Tag Archives: sunscreen

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Skincare Tips, Travels

What 21st Century Makeup Contains

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Makeup containing Parabens
02
Sep

What 21st Century
Makeup contains

Following on from Ancient times,
the ingredients contained
in products are a different kind of toxic.

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In the last blog, I wanted to share a bit about the history of Santorini, Crete and the Minoan civilization, and shared the kinds of ingredients used by the Ancient Greek, Egyptians, Romans and Queen Elizabeth I.I must say that it seems QEI had the worst result in the end as she suffered the most from lead poisoning combined with pox and rotting teeth.There’s one way to encourage our kids to brush their teeth! Picking up where we left of:

From 1800-1900s, toxic lead and copper which was used for facial powder is replaced with Zinc Oxide. Another ingredient Ceruse, which also comes from white lead, was later declared poisonous.Health issues like muscle paralysis, facial tremors and death were thought to be caused by this. Queen Victoria regards make-up as ‘improper’ for everyone except for those in the theatre!

During the Edwardian times, the pressure for hostesses to appear youthful increases, resulting in a rise of cosmetic purchases.Beauty salons become secretly more popular, as many of the customers enter through back doors to hide the fact they need help to maintain their ‘youthful appearance’.Imagine that, hiding your appointments to the beauty parlour, so that others wouldn’t know you were getting help with your ageing skin!

In a previous Blog, I wrote about the horrible ingredients contained in a lot of modern-day products.You can click here to see the full details of that Blog: Pick Your Ingredients.

So let’s fast forward to what 21st Century makeup & skincare products contain.

• Detergents called P-phenylenediamine, 4-MMPD Sulphate, Diaminobenzene, Ammoniated Mercury and Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS/SLES) & Foaming agents should be avoided. Found in soaps, detergents, shampoos, mouthwash, hand cream, cleansers, hair dyes (Permanent & Semi Permanent) as well as toothpaste.The mucous membranes of the mouth is the main source of absorption, storing the detergents in the liver, heart, lungs and brain. The skin can become irritated, can cause hair loss, whilst prolonged exposure can cause skin damage.
• Solvents derived from Petroleum found in brake & hydraulic fluid like anti-freeze. Includes Propylene, Butylene & Glycol, Mineral oils & petrolatum. Used as a humectant, they penetrate the outer layers of the skin, leaving a film on the skin, trapping moisture, toxins & waste that would otherwise be eliminated through the skin.These ingredients are found in deodorant, shaving gel, conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste, baby wipes, lotions, cosmetics such as foundation creams, mascara, lipsticks & suntan lotion.These ingredients are odourless and colourless, are cheap and allow the ingredients to combine well.Side-effects include:
* Solvents can irritate the skin and may cause dermatitis & conjunctivitis. Ingestion may cause pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular haemolysis.
* respiratory & throat irritations, central nervous system depression, blood & kidney disorders.

• Bleaching Agents: Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid are whitening agents used to bleach the skin.
• Proyply-Alcohol is an antiseptic used in cosmetics, shampoos, shaving products, waterless hand cleansers, mouthwash (25-30%) and in the preparation of bottled water, carbonated drinks and decaffeinated coffee.In the mouthwash, it has been linked to mouth and throat cancers.
• Preservatives, Q15, Antiseptic, includes Parabens Includes Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl- ethyl-) Proyply-Alcohol. These have also been found in carbonated drinks. Parabens are added to stop microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the products.Many Skincare Products contain Parabens, those with citrus seed may have been sprayed with parabens.They can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed, they can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.It can cause allergic reactions on the skin, of which symptoms include itching, redness and pain.And it can affect hormones and have been found in Breast tumours.

• Body Acidity regulators like Ethanloamines used with preservatives like Diazolidinyl Urea. These are found in soaps, shampoos, bubble bath, lotions, cosmetics, laundry detergents.It can severely irritate body tissues, can cause dermatitis and may be corrosive to the eyes.It prevents bacterial growth, though it’s not effective against fungi.These are acidity regulators and used normally with other Ingredients like DEA Cocamide. Amines react with nitrosating agents to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.

• Nanoparticles: include titanium dioxide & zinc oxide for sunscreen products. They are ultra-fine particles which possess certain properties due to their tiny size.This allows them to accumulated in the body, possibly by topical use.May trigger potentially harmful chemical reactions.

• Chemical blocks: may be absorbed by the skin and work by absorbing the UV light.This causes a chemical reaction in the molecule of the block, which may release free radicals. The skin damage can cause photosensitivity and blockers known to do this include: octocrylene, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), benzophenone-3, (oxybenzone) and benzophenone-4 (sulisobenzone). If these penetrate the skin before it absorbs the UV photon, then these free radicals are released into the skin.It can increase the risk of cancer and contributes to skin ageing.

• Synthetics like fragrances & colours, Talc & Toluene. Phthalates listed as Perfumes / Fragrances preserves synthetic scents. These are often not listed on the ingredients but are contained in health & beauty products like Nail polish, lacquers and soft plastics such as pet and infant chew toys. Toluene acts as an endocrine disruptor, potential carcinogen, may cause birth defects.Whilst Talc Is chemically similar to Asbestos. It is found in many baby products, including feminine powders, condom lubricants and cosmetics.As a feminine powder or spray, it can cause ovarian cancer. There are Over 200 Synthetic Fragrances used in Cosmetics. The label only has to state ‘Fragrance’ so you have no way of knowing which of the 200 are in your product.The fragrance can mask the product going off, provide no benefits, so best avoided.Adversely affects male sperm, increases testosterone and oestrogen, has been found in Breast Cancer.

• Preservative: Parabens, Benzoyl Peroxide, many of which are toxic and come from questionable sources. to see what kind of other products are included.
• UV Filters and Sunscreen Agents: Refer to a previous blog about the shocking ingredients contained in sunscreens: The Shocking News About Sunscreens.Ingredients include Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Oxybenzone (a hormone), Benzophenone, which are UV Filters that are meant to block or absorb UVA rays.Titanium Dioxide helps block both UVA and UVB. This is enough to make you feel sick just reading to this point.

But wait, there are some fabulous ingredients derived from plants, herbs, and the ground which are amazing too!

Images: Edwardian Make-up in 1908; & Chemical Lab, Coloured Beads to represent unnatural ingredients, vs green beads for natural.

Always check that the source is plant-based.
• Essential Oils, including Lavender, Frankincense, Cypress, Sweet Orange, Myrrh, Rose, Palmarosa, Tea Tree, Sandalwood & Jasmine

• Butters like Cocoa & Shea Butter, with Vegetable Oils like Avocado, Jojoba, Castor & Wheatgerm Oils. These are known as Emollients which help calm, soothe and heal the skin.

* Castor Oil: is a thicker vegetable oil, which acts as a barrier, emollient and lubricant, found mainly in lipsticks and moisturisers.
* Jojoba Oil: is also very similar to skin pH and human sebum, being able to effectively penetrate the skin.It moisturises and naturally renews cells.
* Avocado Oil: is rich in vitamins, is a great skin conditioner, moisturiser and is absorbed easily by the skin.

• Soothing Agents: that help calm, soothe and heal the skin. These can include a variety of ingredients.
* Aloe Vera has the same pH as skin, is extremely protective and soothing as well as being a natural oxygenator, allowing oxygen to be drawn and held to the skin.It is also a natural astringent, and its best form is directly from the plant.
* Allantoin: also has soothing healing agents and calming properties.
* Camphor: alleviates itching, irritation, redness and acts as a cooling agent.
* Olive Oil: contains antioxidants called secoiridoids and these activate gene signatures that assist anti-aging and reduced cellular stress, as mentioned in the previous newsletter.

• Other Emollients, Emulsifiers & Surfactants: include:
* Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetearyl Alcohol these emollient or lubricants allow for the emulsifying process of mixing oil and water phases of skincare making, which are also known as a binding Agent.
* Isopropyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate form a film on the skin when applied, allowing for easily absorption.They are contained in pre-shaving, after-shaving, shampoos, bath oils, deodorants, antiperspirants, creams and lotions.
* Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: works as a barrier agent, lubricant and solvent found in foundations.
* Emulsifier & Surfactants include: Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Cocoate (surfactant), Glyceryl Stearate SE (pearlizing/opacifier), otherwise known as a binding Agent. These ingredients allow for the emulsifying process of mixing oil and water phases of skincare making, whilst the surfactant gives the foaming and cleansing aspect. Pearlizing allows products like shampoo to be a pearl type colour instead of transparent, whilst opacifiers are added to transparent cosmetics to make them more impervious to visible light.

• Waxes: sourced from a variety of natural sources, these act as a barrier agent or binder.These include:
* Beeswax: can be used to blend oil with water components, and is a great barrier to protect the skin, found in skincare and make-up.
* Candellila & Carnauba Wax: found in lipsticks, creams, deodorant sticks and hair removal products, and used as a binder as well as barrier agent.
* Kaolin Wax: is found in masks for oily / combination skin types, and is an oil absorbing powder that gives not only colour, but slip.

• Himalayan Salts, course sugar, Herbs, clay, mud, flowers, leaves, roots, nuts, seeds, beeswax, milk, honey, yoghurt & natural fats.

• Water: Found in many products as the basis of the formulations.It should be distilled, deionized or purified water.

• Vitamins: A (Retinol, or Retinyl Palmitate), C (Ascorbic Acid, an antioxidant and preservative), E (Tocopherol, an antioxidant which can prevent UV damage) & B (Pathenol, a humectant – is what helps retain moisture).

• Antioxidants: Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) and Resveratrol, which is found in seeds, stems and leaves of grape vines.This protective antibiotic is produced when the plant is under stress, whether caused by drought, ultraviolet irradiation, inflammation or fungal attack.Other antioxidants are Vitamin C and E.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids: citric, glycolic and lactic acid assist with exfoliating the layers of the skin, improving the texture and allowing the absorption of active ingredients, reducing wrinkles and restoring moisture.These are typically found in anti-aging skincare.

• Salicylic Acid: (beta hydroxy acid) helps reduce oiliness, acne and the appearance of fine lines, found in chemical peels.

• Glycerine: is also a humectant, which helps keep moisture and hydrate the skin, providing a barrier.

• Hyaluronic Acid: can hold water in the skin and is commonly used for deep hydration in anti-aging products.

• Lecithin: is a water attracting agent that allows for easy spreading, hydration and improves the texture of the skin.

• Silicones: Cyclomethicone & Dimethicone are molecules which gives the smooth texture, slip & glide factor to cosmetic products without blocking pores. These are adding widely in hair styling, skincare and make-up products.

• Lanolin Derivatives: from dewaxed lanolin is used in skin moisturisers, minimising the stickiness of creams and lotions.The Lanolin alcohol however, is used to thicken shampoos and bath gels, giving the cosmetic products a high gloss and creamy texture. Some are reacting to lanolin in products.

• Caffeine: believe it or not, alleviates puffiness under the eyes.

Images: Different Ingredients include Niaouli Plant, Flowers of Helichrysum italicum, otherwise known as Immortelle Essential Oil, Coloured Clays, Chamomile Flowers.

We have definitely come a long way from Ancient times, in both good and bad ways.Whilst the makeup cosmetics of the past included minerals and plants which enhanced their beauty but gave the impression of nobility, purity, wealth and stature, they were unknowingly poisoning themselves with items like lead. Despite the evolution of the ages from ancient times, we have been applying cosmetic products and treatments to maintain our youthful appearance.The difference is that today’s cosmetics contain far more harmful ingredients in their mass production, allowing products to be stored for years, to be kept in direct sunlight in the shop-front windows and have a uniform consistency when applied to the skin. These toxins are absorbed by our cells and distributed throughout our body causing more harm which is extremely scary.

Cosmetics is a multi-billion-dollar industry that appeals to creating an illusion of perfection, of being better than what we already are, of changing what we don’t like about ourselves, covering it up or using applications to enhance our overall look.Then we add modern technology and social media which helps to constantly push us to manipulate our real image.Whether it’s through photo-shop, airbrushing, beauty apps, image enhancers or other gadgets, some of us are using these to create or enhance our moods, change our colour, improve our shape and size to perfect this unrealistic image that we want the others to see, hiding what’s real and true.

But everyone is doing it, from movie stars, singers and influencers, those that are revealing too much, wearing heaps of make-up and portraying this almost exaggerated vision of what they regard as ‘beautiful’.Will we ever are comfortable enough in our own skin to embrace our beauty from within? Will we constantly make changes to improve or finding alternative solutions instead. How do we encourage each other, especially our youth to ‘Love Their Own Skin?

What I love is helping you find your inner beauty & confidence with simple self-love which starts by taking care of yourself first. Whether it’s watching what & how much you eat, what you’re applying to your skin, being aware of the ingredients contained in the products that you’re using, and making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey with yourself, loving who you are and Being Your Own Kind of Beautiful

Products Hamock Episkopi Heraklion

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

    • What 21st Century makeup contains
    • Have you tried the Essentially Lili range, and if so, what’s your favourite products?
    • Feel free to comment and share your personal stories below.

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management. I’m a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Shou ldyou need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.  We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili x

Check out the Gallery of Pictures – Ingredients contained in 21st Century Essentially LIli Magic Bundle of products, Essential Oils, Lavender batches from Ticino, and Cool Eyes.

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Skincare Tips

The Shocking news about sunscreens

Posted on by Lili Giglia
SunProtection
05
Jul

The shocking news
about Sunscreens

Where well-known Brands
contain ingredients that can
cause more harm than good whilst
attempting to ‘protect’ your family’s skin.

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The shocking news about known brand sunscreens, the ingredients which can bring more harm than good whilst ‘protecting’ your skin. And this is what makes buying sunscreen can be so hard to buy. What do you look for when choosing sun protection for you and your family? Do you go for what’s familiar, a popular brand, something you heard or recommended? It can be so difficult, almost as bad as asking your kids to choose only one type of sweet in the candy store!! There are so many colourful options, funky names, and functionality which makes selecting even harder than choosing based on the SP Factor.

I recently posted a pic of my Sun Kissed Balm which was originally made for a fair-skinned friend of mine who was bothered by the sunspots discolouration that appeared on her face after holidaying in Spain. Apparently, she hadn’t applied sunblock or sunscreen to her face causing different tones to appear which didn’t make her happy.

Of course, when I take on the challenge to make a new product, I do my research about what I’m trying to achieve. For me, choosing the ingredients based on their benefits and the overall outcome is most important before I create the small sample batch. It’s necessary to note that some ingredients are best used at night time only, as they can make your skin super-sensitive when exposed to the sun,

In the last blog I wrote Getting Ready for Summer I explained how it’s not only wise but crucial to ensure your skin is protected before going outside and being subjected to the sun’s UV Rays. When growing up in Australia, the advertising campaigns were all about that gorgeous golden tan which made one appear healthy.This was before we knew better about the sun’s harmful rays, the Ozone layer and skin cancer. Today, the children in Aussie schools are not allowed to enter the playground unless they’re wearing a hat and sunscreen.It’s where the slogan ‘Slip Slop and Slap’ came from – Slip on a T-Shirt, Slop on some sunscreen and Slap on a hat.

Sometimes we forget to apply, can’t be bothered, or just don’t put enough sunscreen to protect ourselves. The risks of the skin burning and developing other complicated issues increase for those with lighter tones or less melanin. Despite my being of Sicilian background with an olive complexion, my normally non-tanned skin becomes extremely golden brown with blonde, whilst our kids, with their Italian and North Indian blend, obtain a rich gorgeous colour in the summertime. (If only I scored the tall genes as they did from their dad!) Irrespective of our natural genetic skin tone, we still apply sun protection before heading out to prevent burning, damaging or accelerating the aging of our skin.

Moderate doses of naturally sourced Vitamin D from the sunshine are beneficial for our overall health. Standing under sunlight for 5 to 30 minutes at least twice a week should be sufficient to naturally get what’s needed. And only 10 minutes of sunshine will help your body produce approximately 10,000 units of natural Vitamin D.

The other option is to eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D. The benefits of Vitamin D include boosting your brain’s health, keeping your bones strong, improving the function of your immune system, and assisting with managing weight. Foods that are rich in Vitamin D include:
• From Fish: Cod Liver Oil, Wild Salmon, Tuna Fish, Sardines and Mackerel;
• Fortified Cereal and Milk;
• Mushrooms;
• Eggs;
• For the brave, Beef Liver and Caviar.
• Note: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to other serious conditions, like depression, heart disease, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and autoimmune concerns.

We need to make sure we’re not over-exposing ourselves to the sun and therefore preventing ourselves from burning red raw like a lobster. This can increase our risks of skin cancer (Melanoma) , which can happen to anyone.It’s necessary to be aware of what’s happening to your skin, preventing sun damage and excessive burning. Did you know that some of the ingredients contained in sunscreens can actually encourage skin cancer?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s recent 2019 Sunscreen report showed that almost 2 out of 3 sunscreens bought in the USA contained worrying ingredients that are easily absorbed by the body. Within a day or so of using these particular sunscreens, high levels of the chemicals contained can be traced in the bloodstream. Approximately half of the sunscreens sold in the USA not only contain these harmful ingredients, but don’t work at all, or fail to provide protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. This same 50 % of sunscreens sold in the USA with insufficient UVA ray protection would NOT be allowed in Europe. This means that 3 times more UVA rays are being transferred through the skin in comparison to the brands that are available in Europe.

Why does this matter? The damage your skin endures with UVA rays is invisible whilst aging and suppressing the immune system. Over-exposure increases the risk of developing various forms of melanoma and carcinoma (which is a malignant tumor or cancer which begins in the lining of the internal organs or skin tissue.) Despite our skin protection, these SP Factor products are still allowing us to be exposed to large amounts of UVA.

Choosing a ‘perfect sunscreen’ will be extremely difficult as many contain harmful ingredients, nanoparticles which can pass through the blood but also damage life in the waters (lakes/sea). Usually, a product like soap is washed off soon after its application, but sunscreen is absorbed and reapplied throughout the day, remaining on the skin for a long time. Some US brands have ingredients like Oxybenzone which is known as an endocrine disruptor and acts like an Oestrogen in the body. This has been linked to conditions like endometriosis in women or abnormal sperm functionality in men . This same ingredient can affect coral reefs, in which the Hawaiian state took the opportunity to ban oxybenzone in sunscreens to protect their sea-life. Others like Retinyl palmitate, a type of Vitamin A can not only affect the skin but could lead to skin cancers.

The last 12 years have seen an increase in mineral sunscreens that according to the EWG are rated safer and block UVA rays better than those sunscreens with chemicals. Therefore, choosing safer sunscreens together with prevention, covering yourself with a hat and T-Shirt, and enjoying the shade are also methods to prevent being over-exposed to the sun.

In summary, some of the crazy sunscreen ingredient risks are:
•They are loaded with Hormones like Oxybenzone;
• They can cause allergic reactions
• Vitamin A which should be avoided includes Retinol or Retinyl Palmitate/Acetate/Linoleate as these can affect our hair’s growth, the liver, cause our nails to become brittle, osteoporosis or hip fractures for older adults;
• The higher the SP Factor doesn’t necessarily mean there’s more protection from being burnt by UV rays;
• The Sprays can be inhaled, or areas missed when trying to cover the skin.

To read more, please check out the link to the EWG Org Sunscreens 2019 Comprehensive list here.

Images include Best Sunscreens of 2019 & Most Toxic Sunscreens to Avoid.

Best Sunscrens List
Most Toxic Sunscreens Jul19 v2

Should your skin develop any kinds of sun spots that are aggressive in their appearance, get them checked out by a Doctor as soon as possible. Whilst prevention is best, early detection and medical attention can speed up the healing and recovery process. Please don’t ever just look at holistic alternatives but rather seek professional expert advice first.

Remember to also stay hydrated, switch your outing experience around by moving to the shade for cooling off. This will give your whole being a break from too much sunshine and heat.

In the evenings, take care of your skin afterwards too, a gentle scrub to remove the traces of sunscreen and rehydrating with moisturising product.  We have a few products to help hydrate your skin – Geranium Hands & Body, Jazz Body Butter and Mint Body Butter.  Check the ingredients to find the one best suited for you and your family.

Note that a lot of known body wash brands also contain harmful ingredients which are readily absorbed by the skin and transported into the bloodstream.

If your skin has developed sunspots, or changes in the tone, check out the Sun Kissed Balm . This product was made to help re-balance the discoloured tone of the skin which had been altered from being in the sun. It’s best used at night time as Bergamot Essential Oil can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun, if used during the day.

Having gone through the list of good vs bad sunscreens, I was happy to see the All Good sunblock for the face was included. The other is Goddess Garden sunscreen which was delivered today.

Should you wish to get some Sunblock or Sunscreen, I have 2 of each brand new and spare.  Just message me and I can help create a special order for you. It will include a portion of the delivery cost to save you money ordering yourself.

Images: Sunscreens we’re using, Hands & Body Products, Sun Kissed Balm, Nourishing Face Balm, Lavender Spike.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Have you read the EWG Report about their shocking findings?
  • Did you ditch your previous brands and replace with a new one on the list? 
  • Have you dealt with sunspots and discolouration, and if so, what did you do to treat them?
  • Would you be interested in trying Sunscreen made by Essentially Lili?
  • Feel free to comment and share your personal stories below.
  • For the Latest list of Sunscreens from EWG: 2020 Best Sunscreens list

About Lili & Essentially Lili

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management. I’m a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine. I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Shou ldyou need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.  We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili x

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Skincare Tips

Summer Time & Sun Protection

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Summer Time - Sun Protection
16
Aug

Summer Time &
Sun Protection

Get your fill of Vitamin D,
rest & recharge your energy levels!

QR BLOGOCT17

We all love the summertime – well most of us do!It gives us a chance to chill, relax, spend time with our family and friends, and change our daily scenery.

Holiday destinations whether near or far can assist us in feeling revitalized. I particularly love seeing where my friends go to for their vacations as it gives me something to add to my bucket list of places to see.

During the change of weather, some of my customers write to me to ask about what sunscreen products to use and whether or not I make any. For strict legislative reasons, I don’t make certain products to sell, one of which includes sunscreen.
Though over the years, I found it difficult to find sunscreen products that wouldn’t irritate my super sensitive skin.

Australia is famous for being a ‘Slip Slop Slap’ culture when it comes to the outdoors – Slip on the T-shirt, Slop on the sunscreen and Slap on a hat. Even Aussie kids at school cannot go outside in the playgrounds without wearing a hat to protect themselves from the sunshine.

During our jet-skiing days with my siblings in Melbourne, Australia, we spent most of our days and weekends out in the sunshine having a blast.  Besides needing to keep hydrated drinking plenty of water, we had to protect our skin at the beaches and lakes for long periods of time. We wore our wetsuits & our caps but sunscreen had to be applied and reapplied especially after hours of being in the water & the sun.

One time I tried using the Cricketer’s famous ‘White Zinc’ on my face across the nose and cheeks.
‘Oh-My-God’ what a disaster trying to get off my face!

I had to cleanse and scrape at the end of the day and it still wouldn’t come off. The frustration of looking like a tomato face from both the sunshine AND the remains of White Zinc was so Urgh! Then there’s using Sun Creams which I found so rich on my skin, that they clogged my pores and caused me to break out with acne spots.

One day I tried something else.  The discovery of Sunblock in the form of a stick was the best thing ever for someone like me. Of course, once I started using this, I stocked up big time and always carried it with me. What I found with Sunblock is that I could reapply it when needed, carry it in my bag all the time, and not worry about clogging my skin.

For those that tend to break out in acne during the summer, Sunblock is definitely a protection treatment for your skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and protected without overfilling your reserves with excess ingredients.

The other annoyance of the summertime are bugs, insects & mozzies which like to feast on our yummy sweet skin. And if you’re sweet like my family, then the mozzies will be hiding and biting whilst we sleep. For this, I made an All Natural Mozz-Off which contains ingredients like Lemon Lime, Eucalyptus Essential Oils that are great for our skin but not what bugs and mozzies like to smell. It was especially requested for a Customer’s gorgeous wedding which was held in a garden and the ‘Mosquitos were NOT invited’.Now I carry a small bottle of the concoction in my bag and apply on the skin to avoid being bothered by bugs!!

As the Sun draws the moisture from our skin, we need to stay protected and hydrated throughout the day. Preferably using sunscreen, sunblock for our faces, shade, a decent hat and drinking plenty of water.
This means that our after-sun care becomes just as important as protecting our skin during the day.

Start by making sure you cleanse your skin with a gentle product that replenishes and restores, rather than draw out more natural oils from within. Remember water and natural oils that are stored in our skin have been slowly evaporating from our skin whilst being outside in the heat. Our Cypress Cleansing Balm is made with Beeswax, Butters and Essential Oils.It makes your skin feel like it’s been re-boosted from within as the ingredients replenish your natural reserves.The gentle removal process allows for exfoliation of the skin even though the reserves have been filled up again. I just love this concept of treating without damaging your delicate skin.

For kids, I made the skin boosting Natural Baby Moisturising Oil which allows their skin to be rehydrated from face to feet. The ingredients chosen are soft and delicate for youngsters up to 10+ years of age and includes Cocoa Butter, Calendula, Apricot Kernel together with Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oils. I love using this on my kids as it protects & replenishes their skin, especially after spending hours basking in the sun like lizards!

For Adults that suffer from prickly heat or fungal infections, I have other products that help calm and restore the skin.
Depending on where the condition is, Nourishing Face Balm or Renew Balm works a treat assisting with the heat rash and fungal infections, amongst other conditions like Eczema.

For those that have been ‘kissed by the sun’, there’s Sun Kissed Balm which helps with re-balancing this discolouration of the skin. (Though it does not remove freckles!)  One of the key ingredients in this range is the Kukui Nut Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic, Vitamins C, D and E to act as a natural preservative. The discontinued Sun Kissed Serum contains both Tamanu and Kukui Nut Oils for double the benefits.

For the body, we have 2 products that just melt with your body’s temperature when on the skin. The Mint Body Butter is what my husband describes as ‘Aero Bar’ for his body and always asks me to make bucket loads for him .
Unfortunately this is not suitable for ‘Expecting & Nursing Mums’ so for you, we have Geranium Hands & Body Butter. Both are applied the same way and benefit the skin without needing to apply very much!

In the previous blogs, Favourite Vegetable Oils , I shared about a whole lot of oils that I like to use. Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus) absorbs very quickly into the skin and leaves little residue.It has highly concentrated levels of Vitamins A, B, D, and E, together with insulin, lecithin, and minerals. Whilst great for the skin, it has added UV Protection qualities in addition to the unsaturated essential fatty acids contained.

When I write a blend recipe to make for my customers, I always try to pick ingredients with the best benefits to help speed up the recovery, rejuvenation, repairing and replenishing process.When the products work a treat for you, please share with others so that they too can benefit as you have! I love hearing these stories as it makes me love doing this even more.

Gallery: Mozz-Off, Sun Kissed Range, Beach Summer Fun, Mosquitos Not Invited, Summer Sunblocks.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

Have you had problems with your sunscreen or are you one of the ‘lucky’ ones that can use anything?
What is your favourite product for protecting your skin?

Should you wish to contact us for more information about our All-Natural Products, please send me an email info@essentiallylili.com

You can read more About Lili here, see the range of Products on offer at Shop Categories or refer to our Blog Library for more topics covered. Kind Regards Lili @ Essentially Lili