Lately I've been seeing Shea Butter and Beeswax bars in health food stores and high-end boutiques.  These things are wonderful and also quite easy to make.  The importance of choosing quality essential oils is key - these are put directly onto your skin and absorbed in seconds - they can be so wonderfully healthful and should be selected from a quality supplier.  Some of my favorites include lavender, bergamot, ylang ylang, orange, balsam fir, and blends like Believe, Abundance, and Joy from Young Living. 

With the hot days of summer upon us, it's important to remember that
conventional sunscreens are a big contributor to toxins in the body and can easily be replaced with natural alternatives.  Chemicals are absorbed through the skin within 26 seconds of application, so everything we put on our skin should really be as healthy as the foods we put in our body. Traces of chemicals from products topically applied can be found in every organ... 

The top 5 chemicals to avoid are:

1) Para-aminobenzoic (PABA) including octyl-dimenthl PABA
2) Benzophenones, especailly benzophenone-3
3) Cinnamated, Namely octyl-methoxycinnamate(OMC)
4) Homosalate
5) 4-methyl-benzylidene  camphor(4-MBC)

PABA causes skin irritation and the remaining 4 contain estrogenic properties
which potentially disrupt hormonal production, negatively effecting brain
developement and reproduction function.  Parabens, which are antibacterial
preservatives, used in cosmetics and found in 60% of commercially available
sunscreens, migrate thru the body and are found in breast cancer cells and in
the male reproductive system.  Children are at a higher risk, it is so important
that we think twice before applying anything unnatural to our children's
bodies.

Skin cancer was nonexitent in the 1930's...  Remember what Grandma said... if you can't read it, it's not good for you!!

Natural Options

It is very healthy for us to get 10 to 20 minutes of full sun daily for the best
vitamin D production, but gradually have your skin exposed especially if you are sensitive.  Use lightweight clothing or hats to prevent excessive sun exposure.  Children should always wear a sunhat and sunscreen will be less necessary!
 
Be sure to include foods rich in antioxidants into your diet.. They
flourish at a time when your body most needs them to deal with oxidizing
radiation. 

In place of a sunscreen or sun "block," I suggest natual oils rich in antioxidants such as coconut oil, olive oil, with a
zinc base.. You can mix zinc with natural oils to make your own but make sure the zinc is not nanno particles.  Here's a link to a recipe I like if you're willing to make your own:  DIY Sunscreen.
 
Protect yourself from the inside out!  The more Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids you can consume the greater protection from sunburn. Exposure to the sun enables detoxification pathways.. It's a natural, beneficial and healing!!  You may purchase zinc-based sunscreens and UV Harmonized Water at Enchanted Valley Day Spa or call me for more information.  with love, Marilyn

I serve these bars as a post-treatment snack for my spa clients, everyone loves them and they are chock full of goodness!  The best part is, they can be made with whatever healthy nuts, seeds, etc. you have on hand... and they turn out perfect every time.  They are a great way to get healthy foods like oats, flax, and chia seeds into your loved ones who may not otherwise gravitate toward these nutritious foods.  But in these bars... they are divine!  Enjoy...

On a baking sheet with high sides, add 4 c. organic oatmeal, toast at 350 for 10 min.  Pour into large mixing bowl.
 
Add 1 c. sunflowers and 1  c. pumpkin seeds.
Add 1/4 c. ground flax seed,  1/2 c. chopped nuts and 1/4 c. sesame seeds, 1/4 c. chai seeds, 1/3 c. coconut -  mix all together. (All ingredients are optional or substitute your favorites,  play with ratios etc!)
 
Meanwhile, in a saucepan heat 1 c. honey, bring to simmer for about 8 minutes..
ADD:  1/4 c. nut butter, 1/4 c. coconut oil, a squirt of flax oil if you wish. 
Cool slightly and add 2 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 salt (both optional)
 
Pour liquid into dry mix and stir well.  You can add 1/4 c. carob/chocolate chips, 1/4 raisins, and 1/4 c. goji berries.. Mix. 
  
Pour into baking sheet which has now been lined with parchment or wax paper, place additional sheet on top, press down firmly. Put in fridge to chill completely, cut, and put in airtight container in fridge.  Enjoy!