Does going natural mean absolute safety? Despite many schools of thought on the matter, one needs adequate discernment before jumping on the bandwagon and joining the many who extol the virtues of unproven theories. Natural, in the basic sense of the adjective, implies its origin or existence from nature. Although that should result in a general thumbs up from all quarters, does bearing this tagline mean that something is good? Consuming wild mushrooms, foraged from the woods, without prior knowledge or experience is food for fools. Albeit their natural state, it is potential cause for a tummy upset or even premature termination of one's life.
Natural sunscreens, as such, are no different from aforementioned fungi. The list of ingredients which decorate the label at the back of the bottle or tube may boast perfectly harmless components to man and environment. Despite occurring in nature, zinc oxide, the pride of the parade, is not necessarily extracted from air and water itself. Many a time, laboratories analyze components and perform some reverse engineering to ascertain their basic elements. Certain factors may also dictate production via laboratory involvement is more effective from an economic standpoint. Further manipulation of elements to produce a better outcome also tips the so-called natural balance of things.
So, what does it take to pick out a natural sunscreen, suited to one's skin condition as well as state of mind? If the many varieties lining the store shelves are too confusing to decide on one, it may be ideal to cook up one's own concoction. One recipe revolves around various types of oils and wax, slowly heated and then added with distilled water to thin it out. Short of sounding like a salad dressing, the mixture is then beaten to an emulsion and finished off with a shot of zinc oxide. Some may opt to add some tea infusion as they claim to steer away free radicals. Frequent application is advisable as sweat as well as contact with external elements such as water, clothes and towels rub off the protective layer, leaving the skin exposed to harmful rays.
If sourcing ingredients for home blends is too much work, ready-made versions are easily available from health and sports stores. One should bear in mind that commercially produced natural sunscreens may boast a higher level of protection as they tend to incorporate stronger ingredients.
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