Stop a Sunburn From Peeling and Itching… Naturally

A sunburn can be a nasty experience. A bad one can give you chills and a fever, not to mention terrible pain. A mild sunburn can still result in blistering, itching and peeling.

If you’ve accidentally stayed out in the sun too long, there are some things you can do that can help reduce itching and peeling. Most of these treatments are inexpensive and all of them are natural – you may even have some of them in your kitchen cabinets or pantry.

First, be careful with that burned skin – don’t use soap, washcloths, or do any scrubbing in the shower. Wash your hair upside-down under the bath faucet to avoid shampoo running over your sunburn. And when you get out of the shower or bath, pat your skin dry with a soft towel – don’t rub.

* Tea

Tea, green or black, has skin-soothing properties and has been known to stop relieve sunburn itch and prevent peeling. Black tea seems to work the best, or you could use a combination of green and black. Brew a quart or so of strong tea, pour it into a lukewarm bath, and soak.

* Baking Soda Bath

Baking soda can be very helpful in treating sunburn. Mix a cupful of baking soda into a lukewarm bath and let it soak your burned skin. Gently rinse the baking soda off with lukewarm water when you get out of the tub – baking soda residue can be itchy.

* Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

Smelly but effective, apple cider vinegar can work wonders for sunburned skin. You can soak in a lukewarm bath to which a cup or so of apple cider vinegar has been added. Or, you can mix vinegar and water into a spray bottle (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) and spritz it onto your skin. Let your vinegar-treated skin air dry.

* Natural Oils: Coconut, Almond, Olive

When you get out of your bath, natural oils are a good choice for replacing your skin’s lost moisture. Pure coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but melts quickly in the hands and on the skin. Almond oil is said to be the closest to natural skin oil – sweet almond oil is considered the best. Olive oil is an ancient remedy against sun-dried skin, and is used extensively to moisten skin in the desert regions of the Middle East.

* Aloe Vera

Pure Aloe vera gel can be obtained directly from an Aloe plant. Simply slit a thick Aloe leaf lengthwise down the middle and scoop out the gel. You can use a knife to scrape the inside of the leaf in order to get all the gel out. Many stores sell Aloe vera gel, but make sure it’s pure gel – Aloe vera juice or lotions and skin products containing Aloe are not the same. Apply this ancient burn remedy liberally to sunburned skin that is clean and dry.

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The Benefits of Mineral Make-Up

Mineral make-up is made from earth pigments and natural minerals. These elements are ground to a fine powder and mixed to form foundation, blush, and powder. Mineral make-up is free from perfumes, artificial dyes, preservatives, oils, wax, or talc. Instead, it contains titanium and zinc oxide, which have natural UV protectant properties. Mineral make-up is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. Here are some other benefits of mineral make-up.

1. Fewer germs

Proponents of mineral make-up claim it is purer than conventional make-up. The minerals used in this natural make-up are inorganic, which means they will not harbor bacteria the same way organic materials would. This is especially helpful for women who have acne or rosacea. Because of its inorganic nature, mineral make-up lasts a long time.

2. A natural look

Mineral make-up is reported to feel light on the face, and to provide coverage without looking heavy. For women who use make-up to cover fine lines and wrinkles, mineral make-up is ideal – its light-reflecting qualities obscure wrinkles. Women who have used mineral make-up claim it feels as if you are not wearing make-up at all. The earth tones complement nearly all complexion types.

3. Enhanced complexion

Because the minerals used are anti-inflammatory, mineral make-up can be used by women with sensitive skin. It is oil-free, so women with oily complexions need not worry about using it. Mineral make-up is, in fact, the only make-up that can be used after undergoing a facial chemical peal. If you find conventional make-up irritating, you may be able to tolerate mineral make-up with no problem.

4. Better for the environment

When you purchase conventional make-up, you are supporting a chemical industry that is a factor in pollution. Also, when you throw away conventional make-up – either when it is outdated or you are finished with it and residue remains in the container – you are putting those chemicals back into the environment.

Mineral make-up comes from the earth to begin with, so returning it there should not cause problems. Also, companies that manufacture mineral make-up tend to be eco-conscious and engage in environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. And most mineral make-up manufacturers do not engage in animal testing.

Your local health food store is a good place to start if you want to try mineral make-up. They will usually have “testers” available for you to see how the make-up looks on your skin. However, as more and more people demand more natural make-up options, you may start seeing mineral make-up in conventional stores more often.

Eco-Friendly Shoes: What They Are and Where Can I Find Them

The term “eco-conscious” refers to environmental awareness. Eco-conscious shoes are shoes manufactured with the environment in mind, by using sustainable, eco-friendly methods and materials. On a more general level, eco-conscious shoes can simply be footwear that lessens waste, such as wearing repaired or refurbished shoes rather than buying new ones.

Here are some characteristics of eco-conscious shoes, such as the materials used to make them, and where you can find them:

Types of Material

1. Hemp

This plant is a renewable source of resilient fiber traditionally used in manufacturing rope. It is a fast-growing plant that can be grown without pesticides. Its breathability makes it a good choice for shoes.

2. Organic cotton

This is cotton that is grown without the excessive pesticides used on conventional cotton. It is biodegradable and comfortable.

3. Bamboo

While this is often imported, it is renewable, plentiful, and it grows quickly without the use of pesticides. It also reduces odor in shoes.

4. Recycled plastic

Some eco-conscious shoe manufacturers use recycled plastic to make shoe laces and elastic.

5. Inner tubes

The rubber from the inner lining of big tires is used for the rubber soles of sneakers and athletic shoes.

6. Natural rubber

Natural rubber is made from the sap of the rubber tree, and is used to make shoe soles, elastic, and water-resistant fabric.

7. Carpet padding

Carpet padding is made for walking on! Recycled from discarded carpets, the padding makes comfortable, springy shoe soles.

8. Cork

Harvested from the inner bark of the tree without killing it, cork is antimicrobial (thus helping prevent odor), and has a spongy feel.

Where You Can Find Eco-Friendly Shoes

Here are some suggestions for sources of eco-friendly shoes.

-Amazon.com isn’t just about books anymore. Check out their collection of eco-friendly shoes, bags and other products.

-Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com) offers a wide variety of “green” shoes, boots and sandals.

-NeuAura (http://www.neuaurashoes.com/) offers animal-friendly shoes.

-Rawganique (http://www.rawganique.com/footwear.htm) sells shoes made in the U.S. from sustainable materials.

-Simple Shoes (http://www.simpleshoes.com/) has a “Green Toe” program that rates their shoes on a variety of sustainability levels.

-Local manufacturers are a really green option if there are shoemakers in your area. Or shop at a locally-owned business that carries eco-conscious footwear.

There is not necessarily a particular “look” to eco-conscious shoes; they are available in the same range of styles and types that conventional shoes are. But if you want a natural look to your shoes, or if you want to make a statement with your footwear, you’ll find eco-conscious footwear that fits that bill. You can even get creative and make your own!

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