“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
- Benjamin Franklin (1735)
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are often used to manufacture fragrances, cosmetics, lotions and nail polish. These substances mimic human hormones and are linked to breast cancer, metabolic disorders, fertility issues, developmental disorders, obesity and asthma. They can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Common endocrine disruptors in skincare/cosmetics include:
Phthalates - softening agents
Parabens - preserving agents
Triclosan - antibacterial agent
Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate - foaming agents
Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, PABA - chemical sunscreens
Artificial fragrances - often comprised of many harmful chemicals including endocrine disruptors
Chemicals linked to cancer in skincare/cosmetics include:
Formaldehyde - preserving agent, neurotoxin
DEA/TEA (di/tri-ethanolamine)- foaming/ph balancing agents
PEG (polyethylene glycol) - thickening agent
Talc - moisture drying agent
Other potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in skincare/cosmetics:
Silicone/Dimethicone - produces a silky texture to allow products to glide easily over the skin. Silicone creates a barrier on the skin surface and may clog pores for those with acne-prone skin.
Toluene/benzene - solvent found in nail polish and hair dye, irritant made from coal tar/petroleum, linked to birth defects, cancer plus damage to immune and nervous system.
Artificial colors - irritants made from coal tar/petroleum that can increase sun damage, often listed as "FD&C"
♥ Seek out natural skin care and natural cosmetic products. Avoid products containing synthetic ingredients, especially the harmful toxins above.
♥ Choose fragrance-free or natural fragrance products whenever possible. Artificial fragrances often include the toxic substances listed above even though they are not specified on the label. When "fragrance" is listed as an ingredient without defining its composition, assume it is not natural.
Search the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep cosmetics database, to discover toxic chemicals hidden in your skincare/cosmetic products. Some, but not all products, will be found in the database.
The ♥ Clearya free mobile app or browser extension (for Chrome or Edge) identifies harmful ingredients in skincare, cosmetic and cleaning products and suggests better alternatives. The browser extension works automatically on Amazon, Sephora, Target, Walmart and iHerb. Additionally, the mobile app can analyze any skincare/cosmetic/cleaning product anywhere by taking a photo of the ingredient list.
Think Dirty is a similar app that identifies harmful ingredients and suggests better alternatives, in this case, using the bar code. It is free to download the app but some of the features require a subscription.
One great alternative for high-quality, natural, effective and affordable skincare is ♥ Eight Saints. This US company focuses on organic, non-toxic, plant-based formulas, centered around clinically proven ingredients. Their products are free from synthetics including the long list of harmful chemicals discussed in this article. By clicking on the link above, you can get a $20 discount on a full-sized item or a $free "Skincare Discovery Kit" containing 8 of their best-selling products (photo to the right) which ships free and arrives with another $20 off coupon and free product offer. #sponsored
Free radicals are unstable molecules containing oxygen that have one or more sets of unpaired electrons in their outer orbit. Their existence is fleeting as the missing electron is quickly resolved by donating or stealing an electron from another molecule, causing damage to that molecule in a process known as "oxidation" and often causing inflammation. This results in a new radical and further cascading damage, often to our DNA, cell membranes, lipids or proteins.
Antioxidants, on the other hand, are electron donors that can neutralize and stabilize free radicals by providing the missing electron. This is accomplished without creating a new radical, avoiding cascading damage.
Free radicals are created within the body during normal human processes like breathing, food metabolism, endurance exercise, immune responses and cell division. While damaging, they are also beneficial. For example, they are used by the liver for detoxification and by the immune system to destroy bacteria, viruses and unhealthy cells. Free radicals are also created due to external factors like cigarette smoke, pollution, radiation, X-rays, ozone, UV light, alcohol, certain pharmaceutical drugs and industrial chemicals.
Meanwhile, our bodies create antioxidant defenses to neutralize free radicals. However, as we get older, the free radicals increase while our defensive neutralizing agents decrease. This imbalance leads to "oxidative stress" which we observe over time as accelerated aging. In addition, excessive exposure to external factors like cigarette smoking, alcohol, UV light, etc increases the imbalance and accelerates aging.
Topical antioxidants help prevent future lines, wrinkles and sun damage. They are anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. However, only those that also increase collagen production are effective in reversing skin damage. (There are a lot of skincare products on the market that contain collagen. Unfortunately, they are ineffective because collagen is too large of a molecule to properly penetrate the skin.)
To slow down the aging process, apply serums or creams, to both face and neck, containing these topical antioxidants that also increase collagen:
Vitamin C - firms, heals, hydrates and evens out skin tone while reducing redness, inflammation, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles
♥ Eight Saints has a potent vitamin C serum, called "Seeking C", which also contains vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, MSM and has a wonderful all-natural lemon scent. Through the link above, you can get a $20 discount towards a full-sized product. #sponsored
♥ Glow Recipe has a vitamin C treatment, called "Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum", that helps even out skin tone. It also contains vitamin E and the antioxidant ferulic acid which increases the effectiveness of vitamin C.
Vitamin E - heals, improves skin barrier, protects against sun damage, improves blood flow to the skin
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - hydrates, shrinks pores, evens skin tone and strengthens the skin barrier while reducing excess oil production, inflammation, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles
♥ Eight Saints has a potent 10% Niacinamide serum, called "Original Cin", which also contains hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera and is great for oily or acne-prone skin. Through the link above, you can get a $20 discount towards a full-sized product. #sponsored
CoQ10/Ubiquinone - also increases elastin and suppresses collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen after UV exposure
♥ Glow Recipe has a potent alcohol-free toner, called "Cloudberry Bright", which combines Vitamin C and CoQ10. Apply this lightweight toner after washing and drying your skin, before applying serums.
Hyaluronic Acid - hydrates, plumps, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - also increases glutathione, hydrates and firms while reducing inflammation, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles
♥ Polyphenols - firms, improves elasticity, reduces inflammation and sun damage, includes Green Tea, Grape seed, Resveratrol and Milk Thistle/Silymarin
As our skin ages, the cell turnover and renewal rate slows, leaving dead skin cells on the surface which can clog pores and give your skin a dull appearance.
Before applying an antioxidant serum to your skin, it can be very beneficial to use a physical or chemical exfoliant. Clearing dead skin cells helps unclog and minimize pores, increases skin radiance, fades sun spots and improves penetration of serums and moisturizers.
Physical exfoliants are gels or lotions that contain fine grains and are rubbed on the skin's surface to loosen dead skin cells.
♥ Eight Saints has a gentle but effective bamboo-based detox scrub, called "Zen out of Ten", which also contains vitamin E, aloe vera and antioxidants. Through the link above, you can get a $20 discount towards a full-sized product. #sponsored
Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, contain acids that dissolve dead skin cells:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) - water-soluble exfoliants like Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid and Mandelic Acid which act immediately on the skin surface. AHAs are best for anti-aging. Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) is the newest form of AHA which is gentler on sensitive skin.
♥ Eight Saints has a skin cream that exfoliates and moisturizes, all in one, called "Soulmate Brightening Treatment". It combines exfoliating AHA glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid, moisturizing shea butter and antioxidants. Through the link above, you can get a $20 discount towards a full-sized product. #sponsored
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) - oil soluble exfoliants like Salicylic Acid which act more slowly on the skin surface as well as in the pores. BHAs are best for combating inflammation and acne.
♥ Glow Recipe has an alcohol-free toner, called "Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Toner" which gently exfoliates and unclogs pores. It also contains hyaluronic acid plus watermelon, hibiscus, licorice and tea tree extracts.
In addition to antioxidants and exfoliants, several other skincare ingredients are beneficial for skin renewal and hydration. These ingredients are often added to moisturizers or night treatments.
Peptides - short-chain amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins including collagen, elastin and keratin. They increase collagen, hydrate, firm, plump and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol - increases collagen and skin cell production which unclogs pores, exfoliates, and evens out skin tone while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Can be irritating on sensitive skin.
Azelaic Acid - a naturally occurring substance derived from wheat with antibacterial properties, reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Often used to treat acne.
Ceramides - fatty acids that soothe and strengthen the skin barrier
Aloe Vera - a succulent plant containing antioxidants, soothes, hydrates, heals
Squalane - an oil derived from wheat germ and olives and present in human skin, contains antioxidants, hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier
Jojoba/Marula Oils - similar oils that are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, are non-pore clogging, antimicrobial, hydrate, heal and increase collagen production while reducing inflammation. (Coconut Oil is more pore-clogging so jojoba and marula oils are better for acne-prone skin.)
Shea Butter - solid but melts on contact with skin, contains antioxidants, non-pore clogging, antimicrobial, hydrates, soothes, heals and increases collagen production while reducing inflammation. (Cocoa butter is more pore-clogging so shea butter is better for acne-prone skin.)
♥ Eight Saints has a wonderfully light-weight moisturizing cream, called "Cloud Whip". It is ultra-hydrating and provides all-day vitamin C, antioxidant protection. It also contains aloe vera, MSM, jojoba, calendula, chamomile and lavender.
♥ Eight Saints also has a gentle, hydrating eye cream, called "All in Eye Cream" which treats wrinkles and brightens dark circles. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, r-lipoic acid, hyaluronic acid, coQ10, MSM, peptides, aloe vera, squalane, jojoba, cocoa butter, coconut oil and other antioxidants like green tea.
♥ Eight Saints also has an anti-aging, moisturizing night treatment called "Night Shift Hydration Gel" which contains peptides to stimulate collagen production. It also includes vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, MSM, aloe vera, licorice and jojoba.
Through the links above, you can get a $20 discount towards a full-sized product on Eight Saints. #sponsored
To slow aging, it is critical to use sun protection to prevent cumulative damage from harmful ultraviolet rays (UVA/UVB) that result in lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. UV radiation from sunlight is 95% UVA and 5% UVB. UV radiation damages our skin in multiple ways:
UVA radiation penetrates deep into the layers of the skin causing lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and other signs of aging.
UVB radiation damages the outer layers of our skin resulting in inflammation and sunburn. It also directly damages DNA in our skin causing mutations that can lead to skin cancer.
UV radiation inhibits our antioxidant defenses and generates free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cell membranes, DNA, proteins and lipids. It also suppresses the immune response which allows cancer to grow.
UV exposure increases an enzyme called collagenase that breaks down the peptide bonds that form collagen which leads to lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity.
Tips to avoid UV damage:
Seek shade and avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10am and 6pm, even on cloudy days. (Clouds block only 20% of UV rays.)
Don't use tanning beds. They emit UV radiation which can cause damage similar to the sun.
Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses that block 100% of UVA/UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen, at least SPF 30 or higher, with broad spectrum coverage (meaning UVA and UVB) and reapply often, according to the directions. The SPF rating on sunscreen only refers to UVB. A sunscreen with an SPF 15 rating blocks 93% of UVB radiation, SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%. There are two main types of sunscreen:
Mineral sunscreen physically blocks/reflects UV radiation and is effective immediately after application. Popular minerals used in sunscreen include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. ConsumerLab.com reports that zinc oxide is effective against UVA and UVB. However, titanium dioxide is primarily effective against UVB and less effective for UVA. That means both will be highly effective at preventing sunburn at the skin surface but only ♥ zinc oxide will be highly effective against the deep damage that causes signs of aging.
Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays into the skin and releases them as heat and can take 15-30 minutes after application to become effective. Often contains avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate or PABA which are endocrine disruptors. PABA is banned in the EU and Canada whereas the US limits its use to 15%. While it is desirable to reach for the highest level of SPF protection, higher SPF also exposes you to higher levels of chemicals too.
Throw out sunscreen that is beyond its expiration date or exposed to extreme temperatures (sitting too long in a hot or freezing car). Chemicals in expired sunscreens can break down and lose effectiveness or cause skin irritation.
While it is convenient to use sunscreen sprays there are some concerns with these products:
Inhalation of sunscreen aerosols can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.
Spray-on products increase the level of chemical sunscreen exposure since these harmful chemicals can enter the body through both the skin and the lungs.
Titanium dioxide is considered safe for topical use, however, it is banned in the EU as a carcinogen in foods and products that can be inhaled.
While zinc oxide is safe for topical use and as a food additive and vitamin supplement, it can be an irritant if inhaled.
There have been product recalls due to cancer-causing chemicals, like benzene, associated with some aerosol propellants. For example, the Legal Examiner reported on recalls from major brands like Coppertone, Aveeno and Neutrogena.
♥ For all these reasons, sunscreen lotions or creams are preferred over sprays.
Antioxidants help protect cells from free radical oxidative damage when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Since antioxidants work in different ways, incorporating a variety of them into your diet can provide a broad spectrum of protection.
Foods high in antioxidants include:
Vitamins, Minerals & Carotenoids
Vitamin C - guava, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberry, citrus fruits
Vitamin E - trout, shrimp, spinach, avocado, red pepper, kiwi, nuts
Vitamin A - beef liver, eel, tuna, mackerel, oysters, clams, eggs, dairy
Zinc - oysters, beef, lamb, crab, pork, nuts
Copper - beef liver, oysters, shiitake mushrooms, dark chocolate
Manganese - mussels, oats, brown rice, chickpeas, lentils, spinach
Selenium - tuna, halibut, sardines, ham, shrimp, chicken, eggs
Beta-Carotene - sweet potato, carrots, spinach, squash, romaine
Lycopene - guava, watermelon, tomatoes, papaya, pink grapefruit
Lutein/Zeaxanthin - kale, spinach, peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts
Astaxanthin - wild salmon, red trout, shrimp, lobster, crab, red algae
Other Antioxidants:
Polyphenols - Powerful antioxidants that lower blood pressure, protect against neurodegenerative disease, act as a pre-biotic to improve gut microbiome.
Foods high in polyphenols include: star anise, dark chocolate, elderberry, acai, goji, cranberry, blueberry, plums, macadamia nuts, blackberry, apricots, cherry, olives, strawberry, coffee, raspberry, onion, spinach, kale, broccoli, red grapes, red wine, tea, citrus fruits, peppers, guava, olive oil, kiwi, brussel sprouts, pomegranate, tomato, peas, chickpeas, papaya, potato, sweet potato, yams.
CoQ10 - chicken liver, beef liver, sardines, salmon, mackerel
Lipoic Acid - red meat, spinach, broccoli, tomato, peas, potatoes
Glutathione - asparagus, avocado, veal, pork, ham, beef
Cysteine - pork, beef, chicken, salmon, lentils, oatmeal, eggs, cheese
Superoxide dismutase - cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, melon
Melatonin - goji berry, eggs, fish, milk, cherries, mushrooms, bananas
Antioxidants also help prevent oxidative damage when taken as dietary supplements. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before starting any new dietary supplement. High doses, well over the recommended daily allowance (RDA), may be toxic or damaging to the liver.
Common dietary antioxidant supplements include:
♥ Vitamin C - essential for collagen production, boosts the immune system by increasing white blood cells
Vitamin E - helps protect the eyes from macular degeneration, reduces inflammation
Vitamin A - essential for healthy skin and eyes, regulates the immune system to help fight infections. Toxic to the liver in high doses so safer to supplement with a precursor, beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A only as needed.
Beta-Carotene - red/orange carotenoid, precursor to vitamin A
Lycopene - red carotenoid, essential for bone health, cancer preventative
Astaxanthin - red carotenoid, increases skin elasticity, protects the eyes from macular degeneration, reduces muscle damage after exercise
CoQ10 - involved in cellular energy production, brain cognition
♥ R-Lipoic Acid - involved in cellular energy production and detoxification of heavy metals, nerve protective and improves insulin sensitivity. It is also involved in the regeneration of other antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10 and glutathione.
♥ Pterostilbene/Resveratrol - similar polyphenol compounds found in red wine, and blueberries, nerve protective, lowers blood pressure, anti-inflammatory. Pterostilbene has much higher bioavailability than Resveratrol. Other potent polyphenol antioxidants include ♥ Grape Seed which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and Milk Thistle which is liver and nerve-protective and improves insulin sensitivity.
Zinc - essential for cell division, increases production of immune cells, aids in skin repair and wound healing
Copper - essential for the formation of collagen and hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of blood
Manganese - is required for the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of the major antioxidant enzymes produced by the body. SOD can neutralize superoxide (O2) free radicals.
Selenium - involved in metabolism, thyroid function, immune function and DNA repair. Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase, one of the major antioxidant enzymes produced by the body.
♥ N-acetylcysteine - a precursor to glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant produced by the body
♥ Superoxide dismutase SOD - neutralizes the superoxide free radical
Melatonin - a hormone involved in regulating the sleep cycle, produced in the brain in response to darkness. Melatonin is popular as a short-term sleep aid in ultra-low doses and it is a powerful antioxidant. However, daily use and/or higher dosages are not recommended because it has hormonal impacts throughout the body, may interfere with certain medications and may reduce your natural melatonin production.
♥ ConsumerLab is a great online resource for information about dietary supplements. Consumer Lab conducts independent testing and reviews of nutrition products to identify the highest quality products for its members. The yearly membership is relatively inexpensive but, even without a membership, there is still useful information available to non-members.
In an effort to improve their appearance and remain youthful, Americans spend over 10 Billion per year on cosmetic procedures, often with disappointing results. These procedures raise numerous concerns:
Like all surgeries, cosmetic procedures come with the risk of infection, abscesses, scarring, nerve damage and other complications that can sometimes be life-threatening. Excessive swelling, bruising and bleeding can cause long and uncomfortable recovery times.
There is also a significant risk from anesthesia. Cosmetic Surgery is so common today, that this risk is often minimized. The Epoch Times has a very informative article about the overlooked risks of anesthesia. They report, "Surgery is linked to cognitive decline and changes in personality and behavior among a significant number of older Americans."
Cosmetic procedure results often fail to meet expectations, either due to unrealistic expectations, complications or poor outcomes that leave the patient with an asymmetrical or worse appearance. According to a study by the Medical Accident Group, 65% of cosmetic surgery patients regret their decision.
Aging and gravity cause the skin on the face to sag vertically over time. When performing a Face Lift, a surgeon typically makes incisions near the ears to remove excess skin. This procedure can sometimes produce an unnatural, stretched, "wind-blown" look because the vertical sagging is being corrected by pulling the skin horizontally towards the ears. Skilled surgeons must work to vertically lift the skin and tighten the underlying muscles to avoid this.
The use of Injectable Fillers to eliminate wrinkles adds volume but doesn't fix sagging skin which eventually leads to an odd appearance. Fillers can sometimes leave bumps under the skin or migrate to other parts of the face. Natural fillers, like hyaluronic acid, are absorbed and need to be reapplied periodically. More permanent synthetic fillers last longer but increase the risk of complications.
Botox Injections contain botulinum toxin, the same bacterial toxin that causes botulism in high doses. Injected in small doses, it is considered relatively safe by the industry but not without complications. For example, when injected into the forehead, it can cause droopy eyelids, watery eyes or asymmetrical eyebrows. It must be reapplied periodically and often requires higher doses over time to achieve the same results.
Chemical Peels remove the outer layers of skin which typically results in redness, swelling and peeling that last from days to weeks. Depending on the depth of the peel, local or general anesthetic may be required. Sometimes chemical peels result in darkening or lightening of the skin which may be uneven. Further, the Mayo Clinic reports, "A deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid (phenol), which can damage heart muscle and cause the heart to beat irregularly. Phenol can also harm the kidneys and liver."
Laser Skin Resurfacing is similar to a Chemical Peel but it is more effective on deeper wrinkles. It uses a heated laser instead of chemicals to remove the skin layers. The procedure is more expensive than a Chemical Peel with a longer recovery time and more risk of side effects like burns, scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Poor results often lead to additional surgeries to correct the outcome which adds further risk and unplanned expenses. Patients with psychological issues, like Body Dysmorphic Disorder, will have difficulty finding satisfaction and may become addicted to cosmetic surgeries.
Here are some better alternatives to the invasive cosmetic procedures above:
Microdermabrasion can improve skin texture and fine lines by increasing collagen production and cell turnover. It uses a diamond or aluminum oxide crystal tip to exfoliate the top layer of skin. The crystals are non-toxic and do not penetrate the skin and no anesthetics are needed. The depth is much less intense than a chemical peel as it only removes the outermost layer of skin. Causes mild redness that lasts several hours and sun sensitivity that lasts a few days.
♥ Intense Pulsed Light Facials (IPL) use light energy to target darker spots on the skin to even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation, rosacea and broken capillaries. As the light heats the deeper layers of skin, it stimulates the fibroblasts responsible for collagen production resulting in increased skin elasticity and decreased wrinkles. Causes mild redness and swelling that lasts a few hours to a few days, depending on the intensity setting. IPL treatments are usually performed in a series of 3-5 facials about a month apart. It is recommended to start with lower intensity and increase later in the series as tolerated. IPL works best for light skin tones as darker skin tones have a risk of hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling uses rollers with tiny needles to create micro-injuries to the skin which promotes collagen production and improves wrinkles. Byrdie has a review of the 10 best at-home microneedling rollers.
♥ FaceBlaster is a small massage tool designed for the face that increases blood flow and releases tension in the fascia (the connective tissue that lies beneath the skin). Tension in the fascia (from repetitive movements) can contribute to the development of expression lines and wrinkles. When used gently and consistently, about 2 minutes daily, FaceBlaster is particularly effective at smoothing out the deep vertical lines between the eyebrows over time.
FaciaBlaster also has many tools that are designed to target and reduce cellulite on the body. There are some amazing before and after photos on the website but don't overdo with these tools or you could wind up with bruising. Not recommended for those with varicose veins.
Optimize nutrition by eating a balanced diet full of minimally processed organic foods. Cook more meals at home using less sugar/artificial sugars and more healthy fats, like ♥ Extra Virgin Olive Oil, instead of seed oils.
Learn how exercise, stress and sleep impact physical and mental health and take steps to improve in those areas.
Reduce environmental factors that increase free radicals and oxidative stress like cigarette smoke, pollution, radiation, X-rays, ozone, UV light, alcohol, certain pharmaceutical drugs and industrial chemicals. Opt for air purifiers with HEPA filters instead of those with ionizers that produce ozone.
Seek out natural skincare products, avoiding synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances. Use apps like ♥ Clearya to photograph and analyze ingredient lists in your bathroom cabinets and at the grocery store or pharmacy to identify toxic chemicals in skincare products.
Exfoliate the skin surface with physical grains or Alpha/Beta/Poly Hydroxy Acids before applying serums and moisturizers (to face and neck) to improve penetration of the products and increase skin radiance.
♥ Look for skincare products containing specific topical antioxidants that are capable of increasing collagen to prevent oxidative damage and reverse the signs of aging. Some ingredients to look for: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, CoQ10 and Polyphenols like Green Tea, Grapeseed and Resveratrol.
Look for skincare products containing other beneficial ingredients that help hydrate and renew the skin. Some ingredients to look for: Peptides, Ceramides, Aloe Vera, Squalane, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter.
Wear protective clothing and apply broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen, at least SPF 30 or higher, reapplying often. Mineral sunscreens are safer than chemical sunscreens and ♥ Zinc Oxide provides the best broad-spectrum protection. Do not use spray-on sunscreens as ingredients that are safe for topical use may not be safe when inhaled.
♥ Eat foods high in antioxidants, especially polyphenols which also act as pre-biotics to improve gut microbiome. A few great choices include star anise, dark chocolate, elderberry, acai, goji, cranberry, blueberry, plums, macadamia nuts, blackberry, apricots, cherry, olives, strawberry, coffee, raspberry, onion, spinach, kale, broccoli, red grapes, red wine, tea, citrus fruits, peppers, guava, olive oil, kiwi, brussel sprouts, pomegranate, tomato, peas, chickpeas, papaya, potato, sweet potato, yams.
♥ Oily fish (wild salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines) and seafood (shrimp, oysters, mussels, crab, lobster, clams) are also high in many antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Astaxanthin, CoQ10, Cysteine and Melatonin.
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