Wellness
Why You Should Be Using Non-Toxic SPF This Summer
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Don’t let the last month of summer fool you. It’s August, and the harmful rays are not letting up anytime soon. It’s true, protecting your skin against harmful summer rays has so many benefits, but the SPF landscape can be trickier to navigate than a first time trip to the Korean spa.
What if I told you that the right, non-toxic, chemical-free sunscreen could actually improve your skin concerns and leave you looking glowy AF! It’s not too late to implement a summer skin saver ritual. Read on, glow up.
Keeps skin nourished
One of the biggest benefits of using a mineral sunscreen, as opposed to a harsh chemical variety, is that it nourishes the skin without clogging pores. Zinc is one of the primary non-toxic SPF ingredients, and it’s benefits include reducing redness, killing acne bacteria, and fighting free radical damage. Oily or acne-prone? Slather on the zinc to stay clear. Contrary to popular belief, sun exposure actually zaps your skin’s natural moisture, causing an oil-producing reaction. Keep skin happy, nourished, and clear by applying a natural mineral sunscreen well into fall.
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Keeps skin nourished
One of the biggest benefits of using a mineral sunscreen, as opposed to a harsh chemical variety, is that it nourishes the skin without clogging pores. Zinc is one of the primary non-toxic SPF ingredients, and it’s benefits include reducing redness, killing acne bacteria, and fighting free radical damage. Oily or acne-prone? Slather on the zinc to stay clear. Contrary to popular belief, sun exposure actually zaps your skin’s natural moisture, causing an oil-producing reaction. Keep skin happy, nourished, and clear by applying a natural mineral sunscreen well into fall.
Decreases the appearance of acne scars
I hate to break it to you Snookie, having a tan will not help conceal acne scars! Harmful UV rays not only cause signs of aging, but they can also make the appearance of acne scars and pigmented skin marks much more noticeable. Exposure from the sun actually creates hyperpigmentation by increasing melanin production, darkening acne scars. Prevent the darkening of current unwanted facial pigment and breakouts simultaneously with non-comedogenic zinc-based formulas.
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Decreases the appearance of acne scars
I hate to break it to you Snookie, having a tan will not help conceal acne scars! Harmful UV rays not only cause signs of aging, but they can also make the appearance of acne scars and pigmented skin marks much more noticeable. Exposure from the sun actually creates hyperpigmentation by increasing melanin production, darkening acne scars. Prevent the darkening of current unwanted facial pigment and breakouts simultaneously with non-comedogenic zinc-based formulas.
Prevents signs of aging
Who doesn’t want to keep their skin free of wrinkles and prevent other signs of aging? Prolonged exposure to UV light can damage fibers in the skin called elastin. Over time, this can cause the skin to sag and stretch, causing pesky wrinkles and skin laxity. That, I-just-got-home-from-Ibiza tan might look cute for one Instagram post, but it will take a not-so-pretty toll later in life. All said and done, get a good bronzer and wear your sunscreen loves!
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Prevents signs of aging
Who doesn’t want to keep their skin free of wrinkles and prevent other signs of aging? Prolonged exposure to UV light can damage fibers in the skin called elastin. Over time, this can cause the skin to sag and stretch, causing pesky wrinkles and skin laxity. That, I-just-got-home-from-Ibiza tan might look cute for one Instagram post, but it will take a not-so-pretty toll later in life. All said and done, get a good bronzer and wear your sunscreen loves!
But what to buy?
To take the guess work out, I tested countless non-toxic face and body sunscreens to find the absolute best products on the market.
Face
My top pick for your face is the Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 from Josh Rosebrook. This mineral liquid SPF has zinc, evening primrose oil, and hempseed oil to calm sensitive skin. It has a slightly dewy finish and doesn’t make me breakout! This 2-ounce size lasts forever, so it’s well worth the price tag. Hot tip: apply to damp and or well-hydrated skin for a buttery smooth application.
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But what to buy?
To take the guess work out, I tested countless non-toxic face and body sunscreens to find the absolute best products on the market.
Face
My top pick for your face is the Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 from Josh Rosebrook. This mineral liquid SPF has zinc, evening primrose oil, and hempseed oil to calm sensitive skin. It has a slightly dewy finish and doesn’t make me breakout! This 2-ounce size lasts forever, so it’s well worth the price tag. Hot tip: apply to damp and or well-hydrated skin for a buttery smooth application.
Body
This SPF 30 Sheer Zinc Sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is the best completely non-toxic spray I’ve ever found! It sprays on a touch white but easily blends into a sheer, scentless finish. It’s also completely reef, baby, and boyfriend safe! Hot tip: Apply post-shower when you’re in your birthday suit to avoid all tan lines.
If you’ve been tanning all summer, don’t fret. It’s never too late to make like Julianne Moore. Your stunning wrinkle-free 60-year-old self is high fiving you every time you apply that sunscreen.
Looking to step up your skincare routine? Follow @thetruespoon and check out The True Spoon for skin education, #eattoglow recipes, tips, and more!
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Body
This SPF 30 Sheer Zinc Sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is the best completely non-toxic spray I’ve ever found! It sprays on a touch white but easily blends into a sheer, scentless finish. It’s also completely reef, baby, and boyfriend safe! Hot tip: Apply post-shower when you’re in your birthday suit to avoid all tan lines.
If you’ve been tanning all summer, don’t fret. It’s never too late to make like Julianne Moore. Your stunning wrinkle-free 60-year-old self is high fiving you every time you apply that sunscreen.
Looking to step up your skincare routine? Follow @thetruespoon and check out The True Spoon for skin education, #eattoglow recipes, tips, and more!
Fitness
Community Close-up: The Kyles of Kyle House Fitness
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Kyle House Fitness is Chattanooga’s premier fitness program offering group fitness classes and personal training with the best-certified instructors and trainers in the area. Located on Chattanooga’s thriving Southside, Kyle House Fitness is more than a gym, they pride themselves on building a welcoming and inclusive community. The owners of this gym, Kyle House and Kyle Miller (AKA The Kyles), may sound familiar to you since they recently wrote a blog post for us on how to be an LGBTQIA+ ally in the fitness space.
Since they happen to be one of the most influential duos in the fitness industry, we were eager to sit down and learn more about what wellness means to them. Ready to get to know The Kyles better? Let’s dive in.
Tell us about yourself. What led you to where you are now?
We have always had a love for fitness. From an early age, we were both very athletic (swimming, gymnastics, and cheerleading). Once we graduated, we slowly transitioned into training young athletes and then later started working on our careers. Kyle House started personal training at a large gym and began building a solid career as a personal trainer and groups fitness instructor. Kyle Miller started working in marketing and communications ranging from politics, law enforcement, and tech becoming a leading public relations professional. After working in their fields for about 10 years they decided to combine their love of fitness with their experience and built one of the most successful fitness facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Wellness to us has always been about leading a life that is balanced. It's not all fitness, it's not all work, it's not all fun...
What inspired you to open your business? What motivates you day-to-day?
During our time working at other gyms and visiting other facilities that many were either missing qualified and motivating trainers, topnotch customer service, or a workout that was balanced and would lead to results for everyone whether they were casual fitness enthusiasts or hardcore athletes. We are motivated on a day-to-day basis by the idea that we can always be better. The experience can get better, the community can grow stronger, and we can continue to show people that fitness is more than just a way to look good, it's therapy.
What does wellness mean to you? Has it evolved over the past couple of years?
Wellness to us has always been about leading a life that is balanced. It's not all fitness, it's not all work, it's not all fun... it's not all healthy food, it's not just junk food—it's about finding a way to reach your own personal goals while still having a healthy relationship with fitness, friends, family, and food—otherwise known as the four Fs.
If you're in the Chattanooga area, you should definitely check out Kyle House Fitness to take your wellness routine to the next level. You can book classes on the Mindbody app or through their KHF app.
