Tag Archives: Vitamin A

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Health, Skincare Tips

Pumpkins are more than Halloween

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Pumpkins are More than Halloween
01
Nov

Pumpkins are more than Halloween

Or Cinderella’s Carriage Ride!
There are so many health benefits for you!

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Pumpkins are more than Halloween, or Cinderella’s carriage ride! They are loaded with health benefits, making it a great all-rounder!

Did you know that the word Pumpkin comes from the Ancient Greek word, ‘Pepon’ which means melon? And that they are amongst the longest domesticated plants, having been cultivated as far back as 7,500 to 5,000 BC?

Over the centuries, the term ‘pepon’ into Latin (peponem), French (pompon), English (pompion) when it was eventually referred to as ‘pumpkin’ by 17th century English colonists when they arrived in north-eastern USA.
Being native to southern United States and north-eastern Mexico, half the world’s production of pumpkins is now grown in China and India.

According to Wikipedia, “ In 2018, global production of pumpkins, which included squash and gourds, topped 27.6 million tonnes with – China 8.1m, India 5.3m, Ukraine 1.3m and Russia 1.2m each”. These volumes are astounding!!The only place it’s not grown is Antarctica!

It’s considered as a winter squash, with its smooth but ribbed exterior, often orange in colour though there are variations of yellow and green.
Regarded as a fruit because it’s a botanical berry known as a pepo, which has seeds and pulp inside, that are consumables, together with the exterior rind of some types.Pumpkins usually weigh anywhere between 3 and 8 kilograms, though some have tipped the scales over 34 kilos. Recently, my uncle in Sicily told me that his neighbour grew a 1.2 metres wide pumpkin weighing over 95 kilos!!

Consumed in the autumn months, traditionally for Thanksgiving in the US in a Pumpkin Pie.But for some of us, we love it whenever we can get our hands on it!!It’s one of my all-time favourite vegetables!
Other favourite dishes include pumpkin soup, roasted pumpkin, risotto, or in a Moroccan filo pastry with peppers and spices.

If you’re interested in trying out new recipes, besides roasted pumpkin and delicious soup, see:see the recipes on Taste webpage: Pumpkin Recipes, or alternative recipes at Favourite Pumpkin Recipes.

Gallery of Pumpkins varieties at the market, Unsplash Ben Ashby Love of Pumpkins, Unsplash Cayla1 Pumpkin Soup

What’s so great about Pumpkins, its seeds and oil?

Using cold pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo L) is far better as the nutrients and antioxidants are maintained in the extraction process. Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds and using the Oil:

• Because of the orange carotenoid pigments, alpha and beta carotene, pumpkins have the wonderful colour, offering provitamin A, which our bodies enjoy when consumed. The seeds are also great for consumption and provide wonderful benefits for our overall health and well-being too.

• It is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D & E, with minerals and proteins, containing over 60% unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3 & 6.

• The high vitamin and mineral content makes Pumpkin Seed oil a wonderful inclusion for cosmetics and skincare products, improving the overall appearance of your skin.

• The colour of Pumpkin seed oil can vary from light to very dark green or red in colour. This depends on the sample’s thickness – where thin layers appear green, with thicker layers red. This is known as ‘dichromatism’ where varying colours can be seen depending on how it’s observed. Image shown below in the Gallery of images.

• Pumpkin seeds are rich in Antioxidants, which help protect the body’s cells, assisting the prevention of chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders and heart disease.

• Pumpkin seed & the oil derived from the seeds can help maintain a healthy heart . Tests conducted after using the seeds showed that cholesterol levels and blood pressure dropped, both contributing to a healthy heart. The levels of nitric oxide in our bodies can also rise from consuming the seeds, which encourage blood flow, assisting the efficient functionality of the heart.

• For women, the menopausal symptoms can be improved as diastolic blood pressure is reduced, increasing good cholesterol.

• Including the seeds in our diet can improve the functioning of the bladder reducing its over activity.

• Daily addition of pumpkin seeds to your diet can help improve the quality of your sleep. They contain nutrients and amino acids like magnesium and tryptophan, aiding with insomnia, restlessness, how quickly you fall asleep as well as the length of time sleeping.

• Including the seeds can stablise & regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the sudden rise, spikes and crashes. When blood sugar levels are high, they can create symptoms similar to diabetes, like nausea, needing to urinate often, fatigue and an overwhelming thirst.Being rich in protein and fibre, pumpkin seeds slows down sugars being absorbed in the bloodstream;

• The contents of zinc which helps balance hormone levels that can benefit hair re-growth, reversing loss;

Gallery of Pumpkin Seed Oil – dichromatism of Pumpkin Seeds, varying colours, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Pumpkins.

Historical facts about Halloween.

• The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain is the where the tradition started. People would light bonfires, wearing costumes to scare away ghosts;

• When the Romans had conquered the Celtic regions circa 43 A.D, ruling for over 400 years, the combined their own festivals with the ancient Celtic Samhain.

• The Romans celebrated and remembered their dead during ‘Feralia’ .They also commemorated the Roman goddess Pomona of fruit and trees. Pomona’s symbol is the apple which was incorporated with the Samhain festivities.It’s believed the bobbing apples in Halloween started because of this tradition.

• November 1 was dedicated to honor All Saints by Pope Gregory III, which included some of the traditions commenced by the Celtic festival of Samhain;

• The night before All Saints Day was called ‘All Hallows Eve’ which later became known has ‘Halloween’;

• Eventually, the tradition developed where carving ‘Jack-o-lanterns’ , gathering together for festivities, wearing costumes, eating treats collected from trick-or-treating;

• Did you know that over ¼ of annual candy sold in the USA is bought for Halloween?

• The American festivities included gatherings sharing stories about their dead, fortune-telling, dance and sing, as well as pull pranks of each other;

• The arrival of the Irish immigrants to America helped make Halloween a popular festivity.

For more fun interesting information, check out Halloween History.

Unsplash Yulia Chinato Halloween fun, Carvings in the garden, Unsplash Nick Fewings Trick or Treat.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Did you know that the tradition of Jack O Lanterns started in Ireland?
  • What’s your favourite pumpkin recipe?
  • What do you love the best about Pumpkins?

    • “About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

    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, and 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.

    Should you 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 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.

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Skincare Tips

Kiwifruit the fury oval goodness

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Kiwifruit Seed Oil Sep2020
03
Sep

Kiwifruit the Fury Oval Goodness

It might look like a potato, but tastes amazing
with super nutritional benefits
making up for its appearance!

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I found the comment describing Kiwifruit the fury oval goodness that looks like a potato rather funny!!

Note: This is not meant to offend lovers of Kiwis or the people from New Zealand, but more to show a humorous way of describing it, which I had never noticed before!When I asked my son if he thought the same, he had that ‘ah-ha’ moment, laughing out loud.This fruit has become his latest obsession, as he cuts it in half neatly, scooping the inner parts out with a spoon.
He loves the taste of Kiwi so much, that we’ve been buying them more regularly than usual.

Did you know that Kiwifruit, (Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’) is also known as Chinese gooseberry, is native to central and eastern parts of China?The people from New Zealand began cultivating it at the beginning of the 20th Century. To avoid paying export taxes on berries, the name Chinese gooseberry was changed to Kiwifruit, as it resembles the New Zealand small native brown bird!

In 2012, Italy was the top producer of kiwis, whilst in 2018 China was responsible for half of the world’s output!!There’s more fun trivia at the end of the Blog!

The fruit grows to between 5-8 centimetres in length and grows like apples from a woody climbing shrub.The light brown fuzzy skin can also be eaten.It would be similar to eating a peach without peeling off the skin!!Ironically, the skin contains bountiful levels of fibre, antioxidants and Folate if you choose to include it when indulging in this magical fruit! The internal green or golden flesh has loads of edible black seeds.

Consumption benefits about Kiwifruit:

• The best time to consume the Kiwifruit is in the morning on an empty stomach. The fibre and minerals provided by the fruit will give your daily energy boost, whilst detoxifying your body’s system.

• It can aid digestive illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), decreasing symptoms with its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Kiwifruit has antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities.

• Due to the high potassium, fibre and Vitamin K content, Kiwifruit can assist lowering blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. It can also assist with reducing the symptoms linked to upper respiratory sickness.

• Kiwifruit is a dynamic antioxidant which fights free-radials.The extensive amount of nutrients are vital for our well-being.It can improve the immune system’s functionality, reducing the risk of becoming ill or becoming infected.

• It’s an excellent addition for assisting weight loss as it’s high in energy whilst being low in calories.

• In addition to this, Kiwifruit has high levels of fat-free Vitamin E, which also helps fight free-radicals and lower cholesterol.

• Kiwifruit can contribute to maintaining bone strength and growth, improving the health and vision of our eyes. The high levels of serotonin help regulate anxiety and moods, whilst assisting with providing better quality more restful sleep.

The tiny fury potato looking fruit is such a wonderful treat to add to your 5 a day.Makes a delightful contrast to fruit salads and platters too!For alternative ideas on how to Kiwifruit, see the recipes on Taste webpage: Kiwifruit Recipes.

Gallery of Kiwifruit, Kiwifruit growing; Open & Ready to Eat, Food pics Courtesy Unsplashby Brenda Godinez, Unsplash by Alexander Mils.

Is Kiwi Seed Oil (Actinidia Chinensis) beneficial for our skin’s health?

There are so many wonderful benefits from using Kiwi seed oil that I’ve been happy to learn about. Here are some of the amazing attributes for our skin:

• Kiwi seed oil can be absorbed quickly into the skin as its texture is very light.

• Extremely rich with high natural levels of Vitamins C & E, potassium, magnesium, Omega 3 & 6, together with Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), these all help improve and maintain the skin’s elasticity.

• Including the oil undiluted to weekly skincare routines can improve the condition of your overall skin.

• It can provide a gentle calm from irritating skin problems like Psoriasis and Eczema, blotches, wrinkles, open or large pores, spots or acne.

• It can be used for treating your hair whilst promoting elasticity, bounce and averting loss of moisture from the scalp.

• We need protein for maintaining our skin, muscles, bones and tendons.Collagen depends on Vitamin C, which is generously found in Kiwifruit, aiding the maintenance and boosting process.

• Kiwifruit also contains carotenoid and lutein, which is an antioxidant. These both support and safeguard our skin from UV light. Please Note:This does not mean not wearing sunscreen or protecting from harmful rays.

• Check out the Home Spa tips shared below.

Gallery of Kiwifruit Up close, Kiwi Nutrition courtesy Herbazest Unsplash by Kimzy Nanney, Kiwifruit up close, Nourishing Face Balm for women Over 30s and Frankincense Face Serum as Featured in TATLER UK Magazine – Bronzed Beauty Campaign.

Instead of comparing ‘Apples and Oranges’, let’s check out ‘Kiwi and Oranges’, which I found pleasantly surprising.They are a great addition to your family’s diet but did you know that there are higher levels of Vitamin C found in Kiwifruit than what’s found in Oranges? Here are some other Similarities:

• Both can boost your immune system, and have strong antioxidants for fighting free-radicals;

• Both aid digestion – Oranges help draw out toxins, acting as a diuretic, whilst Kiwifruit decreases digestive related illnesses with its anti-inflammatory properties;

• Both assist with lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Differences between these Vitamin C fruits:

• Kiwifruit has more sugar than Oranges;

• Oranges are better for reducing pain and inflammation;

• Kiwifruit also contains Vitamin A and lutein, which helps fight ageing and free-radicals;

• Kiwifruit is great for building and maintaining our bones, reducing risk of eye disease or problems with the respiratory system.

Adding these super-fruits to meals, smoothies and the family diet ensures we get the best from both of them!How about adding them to your weekly Home Spa routine, mixed with clays or other goodies from your cupboards?Try either of the following recipes – all from home, without any preservatives or nasty ingredients!!!

Fun skincare tips to include in your weekly Home Spa routine:
• 1 Kiwifruit cut up,
• 1 tablespoon of Yoghurt
• 3 tablespoons of Oatmeal
• Mix together, gently scrub onto your face and allow to dry.
• Wash it off with warm water.
• Apply your Serum and Face Balm to treat and rehydrate your skin.

Option two:
• 1 Kiwifruit cut up,
• 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera
• Mix together, apply to your face and neck for approximately 10-15 minutes.
• Wash it off with warm water.
• Apply your Serum and Face Balm to treat and rehydrate your skin.

Please let me know how your skin feels after trying either or both of these home spa tips!

” The first time I saw a Kiwi, I thought it’s a Potato with fur!!” – Cool Funny Quotes

Trivia About Kiwifruit:

The Kiwifruit was named after the bird because it has similar looking features to the brown feathers.Over 700 years ago, it was originally from China and known as Yang Tao. When the fruit was shipped to New Zealand around 1906, the fruit was renamed Chinese Gooseberry.

The fruit symbolises plentiful and a tiding of good things are coming. Ironically, the fury exterior symbolises the obstacles in your way.

Kiwifruit is a great addition for treating and maintaining healthy hair.It’s packed with the mineral Zinc, necessary for hair growth, preventing hair loss and dandruff!

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Are you surprised about the history of Kiwifruit and where it’s produced for global consumption?
  • Have you tried Kiwifruit oil for treating problem skin?
  • Would you consider the Home Spa treatment to test how it feels on your skin?
  • What do you love the best about Kiwifruit?

    • “About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

    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, Member of International College of Holistic Medicine. I’m in the process of 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.

    Should you 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 Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne, Understanding Your Body, Essential Oils & Managing Stress. 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.

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Health, Skincare Tips

Secrets of Passion Fruit

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Secrets of Passion Fruit
13
Aug

Secrets of Passion Fruit

A delicious summer taste with
benefits for your skin & overall health.

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I wanted to share what gorgeous benefits Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis and Passiflora flavicarpa) have.They are often found on cakes like pavlova, in drink combinations or part of the exotic summer fruits selection.But what is it about this tiny fruit that makes us feel happy, both inside and out?

The plant and fruit is native to South America, grown in some regions of southern Brazil, through Paraguay and northern Argentina.It’s also found in other tropical regions of the world like India, Africa, Hawaii and Australia.Historically passion fruit was used for lowering inflammation, assisting and improving digestion, together with protecting the skin. Studies today are considering that it may also protect against other inflammatory conditions such as heart-related concerns and insulin resistance.

The Passion fruits are cultivated commercially for its sweet-sour, somewhat tarty, highly aromatic and seedy fruit. Round or oval in shape, it’s like a berry appearing yellow or dark purple when ready for picking, depending on where it’s grown.It’s regarded as a Pepo, which is a fruit with a fleshy and multiple seeded interior and a harder outer rind. Melons and Cucumbers are also regarded as Pepos.

Consumption information about Passion Fruit:

• You can indulge in all the gelatinous pulp that’s full of edible but tarty tasting seeds! Either scoop out the pulp with a spoon and place it in a bowl, or brave and eat it all without sharing!!

• The fruit can be eaten, juiced, added to other combinations of summer selections to enhance both the flavour and the aroma.

• You would need to consume six (6) passion fruits to make up one portion of your 5 a day. Whilst that’s loads of seeds to ingest, the alternative is eat ten (10) blackberries or half (½) an aubergine!!

• Passion fruit is a Superfood as it is an excellent source of Antioxidants like Vitamins C and A, contains polyphenols and carotenoid.

• It contains a decent number of Essential minerals, including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and calcium.

• Including Passion fruit in our diet can support bone health, physical, digestive and cardiovascular functionality.

• It can support digestion when consuming the rich in fibre seeds instead of just the juice.

• The fruit is high in fibre called pectin, which is lower in sugar compared to other fruits. It can provide necessary nutrients without causing blood sugar levels to spike too much.

(Note: If you have concerns with diabetes and insulin, please consult your Dietician Specialist before over-indulging).

For alternative ideas on how to Passion Fruits, see the recipes on Taste webpage: Passion Fruit Recipes.

Gallery of Passion Fruit, Variety of Colours, Food & Drink pics are Courtesy Unsplash Toa Heftiba and Sheng Gen Lin.

How can Passion Fruit help our skin’s health?

• Passion fruit oil is great as an anti-aging ingredient due its antioxidant content, being rich in Vitamin C and A, riboflavin and carotenoids.

• Vitamin A can protects your skin from sun damage;

• The high levels of fatty acids contained in the Passion fruit oil helps keep skin looking firm and youthful.

• The passion fruit seeds comprise of particular peptides that promote antifungal activity.

• These also encourage and stimulates the fusion and production of collagen.

Collagen rejuvenates and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles slowing the aging process.

• The strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in Passion fruit can reduces the creation of free radicals, bacteria, pollutants or infections in our body, which can ultimately cause our skin to age.

• It promotes maintaining the skin’s health, encouraging wound healing.

• Passion fruit oil is light, is non-greasy, making it quicker for the skin to absorb.

• The non-clogging factor makes it a great moisturising addition to your beauty routine, assists skin cell exfoliation whilst treating acne-prone skin.

Gallery of Passion Fruits Unsplash Courtesy Bao Ngoc Ho, Passion Fruit Oil, Passion Flower, Sunflower Cleanser.

Please note:If you are using Passion Flower for its relaxing and calming benefits, ensure you obtain your supply from a reputable herbal or Natural store.

In a past newsletter, whilst studying Holistic Pain Management Diploma I shared the benefits from using the Blue Passion Flower, or bluecrown passionflower (Passiflora caerulea).

This plant can grow up to 10 metres (33 ft) high, with fragrant leaves that look like an open handed palm, and magnificent looking flowers containing an array of colours like blue, white and brown. The edible orange fleshy fruit can grow up to 6 cms, can be somewhat bland in taste.The part of the plant that grows above the ground is used for its gentle and calming properties, consisting of natural healing, food flavouring, teas, infusions, liquid extracts or tinctures.

Blue Passion Flower can be combined with relaxing and calming herbs like chamomile, hops, kava, skullcap, lemon balm and valerian root.

Benefits from using Passion Flower include reducing:
• Insomnia & improving sleep,
• Stress & Anxiety,
• Inflammation from skin irritations and burns.

Sleep is something we all love to have a lot of.Studies performed on patients who had bipolar disorder showed that using natural herbal medicines and drinking passion flower tea over a period of time, that they showed a reduction in anxiety and improvement in their overall sleep.For insomnia, the combination found that worked best was Passion Flower combined with Valerian root, especially if you have trouble switching off an active brain at night and need your cells to become calm.

Gallery of Passion Fruits Unsplash Courtesy Bao Ngoc Ho, Passion Fruit Oil, Passion Flower, Sunflower Cleanser.

” Passion Flower can used to assists insomnia, relieve stress & anxiety ” – Holistic Pain Management Diploma Course

Trivia About Passion Fruit:

Apparently, dreaming about Passion fruits suggests that in future, you will be able to do positive and sensible things.It reflects a sign of abundance, growth and financial gain, where being in this growth stage means you’re going in the right direction!

The fruit symbolises abundance, associated with the goddesses of fertility and the harvest.It often represents earthly pleasures, temptations and over-indulgence.

Some passion fruit contains high levels of caffeine, which will make it more difficult to relax and fall asleep. Passion fruit tea, however, contains alkaloids, which can aid your nervous system relaxing, making you tired and achieving a better night’s sleep.

Whilst the seeds and flesh of purple passion fruit can be eaten, the outer skin contains small quantities of cyanogenic glycosides (cyanide) and should not be consumed.
Therefore, commercial passion fruit juice goes through a process to deacidify via electrodialysis for this reason.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • What do you find surprising about Passion fruit and it’s many wonderful benefits for your health and skin?
  • Have you tried Passion fruit oil for treating acne-prone skin?What’s your feedback about using it?

    • “About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

    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, Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m in the process of 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.

    Should you 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 Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne, Understanding Your Body, Perseverance Is Key, Essential Oils & Managing Stress. 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.

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.

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.

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, Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.In Progress is 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 Help Skin Assistance for products available on the webpage.

    Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have dared to try them out. We have had some amazing Before & After results with their 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.

    You can also request to join the various groups I have set up.You can ask your questions and discuss your thoughts/concerns about health, skincare and nutrition. I share not only what I have studied with the school in London about Nutrition and the Body, but what the other experts write too. Essentially Lili Q&A – Taking Care of Your Skin andEssentially Lili Nutrition & Well Being. Both of these groups are not for advertising or promoting unless previously approved by Admin.

    Blog Library include: Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, Men’s Grooming, How to deal with Cystic Acne, Understanding Your Body, Perseverance Is Key, Understanding Your Body, Essentially Lili Products, Essential Oils, Managing Stress & Raiding Your Fridge.

    Your feedback allows us to improve.We look forward to hearing from you, With Loving Regards Lili.

    Check out the Gallery of Pictures – After sun care, Geranium Hands, Jazz Body & Mint Body Butters; Sun Kissed Balm; Bergamot; Goddess Garden & Sun Block for the summer protection.