Your Beauty Routine For Late Summer Is Here

You should, in theory, be able to actually eat your moisturizer! Natural ingredients for moisturizers are on the rise, but be careful what you buy. Labels glorify the benefits of added "shea butter" or "coconut oil"; however, when you flip the bottle over, you find the same old parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, and colors that disrupt the endocrine system and can be carcinogenic. Though many countries have banned these harmful chemicals, they still sneak into products under the guise of trade secrets or an umbrella heading like "fragrances." Be in the know about harmful ingredients by checking out the Environmental Working Group: They often provide scores for ingredients based on their toxicity.

Makes 8 ounces

Method

High-quality essential oils can both boost your outside with their amazing restorative properties while providing therapeutic benefits aromatically and internally once absorbed. They are my not-so-secret weapon for giving my beauty routine added benefits. And it’s as simple as adding a few drops to the products that you already use! Just be careful to avoid the use of citrus oils in the summer as they are phototoxic and will pigment your skin—aside from obvious citrus blends, this includes bergamot and petitgrain, which are oils that many don’t realize are citrus.

While sun protection is necessary, sunscreens have become a source of confusion as many contain chemical compounds that can be toxic and counteract SPF agents. When it comes to going natural, it's best to utilize mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to shield skin from the damages of UVA and/or UVB rays without worrying about damages from hidden chemicals. Test out some ahead of time to find your perfect match. Many mineral sunscreens leave a white tint on your skin at first—while this can help to see where you’ve applied, some don’t fade away leaving you looking ghostly. Finding the best version that works with your skin will ease any aesthetic displeasure. The truth is that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with one in five people developing some form in their lifetime, we need to realign our ideals of beauty to include natural, healthy untanned skin.

Don’t forget to protect your lips and your exposed scalp as well! While you can make your own sunscreen, I find it easier to purchase all-natural products from trusted brands. Check out the EWG for their approved sunscreen list—with over 250 on their list, you’re sure to find one that works for you!

Method

Open up your baking cabinet and pull out the sugar and coconut oil! Add 1 cup of sugar to ½ cup of coconut oil, spike it with your favorite essential oils, and combine! For example, peppermint essential oil will add a cooling tingle, and lavender essential oil will add a soothing calm.

The best, most organic way to get glowing skin and hair is to start from the inside. A healthy diet of seasonal antioxidant-rich berries, melons, and leafy greens is a great way to get your skin in top condition. Be sure to add fat-rich protein sources, as they will help to nourish your skin and repair any cellular damage from the inside out—try salmon, nuts, and chicken as go-to's for your late summer salads.

Nourish your body with proper care and know that you are beautiful just the way you are! But most of all, loving yourself and the skin you’re in protects your mind, body, and soul year-round.