he highly recommends the Mediterra- nean diet and other eating plans rich in healthy oils like olive oil, omega-3 from walnuts and butternuts and oily fish, along with lots of vegetables and fruits. A growing body of research from


such prestigious institutions as North Carolina’s Duke University and the Xienta Institute for Skin Research, in Pennsylvania, shows that vitamins C and E can protect skin against free radical damage and also reduce the chances of sunburn. Potent antioxidant herbs such as green tea (Camellia sinensis) are also proving effective, according to research from the University of Alabama.


Healthy Sun Exposure Still, sunshine is the best source of vitamin D, so Perricone recommends stepping outside without sunscreen pro- tection for at least 15 minutes a day with as much skin exposed as possible, even when clouds are present, preferably in early morning or evening sunshine. “But don’t bake in the sun,” the doctor warns. “Limited sun exposure will increase vitamin D production, known to reduce the risk of many internal cancers, while also reducing the risk of osteoporosis.”


Kathleen Barnes is a natural health advo- cate, author and publisher. Rx from the Garden: 101 Food Cures You Can Easily Grow is among her many books. Visit KathleenBarnes.com.


Sunscreens Look for sunscreens that contain either zinc oxide or titanium diox- ide and are free of cancer-causing parabens. These are a few of the more natural products on the market:


Chemical-Free n Aubrey Organics Natural Sun


n Burt’s Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen with hemp seed oil


n Perricone MD More than Moisture


n Jason Sunbrellas Chemical-Free Sun Block


n Lavera Sun n Nature’s Gate Mineral Sportblock


ecotip


Perfect Pools Practical Options for Chlorine-Free Swimming


Swimming in an ocean, river or lake dramatically differs from manmade pools in obvious ways, but also one that water lovers may not dwell on. In the typi- cal, chlorine-laced environment of most public and private pools, major emphasis is placed on killing germs quickly and cheaply; possible side effects to skin, hair and lungs from exposure to a toxic chemi- cal are assumed. Nevertheless, safe and refreshing options are available.


Saltwater pools use sodium chloride in a naturally occurring cycle to keep it clean. Chlorine is present as a byproduct of the off-gassing of the salt, but much less so than in a conventionally chlorinated pool. An ionizer not only keeps water sanitized, it makes the water feel silky smooth to


the touch, using copper and sometimes silver ions to maintain cleanliness. No salt and little or no chlorine are used. An oxidation system is a chemical-free way to keep pools disinfected using ultra- violet light or electricity; it requires a generator. Production of ultrasonic waves pulsed through the water are the key to sonic


cleaning; such a device destroys algae at a cellular level. Creating a totally natural ecosystem pool employs plants to form a breathable bottom more akin to a lake. MotherEarthNews.com (which offers building instructions) notes, “It can be constructed for as little as $2,000 if you do it yourself, while conven- tional pools can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Natural swimming pools require no harmful chemicals, are fairly low-tech and once established, call for only a modicum of management. You won’t have to drain the pool each autumn. Except for topping it off now and then, you’ll fill the pool only once.”


Source: Care2.com/greenliving


Homemade Facial Mask to Repair Summer Skin by Kassie Kuehl


Ingredients: S


ummer watermelon is the perfect ingredient to replenish and repair sensitive, dry or damaged skin, or skin that simply has spent a day in the sun. The watermelon in this homemade facial mask is high in vitamin A, which protects skin cells from damaging UV rays; a good source of vitamin C and silica, two nutrients required for healthy collagen; and antioxidant-rich due to vitamin C and carotene.


In addition, the mask features aloe


vera juice for its regenerative properties, yogurt to moisturize and gently exfoliate and lavender for its soothing, anti-inflam- matory quality.


1/4 cup fresh watermelon chunks 1 tsp aloe vera juice 1/4 cup plain yogurt 2 drops lavender essential oil


Blend the melon, aloe and yogurt in a blender. Pour into a bowl and add the lavender. Apply to a clean face. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes; rinse with warm water. This mask can be used weekly or whenever some moisture and repair are needed.


Kassie Kuehl is the owner of Kasia Organic Salon, in Minneapolis. For more information, call 612-386-4044 or visit KasiaOrganicSalon.com.


natural awakenings July 2012 15


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