Clean Summer Beauty 101: Homemade Sunscreen and More!

[RE]Fresh Juice Co Founder Whitney Douglas shares her “go to” clean beauty products for staying FRESH all summer long!

2016 has been one of Ontario’s hottest summers on record. We have seen temperatures rise in the mid-forties, with little rain and there is not much relief in sight.  With every change of season, it’s so important to adjust our beauty routines, although summer means that we get to tone it down and keep it ultra easy.  I have very sensitive skin and harsh temperatures (hot or cold) can wreak havoc!  It’s so important to make sure that our skin and cells are still getting all the nourishment they need because hot temperatures can be very detrimental to your skin.

1. Pai – BioAffinity Tonic

One of the most refreshing things you can do for your skin during a heat wave.   I love this skin tonic because it’s made from “living water” from the lotus root.  It balances PH, reduces redness and hydrates the skin at a cellular level.   It’s also great for controlling oil as your skin tends to produce more during the hot seasons.  You can use it right after cleansing in the morning and night to tighten pores or carry it with you to freshen up mid day.  Spritz 1-2 pumps all over face and neck and let dry for best results.

I was first turned onto this brand by a dear friend who knew how much I struggled with irritable skin.  Pai specializes in products for sensitive skin and produce some of the cleanest formulas on the market.  Check out their entire line up at PaiSkinCare.ca.

2. Sea Spray by Lush

As someone with fine hair, dips in the lake without access to a blow dryer  mean the ultimate bad hair day.  This all changed the day I tried Sea Spray by Lush.  I was skeptical but after trying it, beach days were forever changed.  Its blend of sea salt, sea weed, and essential oils give your hair an incredible beach beautiful look without adding weight or unnatural stiffness.  For best results, use after towel drying, spray from root to tip, hand bang a bit and then sundry.  For more info check out the Lush website!

3. Cold Pressed Watermelon Juice

Of course I needed to go there. Watermelon is literally the Queen of summer fruit.  Yes, it’s delicious — yes it’s in season, but did you know it actually offers incredible skin protection?  Watermelon is loaded with Vitamin A that assists to reduce the size of pores on your skin and, consequently, minimize excessive secretion of oil.  It is also a very rich source of lycopene – a carotenoid that has been shown to significantly aid in protection against UVA damage. Eating or juicing watermelon is also a great way to stay hydrated and keep your electrolytes in balance.

4. Clay-Based Natural Deodorant

I have tried EVERY natural deodorant available in Canada, and I’m sure this is the case for many of you.  Finding a product that actually works (especially in summer) and that isn’t full of toxins is tough. I used to be a fan of zinc-based products but found that they were acting more as an antiperspirant and didn’t allow my body to detox properly.   But my search for the best all-natural, clean, effective deodorant finally came to an end last year when I met the founders of Routine Cream at a health show in Toronto.  Their all-natural, clay-based deodorants actually allow your armpits and lymphs to detox properly by absorbing odor and toxins.  They come in a huge array of scents — my personal fav is sexy Sadie, which smells like ylang-ylang, orange, and cinnamon. You can order directly from their website. 

5. DIY Homemade CLEAN Sunscreen

Sunscreen is very, very important to skin health — not only in summer but all year long.  We all know the damages that can be caused by the sun: skin cancer, premature aging, spots etc. But commercial sunscreen contains a ton of toxic ingredients that can actually promote skin issues and disrupt the endocrine system. I try to live by the saying, “If you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, don’t put it on your skin,” because you absorb so much through this organ. Because natural sunscreen can be expensive, especially if you are buying for a family, making it at home is an amazing option and you have 100% control over the scents.  I have tried out a few, but this recipe adapted from Wellness Mama is by far the best and can store for months.  For the full recipe go to WellnessMama.com.

Homemade Sunscreen Ingredients

• ½ cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
• ¼ cup beeswax
• 2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide powder – available at most healthfood stores
• Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Carrot Seed Oil (natural SPF 30)
• Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter (natural SPF 4-5)
• Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference

Homemade Sunscreen Instructions

1. Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives, or other foods.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
3. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
4. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.
5. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
6. Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
7. Use homemade sunscreen as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months.

Much love and stay FRESH

-RFJC