause tons of problems. Children are VERY vulnerable (more than women) so please protect them from these things!

I know that it seems like all hope is lost and that you will have to stay inside all summer, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen several natural or organic sunscreens at the stores that I shop at, but one that is known to be pure and probably your best bet is 'Aubrey Organics.' Their website is www.aubrey-organics.com and you can also check out all of their other skin care products while you are there!

I know that some people will probably read this and blow it off because they don't think it makes that big of a difference, but it really does. The advice that I have been told/read/live by when it comes to skin care is that if you wouldn't ingest it, don't put it on your skin! I'm not advocating eating your shampoo, but read those labels and if you can't...... you should probably leave it on the shelf!

Besos,

Courtney