Skating Uphill - July 2019

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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“Keep It Fresh! Don’t you dare let your fresh start inspiration
of spring turn into the dog days of summer, y’all!”
– The Uphill Skater –

I love summer, and getting out in the sunshine. Don’t you love the feel of that warmth on your skin? And yes, I love to get a tan. What I don’t love is to over pay for skincare products about which I know little or nothing. I have repeatedly preached about how we need to read and understand food labels, but we also need to understand what we feed to our skin. The prices of skin lotions and creams can be totally out of sight, and labels can be deceptive. Read on for a quick overview of some things to watch out for as you shop for that special item:

Right away, I will tell you to check out definitions of product types. For example, the term natural is very different from the term naturally derived. Also, the term non-toxic has a funny sort of description, as nearly everything can be toxic if you consume enough of it. This term is practically meaningless unless you take it in the literal sense, which means it is not poison, and who would sell something poisonous anyway?

Don’t be fooled either by the term "chemical-free." Pretty much everything is made up of chemicals of some sort, especially creams and lotions. Look rather for an “ingredient specific” label. Look for terms like paraben-free or no animal by-products. Check out the specifics, looking for terms like green or sustainable. This means ingredients have a minimal impact on the environment. This pertains to not only the production or harvesting of ingredients, but also to packaging. It is no good to buy a jar of “green” face cream that is packaged in a dyed glass jar surrounded by layer after layer of dyed cardboard and colored labeling. Also be sure packaging is recyclable. Check out the package, not just what is in it.

It goes without saying that you should look for dye-free and ensure the product doesn’t contain any ingredients you may be  allergic to, but also check for fragrance. They say to look for fragrance-free, but I just cannot make myself do that. I love scent, but I am into naturally occurring fragrances. I love lavender, jasmine and gardenia, and these scents are easy to find and usually mild.

Do be careful if you work in close quarters with someone who has allergies, but also enjoy your own way to smell. I make every effort not to over do it, but I also feel that floral or outdoors scents are so lovely. I guess, moderation, huh?

Finally, check prices. You can spend a fortune on products, or not—it is all about personal preference. However, many of the medical-grade products do tend to cost more but offer ingredient percentages that are more effective, though only available as prescribed by professionals.

I recently read a shampoo and conditioner “most recommended” winner in Good Housekeeping, and the product was Herbal Essence for 6-dollars per bottle. I buy Olay Whip, which works great for me. However, I have friends who use the Obagi skincare line with great results. I am not saying you shouldn’t spend if it is something that works for you and you really love.

Enjoy the summer sun and look lovely, too. And please don’t skimp on the sunscreen, especially for your face!  Love, Judith

 

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas.
Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.
Look at my blog and maybe you will want to try it yourself!

 

Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and girls Club. Judith is also a long time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her BLOG www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.

 

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