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Step 1
It’s almost time for summer. Ahh, the familiar smell of sunscreen during the day and the bug spray at night. Protecting ourselves and our children from skin cancer and West Nile Virus are two major concerns for the approaching season. But how often do we look at what we are slathering and spraying on ourselves and our children? Have a look at what is in the stuff you put on your skin.
Coppertone Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
FRAGRANCE=Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity
OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3= Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes
SD ALCOHOL 40= Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns
(BRUCINE, T-BUTYL ALCOHOL, BRUCINE SULFATE, QUASSIN)HOMOSALATEE= enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns
(SALICYLIC ACID, TRIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANOL)OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)=Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes
OCTISALATE=Allergies/immunotoxicity, Enhanced skin absorption
You can also add these ingredients if you use Coppertone Water Babies: (ARSENIC, LEAD, HEAVY METALS)METHYLPARABEN= Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Biochemical or cellular level changes
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Step 2
Alternatives: Purchase a non-toxic sunscreen like Mexitan or Soleo. These products are rather expensive, but the cost is well worth not being poisoned. If it’s not in your budget, you can make own. Yes, you can make your own natural sunscreen. Here is a link for a homemade sunscreen recipe. http://www.a1-natural-beauty.com/Sunscreen_Lotion.html
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Step 3
Now, about bug spray. You certainly don’t want West Nile or Lyme Disease. Burt’s Bess or Buzz Away are two safe insect repellents. But again, you can make your own. One is a bug spray that you don’t use on your skin, but you can use to treat an area outside. It is so simple. Get an empty spray bottle. Pour about a half inch of liquid dish soap in the bottle and fill the rest with water. Shake it up to mix it. That’s it. The film in the soap coats the outside of the bug can causes it to die. Why? Because bugs don’t have lungs. Most bugs derive oxygen through diffusion. Basically getting their oxygen through their outer shells.
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Step 4
Now, a good receipe for insect repellent that you can use on yourself is: p1 Place 1/2 organic apple vinegar into a large mixing bowl. Step2 Mix into the organic apple vinegar 1/2 cup of vodka. Step3 Place 2 tablespoons of citronella oil into the above stated mixture.
Step4 Mix thoroughly. Step5 Using a funnel transfer contents of mixing bowl into a small spray bottle. Step6 Apply liberally for best effect. You can get the essential oil at http://www.essentialoil.com/index.php?osCsid=f0b5j7dugismftcpofce6nfu13
Happy health!
