What's in Your Sunscreen?

March 31, 2014

Summer is on its way, or at least we hope so! With the onset of warmer weather comes the beautiful sunshine. It soon will be time to slather on that sunscreen to avoid the damaging UVA and UVB rays. But before you reach for your sunblock check the ingredients list because not all sunscreens are created equal.

Some sunscreens use chemical ingredients, like avobenzone and benzophenone,  that absorb UVA/UVB radiation. These chemical ingredients can sometimes cause acne, itching, rash, and stinging sensations.

Other sunscreens use physical compounds, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that reflect and scatter UVA/UVB rays. Unlike the chemical ingredients, physical ingredients do not usually cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.

 The first thing to be concious of when deciding what type of sunscreen is best for you is to determine what spectrum of light the sunscreen protects you from. Zinc oxide is a full spectrum blocker that helps to reflect UVA , UVB, and even UVC rays, while titanium dioxide generally only provides adequate protection from UVB and some UVA radiation.

The second thing to look out for is nano-oxides. Nanoparticles are one-twentieth the thickness of a human hair, and therefore are easily absorbed by the skin and can be harmful for living cells and organs. Many sunscreens contain nano-particles of physical ingredients as they are more transparent on the skin. However, the damage that they can cause to our health and well-being is not necessarily worth the price. 

So, next time you reach for your sunscreen glance over the ingredients list. And remember to reapply every few hours, especially after swimming and rigorous excercise!

For more information on sunscreens and staying safe in the sun check out these links:

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunscreen.pdf

http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens

You can also check out GLOW's new summer line (coming in a few weeks) that includes a lovely sun lotion bar that uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide safe broad spectrum coverage.

Peppermint to the rescue!

March 18, 2014

Here at GLOW we are joyfully anticipating the sites and sounds of summer - a time filled with festivals, picnics, bike rides, and more! But, with the onset of the warmer weather, little creatures begin to stir. Instead of racing to the shop to buy an assortment of chemicals to stop spiders, mice, and other critters from invading your home-sweet-home  give peppermint a try!

Did you know that peppermint essential oil can help ward off pests like spiders? While spiders have their place in this world and are a natural control of other bug populations, for arachnophobes they can be an eight-legged nightmare. Try sprinkling a few drops of peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and stick them in doorways, cracks and crevices, and anywhere else you may have seen these crawlers. You can also mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle, give it a shake, and spritz in problem zones. Not only will it help keep unwanted critters at bay, it will leave your home smelling absolutely delightful! Make sure you use only 100% peppermint oil as some oils will contain sweeteners that will attract the creatures you are looking to keep away.

Peppermint oils also has other wonderful benefits. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint's ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness! You can try out peppermint's amazing abilities at home by mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with a tsp of your favourite base oil, like almond or olive oil, and mix well. Apply a few drops of this blend on your temples, and back of your neck and shoulders to keep you mentally sharp throughout the day. 

Remember to avoid contact with your eyes and wash your hands very well after working with peppermint oil.  You can also try out this wonderful oil in GLOW's Study-Aid Balm, and Lucky Lip Balm today! 

The Wonderful Rose

March 2, 2014

Rose essential oil is a superstar of the essential oil family. With its amazing healing properties rose oil is beneficial for all skin types. Its emolliant properties make it a superb moisturizer for deeply dry and damaged skin, and its natural antispectic and astringent properties make it great for those suffering from acne.  Rose oil can also refine and tone the skin and aid in the healing process of psoriasis and dermatitis. 

Beyond the skin, rose essential oil has excellent aromotherapy qualities. A recent 2012 study* found that rose oil, paired with lavender, helped to reduce anxiety and depression in postpartum patients.  Rose oil has also been found to help to treat stress and depression**

For more information on this wonderful essential oil check out these links: 

http://www.rosemagazine.com/pages/therapeutic.asp

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aromatherapy/a/Rose-Essential-Oil.htm

*http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22789792

**http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22484603