On Island Time? Or about to be? We're jealous. Travel wisely this season, with some of our favorite natural, organic, eco-friendly and just downright cute products to take you from the beach to the bar (or perhaps, Barre class.)

In our last post on summer essentials, we talked about natural products to protect yourself from the sun's rays (like alba Botanica's sprayable SPF 35,) and pestering mosquitoes (like DEET-free bug-repellant.) So now, we're sharing some of our more fashionable favorites: from adorable, blue-mirror sunnies to protect your precious eyes, to a super-cute, hand-woven beach towel to a silky pomegranate moisturizer, perfect for post-swim, and a luxurious, though inexpensive, mask to rehydrate summer skin. And of course you can't forget a practical beach bag (and one that's not made of animals) or a cute bikini, so we've picked one of our favorite suits that - lucky you - happens to be on sale!

​If you've been following our fitness and food recommendations then you've worked hard for your body, so you deserve to flaunt it!

​Stay healthy & glowing, dolls! 

From the moment we wake up, we are exposed to toxins. For most of us, it starts with brushing our teeth. We use a toothpaste with fluoride, peroxide or other additives. For others, it's when hop in the shower and stand under toxic-laden water, that different antibiotics and chemicals have seeped into. Our bodies have natural defense mechanisms for eliminating toxic build-up in our bodies. However, with increasing synthetic chemical exposure, often from products we're not even aware of,  many of us are experiencing allergic, inflammatory reactions - from skin irritation to hormonal imbalances and more. Let's take a look at some common toxic chemicals found in our everyday consumer products, from laundry detergent to shampoo to cleaning solvents, and the harm they can inflict upon our bodies. 
 
 
Phthalates
| also: dehp, dinp, dbp, didp, dnop, bbp |

 Phthalates can act as lubricants and solvents. They are commonly used to make plastic more durable and flexible, and are found in many consumer products, including perfume, nail polish, beauty products, medications, medical devices (like IV Tubing), food wrap and children’s toys.
 
Dangers:
endocrine disruptor
allergen that can create asthmatic reaction
respiratory irritant 
pre-natal exposure can lead to birth defects
potentially contributes to breast cancer
 
Over time, phthalates diffuse into products' surrounding environments, leaching onto air particles, water, food, dust and more.

Since February 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act has restricted several phthalates (DEHP, DBP, and BBP) from use in the manufacturing of children’s toys and articles in concentrations exceeding 0.1 percent. 
 
Parabens 
| also: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben |
 
Parabens are used as preservatives in most personal care, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. You can find them listed in the ingredients of many shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, spray tanning solutions and toothpaste. Among other health concerns, parabens can cause skin reactions like contact dermatitis, rosacea and increased skin aging. 
 
Dangers:
hormone disruptor
allergy trigger
skin irritator 

A 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology indicated that parabens, which act like estrogen, may play a role in the development of certain types of breast cancer. 
 
Formeldehyde
| also: formalin, formic aldehyde, methanediol, methanal, methyl aldehyde, methylene glycol, methylene oxide |
 
Formaldehyde acts as a preservative, disinfectant and biocide. It is commonly found in nail polish, shampoo, gels, liquid soaps and adhesives like eyelash glue.
 
Dangers:
allergic reactions
carcinogenic

 The EU limits the amount of formaldehyde in finished products to a maximum of 0.2%. 

In 2010, the U.S. Congress passed a bill limiting the allowable amount of formaldehyde emissions from wood products like hardwood plywood and particle board to .09 ppm. 

The 1999 Canadian Environmental Protection Act declared formaldehyde as a toxic substance.
 
Sulfates  
| also: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) & sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) |
 
Sulfates are used as detergents and surfactants in many soaps, shampoos and toothpastes. 
 
Dangers:
dry, flaky skin
premature aging
allergic reactions
eye damage
diarrhea
 
The American College of Toxicology found that sulfates can cause eye malformation in children.
 
Polyethylene glycol
| also: PEG |
 
Polyethylene glycol is used to dissolve oil and grease, as well as to thicken products. It can be found in the majority of personal care products
 
Dangers:
potentially carcinogenic
damaging to the immune system
neuropsychiatric effects

The popular PEG-containing laxative, MiraLax, was flagged in the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) for its connection to neuropsychiatric events.

Read the labels when buying common household items, including cleaning agents and personal care products. Where possible, avoid the aforementioned chemicals and opt for products with all-natural or organic ingredients. You'll find that there are many great natural alternatives to these toxic chemicals with similar effects. For instance, grapeseed fruit extract is a great natural replacement for parabens.

Essential Oil Therapy for The Mind
 
For centuries, countries around the world have used essential oils to promote health and wellbeing. Even baby Jesus was anointed with essential oils frankincense and myrrh upon His birth. These oils are thought to provide relief from a variety of ailments – both psychological and physical. Today, we are focusing on some of the psychological benefits.
 
How do essential oils work?
 
Different smells trigger different emotions. When a person inhales through the nose, odor molecules travel to the brain through a variety of receptor sites, one of which is the limbic system. Otherwise known as the “emotional brain,” the limbic system includes complex brain nerves and networks that controls basic emotions (like pleasure) and drives (like sex.) The limbic system evaluates and attributes incoming sensory stimuli to an emotional response, ranging from pain to pleasure.
 
From where are essential oils derived?
 
Essential oils are extracted from flowers, leaves, bark or plant roots. The oils are deemed “essential” because they are thought to represent the essence of the plant.
 
Essential oil treatment for various psychological issues:
 
For anxiety:
 
Lavender: improves sleep, restlessness, irritability, nervous stomach
 
Vetiver: decreases jitteriness, hypersensitivity, shock
 
Rose Oil: relieves anxiety, depression, panic attacks & grieving
 
For depression:
 
Bergamot: stimulates energy, creates feelings of joy & freshness
 
Ylang ylang: boosts confidence & mood, promotes self-love
 
Roman chamomile: helps fight stress & promote relaxation
 
For trouble focusing, including ADHD & ADD:
 
Mandarin: quiets brain *especially when combined with lavender
 
Frankincense: supports the immune system
 
*Lavender, Chamomile and Ylang ylang also aid in focus
 
For fatigue and exhaustion:
 
Basil: promotes concentration, stimulates mind, sharpens senses, fights depression
 
Eucalyptus: creates focus, stimulates mind (also reduces rheumatic pain)  
 
Geranium: balances emotions, *uplifting scent for anxiety and depression  
 
Peppermint: relieves tiredness & mental fatigue
 
Rosemary: clears the head, aids memory, stimulates brain
 
How can essential oils be applied?
 
Aromatically (as through a diffuser)
Topically (on areas like the neck, forehead, temples, chest, abdomen, arms, legs, bottom of feet)
Internally (ingested)
 
Make sure to follow application instructions for each particular oil, as some are too potent to be ingested or applied topically. If applying an essential oil topically, it is suggested to dilute the oil in a carrier oil, like Fractioned Coconut oil, using the following ratio: one drop of essential oil to three drops of carrier oil.
 
As with all products, its best to use essential oils in their purest forms, without chemicals or additives. 

Have you tried essential oils? As with any remedies suggested in this magazine, have you seen benefits? If so, I encourage you to share your story below - as well as the essential oil brands that you prefer!