What Do You Know About Your Sunscreen?
ItsNaturallyPure has received a large supply of the hard to obtain natural and organic sunscreen and it’s time to think about how much we know about the sunscreen we use. What does it mean to us when the products are SPF 15 or SPF 30; which should we use; and what is the danger of using a higher SPF?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measurement of sunburn protection primarily from UVB rays. If your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen would theoretically allow you to stay in the sun for 150 minutes (10 x 15) without burning.
This is a rough estimate. The safety of your sunscreen depends on your own skin type, whether you are in water or not, how much you sweat, and the intensity of sunlight. Note also that these ratings can be confusing or misleading at times. For example, the SPF rating tells you about UVB protection, but nothing about protection from UVA rays which cause photo-aging and cancer. In addition, The Food and Drug Administration has expressed concerns that current testing methods may not be able to accurately reproduce SPF values for high SPF products.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people use a sunscreen with SPF of at least 15; the American Academy of Dermatology opts for 30. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure; apply 1 ounce for your entire body; and make sure to reapply every 2 hours, after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Most people put on only a 1/4 to 2/3rds of the amount of sunscreen which is recommended to reach the product's SPF rating.
Pick the SPF appropriate for your skin type and sun exposure but remember that UVA protection in U.S. sunscreens maxes out at about 15. Higher SPF products will not fully protect your skin from photo-aging and cancer.
The danger of using a higher SPF sunscreen is the false sense of security it gives us. There is a tendency to stay in the sun longer with a single application and to extend time in the sun well past the point when users of low-SPF products head indoors.
ItsNaturallyPure.com - Hand Sanitizer
ItsNaturallyPure.com has a 100% natural lotion Hand Sanitizer, with lemon, tea tree & lavender oils. This lotion saves your skin's natural flora and will not promote resistant bacteria. Use on your hands when you wonder, "Who else has been here?" This Hand Sanitizer also treats skin injuries, rashes, bites, cuts, bruises, etc.
We at ItsNaturallyPure.com have been very happy to receive the following feedback from someone who used our Purple Prairie Hand Sanitzer as a lotion when suffering from the severe effects of shingles.
“I'm very happy with the Hand Sanitizer and I love it because it is all natural. It helped my blisters and rash heal, redued the itching, and relieved the swelling. This product has also helped the Varicose veins which really popped out during my bout with Shingles. They are going back down and returning to normal. Being that it is a sanitizer it helps because with Shingles you have to keep the area very clean. It is better than the other recommended creams because it doesn't soil your clothes and bedding. I really do like this product and can't get over that it has helped my varicose veins so quickly.” Mandy B.
ItsNaturallyPure.com is now offering "Earth's Beauty" Natural Cosmetics
ItsNaturallyPure.com is now offering "Earth's Beauty Mascara" which has won the "Editor's Pick" in the October, 2008 Natural Solutions magazine "Beauty With A Conscience" Awards. Of all the natural mascaras I have tried, I was glad to see that my chosen favorite was the one with the award.
This chemical free lash building mascara has the quality of national brands and works well for those who have sensitive eyes like me. I can apply multiple coats to achieve the look I want and it does not flake or run like some.
Our Travel Size Mascara comes with an "outstanding brush."
ItsNaturallyPure.com - Feedback for "Carrot Rose Creme" face cream
Feedback for the very popular "Carrot Rose Creme" available at ItsNaturallyPure.com
The Organic Beauty Expert....September 12th, 2008
Recession Proof Beauty...
"With winter dry skin just around and the economy being what it is for some, there's no reason for you to suffer. Purple Prairie has an AWESOME Carrot Rose Cream that will have your skin thinking it's still summer! We in the Kane household have tested this product strenuously — which means the hubby has taken it to the deserts of California during his military training and loves it so much we removed the outside wrapper just so he could he use it in front his men. It's that good! And if you're still not convinced, it's only $6.99. Come on, girls! Do you need a better excuse for soft skin this winter?"
__________
The Green Daily~ October 26th, 2008......
Purple Prairie keeps your face natural
by Christina Clark
"It is getting to be the time of year when my skin starts to dry out. Being indoors (or outdoors in the chilly wind) and having the heat on sucks the moisture right out of my skin, especially my face and hands. Purple Prairie has come to the rescue. I have used my share of lotions and potions - both the cheap varieties and the expensive ones. I rarely find a lotion I want to stick with for any length of time. Purple Prairie's Carrot Rose Crème might make it for a long time on my vanity though. The facial moisturizer is lightly scented and feels luxurious and pampering on my face, but still light. I have oily skin naturally, so I do not do heavy facial moisturizers at all. Paired with the Orange Tea Tree Toner, you really can't go wrong. It's just so nice and natural for your face. As for some hand lotion, I am really enjoying the Patchouli Vanilla lotion, which is completely surprising to me. I normally am not a fan of Patchouli - But, when mixed with vanilla it's just sweet and soothing. A bit like sugar cookies."
__________
customer comments...
"Great products. Wanted to let you know I love your carrot rose cream! Thanks!!" Nadine
"Thank you very much for your wonderful carrot rose cream. It is excellent." Jaqui H.
The carrot face cream moisturizer and the tea tree toner have really
helped my dry skin. I really do look young again. Thanks. My skin glows.
Laura H.
"I used the honey butter on oatmeal soap on my face in the shower, and
the carrot rose creme. I am SO pleased. For the past 4-5 winters, my face
has been itchy, flaky and oily at the same time; very annoying. I have
tried many exfoliating and moisturizing products with nothing really
hitting the spot. I think this is the right formula for me! Thanks so much!"
Krisha.
"The Carrot Rose Face Cream is the greatest! I won't use anything else. it has done WONDERS
for my skin!" Bobbie R.
"The Carrot Rose Cream is the best! I've tried many other products and none of them worked on
my sensitve, dry skin." Connie W.
I purchased the carrot rose face cream two weeks ago, and you asked me
to let you know what I thought. Well...I am amazed. I have been on a very
powerful medication that had completely dried out my face-made it peel,
flake, etc. After using the carrot rose face cream for less than a week,
twice per day, my face started to heal. My doctor had tried all sorts of
prescription creams, and none had helped. I was doubtful at first, but am
now a firm believer. I was afraid my face was going to scar it was so bad...
but no more! Thank you so much, Kate
"I just want you to know for many many years I have used a brand name face
lotion and loved it. From time to time I would step out of my box and experiment
with different lotions varying from very inexpensive to very expensive. I
thought maybe there was something better. It never failed - I always ended up
going back to the same name brand I started with. Well after talking with you
and realizing what chemicals were hidden inside the label I decided to once
again try something new - your Carrot Rose face cream. I have to admit I was not
use to my skin feeling a little oily but I kept using it daily and after a week
or so I realized it was all just a part of my face getting use to an all natural
lotion. Now I am in love and will use nothing but your products. Over the years
you have been in business I have slowly replaced the store bought products with
yours and will continue to do so.
Keep up the phenomenal service and outstanding product quality. Thanks!" Lisa
"I worried about not using my other anti aging products and switching to yours
for fear I would get more wrinkles. To my amazment my skin is more tone and
healthier now! I am totaly swicthing to your skin care line and telling all
my friends. Thanks for such a great product and at great prices. Also the
Carrot Rose cream lasts so long I have had it for a month and use it every day
and have hardly put a dent in it. Thanks!" Crystal
Top Ten Natural Ingredients for Healthier Skin
- Diet
Include unprocessed, raw and whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids in your daily diet. These are a must for healthy skin - Exercise
Sweat helps with waste removal from your skin while moisturizing. Daily cardiovascular exercise will give you a more radiant complexion as well as increase your energy level - Sleep
A good night's restful sleep is imperative for healthy skin - Sunshine
10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is essential for good health and promotes healthy skin. Sunlight provides vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly quite common and can lead to problems with cell growth that effect all organs, of which the skin is the largest. Researchers are working to prove that long-term vitamin D deficiency leads to cancer. Vitamin D improves the functioning of your immune system, and that helps fight cancer.
After 15 minutes, use a sunscreen that helps shield you from both UVA and UVB rays. It's essential to choose an effective sunscreen (available at http://www.itsnaturallypure.com/Natural-Sun-Screen.html ) but the best way to avoid sun damage (aka wrinkles and skin cancer) is to avoid the sun altogether except for brief exposures. - Water
Drinking enough water daily will help eliminate harmful toxins from your body. Pimples and rashes are the result of toxic buildup inside your body. Insufficient water intake is also the leading cause of dry skin - Cleanser
Skin needs to breathe, especially during sleep when your body excretes toxins. If skin is clogged with make-up, sebum, and grime, breakouts can occur. Use gentle soaps daily with warm water (never hot) followed with cold splashes. Do not over cleanse oily skin. Twice a day is sufficient - Toner
This step removes any residual soap, refines the pores, and restores the natural pH balance of your skin - Moisturizer
Even oily skin can benefit from a light moisturizer. Use Aloe Vera gel, jojoba oil, or vegetable glycerin for oily or normal skin. Organic extra virgin olive oil is wonderful for normal, dry, mature or sensitive skin - Exfoliate
A gentle scrub once or twice a week will keep pores free of dead skin cells and debris. Grind up equal parts of regular oatmeal and sunflower seeds (no hulls). Add enough water, aloe juice, or herb tea to form a paste and gently massage into your skin, then rinse well. The addition of peeled raw fruits provides exfoliating alpha or beta hydroxy acids. A cosmetic grade earth clay will draw out toxins and excess oils. Salt or sugar added to vegetable oil makes a simple scrub - De-Stress
Stress causes our bodies to become unbalanced and unhealthy. Take time to unwind, laugh and connect with friends
Steel Cut Oats
I've always been a big fan of oatmeal but are steel cut oats better for us?
All oats (steel cut and rolled) are whole grain foods. In 1999 the FDA declared that diets rich in whole grain foods may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
If there is one area where steel cut oats have a small health edge over rolled oats it's the lack of processing. Steel-cut oats, also known as Coarse-Cut Oats, Pinhead Oats, or Irish Oats are the inner portion of the oat kernel, which has been cut into two or three pieces. Rolled oats, also known as Oatmeal or Porridge, are those same oat kernels cut, rolled and steamed to reduce cooking time later.
There is a chance uncooked steel cut oats contain slightly more vitamins and minerals, but even rolled oats contain the entire oat grain. Traditional steel-cut oats can take between 30 and 40 minutes to cook while rolled oats can be cooked in five minutes or less. Whatever advantage steel-cut oats have is lost in the longer cooking time.
Rolled Oats and Steel-Cut Oats both have excellent nutritional value. After giving them a try, I personally much prefer the chewier and nuttier steel-cut oats than the instant rolled oats.
There are many Steel-Cut Oat recipes on the web so look for your favorite. I like this one, which I cook in the rice cooker. I add raisons, honey and soy milk after it's cooked. Don't throw away the leftovers as the cooked oats keep very well in the fridge and can be heated up in the microwave.
2/3 cup steel cut oats
1 2/3 cups water
pinch of salt
Set to the brown rice setting
Enjoy!
ItsNaturallyPure.com - Make the change to safe, natural and toxin-free cosmetics
How do you stop exposing your body to toxic and cancer causing ingredients when they are found in many personal products you use every day? Even for those of you who are aware of these ingredients, it’s difficult to know exactly how to stop. It can be intimidating to completely cut out all cosmetics and all creams that have contributed to your well-being in the past so it’s important to begin small and do your research.
Educate yourself in product ingredients. Look at one or two of the cosmetic products you are using now. Even changing your shampoo/conditioner for organic and pure shampoo/conditioner can make a big difference to your health. Take time to review the product’s ingredient list and check against the ingredients listed at Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid. Also, visit Skin Deep’s enormous database to help in your search for safer cosmetics, and print a wallet-size list of the top ingredients to avoid.
We are here to help you can visit our store and you can contact us with questions and send comments to let us know how you are doing.
Benefits of Eating Walnuts Soaked in Water
There is no doubt about it, walnuts are good for us.
Researchers have found that incorporating a handful of whole nuts or about three tablespoons of chopped nuts into a daily diet lowers total cholesterol by 5.4 percent and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 9.3 percent.
Walnuts contain excellent levels of B6, thiamin, B5, vitamin E, niacin and riboflavin. Though they are rich in oil, they are low in cholesterol and regular consumption helps in lowering cholesterol levels, controlling high blood sugars, and improving cardiovascular functions. They also have excellent antioxidant properties.
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also an excellent source of manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, iron, calcium and selenium.
Why Soak Walnuts?
All nuts contain enzyme inhibitors. The purpose of these enzyme inhibitors is to protect the nut until it has what it needs for growing. When soaking walnuts, just as when it rains in nature, these toxic enzyme inhibitors are released, the amount of vitamins your body can absorb increases, gluten breaks down so digestion is much easier, and phytic acid, which inhibits the absorption of vital minerals, is reduced.
- place a couple of handfuls of shelled walnuts in a bowl or cup
- cover with fresh water
- loosely cover and place in the fridge for four hours
- it is very important after soaking to rinse the walnuts several times as the water will become toxic when the inhibitors are released
- let the nuts air dry before placing them in the fridge in an airtight container
Well, that’s all great information but do they taste good? I always have a bowl of “soaked walnuts” in the fridge and we love them. Sometimes I will have a few for a snack, or put some in my husband’s lunch but most of the time we add them to fruit and yogurt for dessert after dinner.
Try them, then come back and let me know what you think.
ItsNaturallyPure - The Journey Begins
I have been researching chemical free cosmetics for more than a year now, and things are starting to move quickly. This weekend my husband and I published a web site for ItsNaturallyPure.com, and we are excited to discover where this will take us.
This blog is all about the journey. It is about continuing to find truly natural products for my own use and to share with others. It’s about sharing healthy recipes I find along the way, and hopefully it is to meet all of you so you can tell me what has worked.
The reason I am doing this is because I know a lot of you want to use more natural products in your everyday life but are unsure how or even if it is possible. I am here to tell you that yes, it is possible and we will travel this path together.