NATURAL SKINCARE SECRETS YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE

There’s enough skincare advice online for a lifetime of reading. But are the recommendations true? Or are they fueled by profit? 

As you know, I always have my ear to the ground in the right places, so I can share the truth with you, and help you avoid the BS that’s not good for you.

Here’s the low-down on skin.

SECRET NO. 1: THE WAY TO PROTECT LIGHTER COMPLEXIONS IS NOT WITH LOTS OF TOXIC SUNSCREEN

People with lighter complexions need to protect themselves more (even if you don’t burn very easily). But not with too much toxic sunscreen.

Most sunscreen is extremely unhealthy for your entire body, not just your skin, because it directly enters your bloodstream as soon as it gets absorbed into your skin.

Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), continuously assess the safety of sunscreen ingredients, but they are best buddies with people like Johnson & Johnson (a profit-focused, not health-focused company). 

For example, a lot of people are steering clear of:

1. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3): Oxybenzone has been a controversial ingredient due to concerns about its potential hormone-disrupting properties.
2. Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate): Octinoxate is another UV filter that has been criticized for its hormone-disrupting properties. Like oxybenzone, it can accumulate in the body and has been detected in breast milk.
3. Octocrylene: Octocrylene is used to stabilize other ingredients in sunscreens. Some concerns have been raised about its potential to produce free radicals when exposed to sunlight (hello aging!), although more research is needed to fully understand its impact.
4. Homosalate: This is a UVB filter, but it has been associated with hormone disruption, and like some other sunscreen ingredients, it can accumulate in your body.
5. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate): While retinyl palmitate is sometimes added to sunscreens for its antioxidant properties, there have been studies suggesting that it might increase the risk of skin cancer when applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight. Now knowing that, why would anyone want to put it into a skincare product, you might ask! Yep, because we have a corrupt system.
6. Parabens: Some sunscreens may contain parabens (such as methylparaben and propylparaben) as preservatives. Parabens have been scrutinized due to their potential endocrine-disrupting properties.

When looking for a sunscreen, search for “clean, safe sunscreen brands”, and avoid cheap products with the above ingredients. There’s a sunblock and an aftersun cooling cream product we love on this page right here. Just select the product you desire from the dropdown menu on the right.

What else? Cover your skin with linen or other natural fabrics that are light and cool for summer. Wear a hat. Take a nap during the hottest part of the day. Life is too short to let sunburn limit you. 

SECRET NO. 2: SUNBATHING FOR VITAMIN D? MOST PEOPLE ARE DOING IT WRONG

Did you know that you might only need 10 minutes daily in the sun to get a nice dose of vitamin D?

As a general guideline, spending about 10 to 30 minutes in the sun, at least twice a week, with the face, arms, and legs exposed is often enough for most people to produce a healthy amount of vitamin D. 

But not if you then go and wash all over with soap!

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS. And it’s critical health info.

Vitamin D is not only produced in the skin but also within the very top layers. That means that you can wash off the vitamin D with soap.

In fact, it takes about 24 hours to absorb into your body and face, and during that time, it’s important not to use soap except around the underarms and genitals for healthy hygiene purposes.

SECRET NO. 3: THE IDEA THAT SKIN CANCER IS CAUSED BY THE SUN IS NOT A PROVEN FACT

Most skin cancer appears in areas where the sun doesn’t reach: 

• In the underarm area
• On your scalp
• And where your shorts cover your skin

To me, this is a clear indication that sun and skin cancer are not connected (unless it’s sunscreen-related, perhaps).

What I have learned instead, is that the interaction of toxic substances with the sun’s rays are where the problems start. This would make a lot more sense, since toxins can lead to the growth of abnormal cells. It also explains why natural cancer treatments always include detoxification.

This kind of speculation might not be very convincing to you. That’s why I recommend taking a look at our recommended reading list and finding out for yourself how the cancer care industry was formed and operates.

SECRET NO. 4: ALOE VERA REALLY IS ONE OF THE BEST SUBSTANCES FOR SUN-EXPOSED SKIN – BUT NOT BECAUSE IT’S HYDRATING

Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and healing properties, making it a popular choice for aftersun care but do you know what it is about aloe that makes it work so well for sun-exposed skin (yes, even if it feels a bit sticky at first)?

It’s not because it’s great at hydrating your skin. So much key information is held back from us. 

As you read the following, get ready to tell me which aftersun products you can say contain all of these things:

1. Polysaccharides: Aloe vera contains polysaccharides, such as acemannan, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation and promote the skin’s natural healing processes.
2. Enzymes: Aloe vera contains various enzymes, including amylase and lipase, which aid in the breakdown of sugars and fats. These enzymes contribute to the anti-inflammatory and soothing effects of aloe vera on the skin.
3. Anthraquinones: Although present in small amounts, anthraquinones in aloe vera have natural analgesic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. These compounds contribute to the overall protective nature of aloe vera.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Aloe vera is rich in vitamins, including vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E, which are essential for skin health. It also contains minerals such as zinc, which plays a role in skin regeneration.
5. Hormones: Aloe vera contains auxins and gibberellins, which are plant hormones that aid in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory effects. These hormones contribute to the ability of aloe vera to promote skin repair.
6. Amino Acids: Aloe vera provides a variety of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These amino acids play a role in the repair and regeneration of skin cells.
7. Fatty Acids: Aloe vera contains various fatty acids, including cholesterol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol. These fatty acids have emollient properties, helping to moisturize and soften the skin.
8. Saponins: Aloe vera contains natural soapy substances called saponins, which provide cleansing and antiseptic properties. These compounds contribute to the gentle cleansing of the skin and may help prevent infection.

When applied to the skin, aloe vera helps to cool and soothe sunburned or irritated areas, reduce redness and inflammation, and promote the healing of damaged skin. 

However, the effectiveness of aloe vera can vary among different products, and it’s advisable to choose a high-quality, pure aloe vera gel or lotion for optimal aftersun care. I use this one on my own skin. I went to Tenerife to try out all the best organic, pure gels and this one is absolutely amazing.

Having trouble with your skin? Don’t forget you can book a free health call with me to get my naturopathic guidance on how to use our products and get your health back, fast.

I hope this article was helpful!

P.S. If you have psoriasis, we need to chat ASAP. Please book a call with me here.