LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

Looks like everyone has been coco for coconuts lately. In the past year, we have seen doctors nutritionists, skin care professionals, and even makeup artists recommend and put this yummy and healthy oil to great use.

You will question, well coconuts have been around for forever now, why the sudden popularity? The answer is that in the 1970s a propaganda spread by the corn oil and soy oil industries against coconut oil. They stated that coconut oil was considered harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content. This has been proven otherwise in the last decade when people began to question the claims of the propaganda.

Found in tropical countries like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines etc. Coconuts have several benefits including hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer, while helping to improve dental quality and bone strength.

So is it actually good for you? The oil of a coconut has a large presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities. So in other words, it is AMAZING for you!

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Mitzi and I are obsessed with coconut oil, and here are our favorite ways to use it:

Food:

• Popping Popcorn - First, add the coconut oil and popcorn to a heavy-bottomed pan. Coat the area of the pot with the oil, and use just enough popcorn to make a single layer over the bottom of the pot. Give the pot a little shake to make sure all of the kernels are coated with oil. Next, place the pot over medium heat. Put the lid on the pot, leaving it slightly open so that steam can escape. It should take about five minutes for the popcorn to pop completely. Yum!

• Smoothies - Add one tablespoon of coconut oil into your favorite smoothie recipe to increase your energy!

• Cheekbone Highlighter - Apply a small amount on cheekbones over makeup for natural glow.

• Shaving Lotion - Sensitive skin? use coconut on dry skin to get a close shave, and a moisturizer at the same time.

• Makeup Remover - Wash your face using coconut oil to remove any makeup without any irritation...P.S. Healthier, stronger and longer eye lashes are just a bonus!

• Body Moisturizer - Apply directly after showering for smooth skin without the harsh chemicals used in most brand named lotions. And no Mitzi, you do not smell like coconuts! ;)

• Fade Age Spots - Rub on hands or other areas daily to fade signs of aging and age spots.

• Sunburn Care - Use instead of aloe vera for a great soothing moisturizer to use after you've gotten a bit too much sun.

Hair

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/natural-health-tips/using-coconut-oil

If you're anything like me, you are obsessed with having perfectly polished nails at all times. I have been painting my nails since the age of three. I love getting my nails done and can't stand chipped nails. That is why I have turned to gel manicures. A gel manicure usually lasts me about three weeks, while a regular manicure will last me a little over a week. Unfortunately, I have learned that BOTH gel and regular manicures come with some risks. So what do we do?

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Lets start with gel manicures. For gel manicures, the technicians apply a special polish to nails and then cure the product, usually for four to eight minutes, using ultraviolet light. While with regular manicures, technicians will apply regular nail polish and then let it air dry for about 10-15 minutes.

Dermatologists have discover that the light used to set the gel manicure is actually the same kind of light that causes sun damage to our skin. But don't worry! A study shows that on average it would take about 11 visits over two years to reach the levels of exposure that would cause sun damage. Even though the risk for developing cancer is small, the risk is still there.

To limit the risk, the study’s authors recommended using sunscreens or UVA protective gloves when getting a gel manicure. I actually purchased a pair of our Original Driving Gloves, and cut the tips off to use every time I get a gel manicures. These are great because they are UPF/SPF 50+. and they block 98% of UVA/UVB rays. I would highly recommend purchasing two pairs; one for driving or other daily activities, and one for when you are running to the nail salon for a gel manicure (you must cut the tips).

Even though I am fully aware of the risks, and I usually wear my UVA protective gloves, I try not to get a gel manicure every time I go in to get my nails done. This is because gel actually weakens the nails causing the top layer of the nail to peel off, and break easily. So every once in a while I like to get a regular manicure, or just get my nails cleaned to help them breathe and repair.

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Now let's look at regular nail polish, and it's risks. Most nail polish brands, usually used at nail salons, contain harsh toxic chemicals that could be harmful to your health!

 

The idea of nail polish as a risky substance gained traction in 2006 when public health advocates began a nationwide protest concerning three compounds — often referred to as “the toxic trio” — in leading nail polish brands.

The trio consisted of a known carcinogen, formaldehyde, used as a hardening agent, and two materials linked to developmental defects: toluene, to evenly suspend color, and the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate, or DBP, to add flexibility and sheen.

Here are a few that Mitzi told me she loves using and recommends. They use no toxins or chemicals making them natural and safer to use than gel or other nail polish brands:

Zoya^®

Created by Zoya and Michael Reyzis of Art of Beauty, Zoya nail polish revolutionized the nail industry when it began making long-lasting, toxin-free polish. Eliminating toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP from its polishes, Zoya has quickly become one of the most popular 5-free nail polish brands out there. With new colors released each season, you’ll be sure to find the perfect shade for every occasion.

- See more at: http://www.zoya.com/

Scotch Naturals^®

Making the change to non-toxic nail polish is one you won’t regret. Scotch Naturals is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional polish. Their revolutionary water-based formula delivers long lasting, salon-quality results in a stunning array of sophisticated shades. Their polishes contain none of the chemicals found in typical nail polish. They are “3 Free” as well free of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, and heavy metals.

- See more at: http://www.scotchnaturals.com/

RGB Cosmetics^®

Aiming to bridge the gap between green beauty and luxury cosmetics within the nail space, RGB is a modern product line. Featured in national press, including Vogue, W Magazine, Allure, and The Today Show, RGB’s formula removes harmful carcinogens often found in nail color. The chip-resistant and high shine nail colors, contain no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor, making it a Five Free Formula. All RGB products are cruelty free, vegan, and made in the USA.

- See more at: http://www.rgbcosmetics.com/

LVX^®

LVX brings you luxury and fashion without compromise. They are dedicated to launching the hottest collections for each season by translating the top runway colors based on emerging trends in high fashion. Their long lasting, chip resistant and gel-like formula is free of the 5 toxic and harsh chemicals found in most common nail lacquer formulas. LVX products are formulated without the use of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene and Camphor. LVX nail lacquer is cruelty free. All products are produced in the U.S.A.

- See more at: https://www.shoplvx.com/

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We recommend stocking up on a few of your favorite colors from any of these brands, and taking it with you when you get mani/pedis to ensure that you are safe and your nails are healthy. Also, don't forget your UVA protective gloves, and sunscreen before gel manicures. Some nail salons have and offer gloves when you are there, however, they are usually not UVA/UVB tested. Make sure you get the right pair at www.sundriven.com and stay safe!

XOXO

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.latimes.com/fashion/alltherage/la-ar-gel-manicures-cancer-study-20140529-story.html
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/ask-well-is-nail-polish-harmful/?_r=0

I bet you've heard the phrase "just put on some lip gloss and get over it!" at least once in your lifetime. Well ladies, that might not be such a good idea anymore...at least not in the sun.

Lip gloss is definitely one of my personal favorite cosmetic products. I can't leave the house without it, and I need it to complete my look every time. The glossy finish brightens my face up, and makes my lips appear more plump and moisturized.

Although you might think that this post is about the ingredients in the actual lip gloss that could cause skin cancer, its not. The problem with lip gloss is the fact that the vast majority of them have no sun protection built into them. Some dermatologists also feel that the shiny nature of lip gloss attracts the rays of the sun, gathering them and focusing them onto the lips like a magnifying glass.

Look at it this way, dermatologists have stated that baby oil is not a good idea for bathing in the sun. This is because it contains no sun protection, and creates a glossy finish on the skin that concentrates the rays of the sun so that you’re much more likely to suffer from a burn. Lip gloss may present a similar problem.

Regardless, the lips are commonly missed when it comes to applying sun protection along with these other spots:

1. Scalp
2. Eyelids
3. Lips
4. Ears
5. Chest
6. Back of Neck
7. Back of Hands
8. Back of Legs
9. Tops of Feet

What most people don't realize is that these areas are also skin, and they need to be protected. But could you apply sunscreen to your lips? The answer is yes!

I personally would not enjoy getting sunscreen into my mouth, so I would recommend just applying a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 underneath lip gloss before leaving the house. Dermatologists also recommend wearing lipstick underneath your gloss, which serves as a sunblock.

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Here are some natural, SPF protected lip balms that I have discovered, and can't wait to try:

LIPLUX^®SPF30 Original Formula

• 70%+ Certified Organic
• Hypoallergenic
• UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection
• Vitamin and antioxidant enriched
• Water Resistant (80 minutes)
• No nano-sized particles

- See more at: http://www.coolasuncare.com/liplux/spf-30-lip-balm

Kiss My Face^®Sport Lip Balm SPF30

• Extra SPF 30 protection for active adults and children.
• Long lasting.
• Organic ingredients is preservative free and water resistant.
• With natural beeswax, coconut oil, vitamin E, shea butter and scented with lime and spearmint essential oils.

- See more at: http://www.kissmyface.com/natural-lip-care/item/101/Sport-Lip-Balm-Spf-30

Eco Lips^®SPF 30 Sport Lip Balm 

• SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection.
• A hint of vanilla is tucked into an all-day moisture treat for your lips. 
• Ingredients include Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Vitamin E, and Organic Calendula Extract.
• Gluten and cruelty free! 

- See more at: http://www.ecolips.com/store/products/8-eco-lips-spf-30-sport-lip-balm.aspx

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Comment if you use any of these products or are looking into purchasing, and let me know what you think of the post. Sending protected kisses!

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/susan-evans-md/can-lip-gloss-cause-skin-cancer
http://www.ebay.com/gds/10-Commonly-Missed-Places-to-Apply-Sunscreen-/10000000177404919/g.html