Sun-Kissed, Not Sun-Burned: Enjoy the Sun Safely

Did you know you do not need harsh chemicals or zinc oxide for sun protection? SPF stands for "sun protection factor". It's not an ingredient. Certain ingredients have SPF. Most sunscreens on the market have either synthetic ingredients or zinc oxide. I chose not to use either in our products. I haven't experienced the need for them.

I choose to not use sunscreen products. I personally prefer to get my SPF from the information I am sharing here. Please do your own research and decide what is best for you.

I have never been one to wear sunscreen. I love having a tan and I don't want to block sun rays because in MI we are so limited on what we get. Because of this my skin was in horrible shape by the time I was in my mid 30s. (I also did not use any skincare products) By the time I hit my mid 40s I decided to do some thing about it. That happened to be when I was beginning to learn how to make skincare products.

As I researched ingredients I learned how many oils, butters and essential oils can actually block UV rays and also heal skin cell damage. Without any side effect, while also allowing some of the rays to get through and help boost vitamin D levels in the body.

Vitamin D is critical for bone health, muscle health, mental health, & reduces risks of many diseases including cancer! The sun is the most effective way to boost vitamin D levels in our bodies. Synthetic vitamin D is not effective and like most synthetic vitamins, can be a complete waste of money.

As I researched ingredients to repair my skin I found that the same ingredients could help prevent sun damage. Partly by blocking and/or absorbing UV rays and partly by hydrating the skin. A strong, hydrated barrier acts as a defense layer. Dry skin often has a broken-down barrier, making it more vulnerable to sunburn, long-term damage like wrinkles, and sunspots.

Many of the oils and butters used in our facial products can reduce the impact of ultraviolet radiation. Each have an SPF rating. However, because they are not "sunscreen" ingredients I cannot state an actual SPF rating on our products.

(The SPF stated is an approximate number)

• Grapeseed Oil (SPF 4)

• Calendula Oil (SPF 14)

• Tamanu Oil (SPF 18)

• Apricot Kernel Oil (SPF 3)

• Evening Primrose Oil (SPF 15)

• Carrot Seed Oil (SPF 4)

• Mango Butter (SPF 4)

The above and the following also include skin cell rejuvenation and regeneration, meaning repair.

• Kokum Butter

• Rosehip Oil

• Prickly Pear Oil

• Raspberry Seed (powder and oil)

• Hibiscus (flower extract and seed oil)

• Activated Charcoal

• Bentonite Clay

• Bakuchiol Oil

• Spilanthes Oil

Pair all of the above with the following essential oils and and your skin will protected and will repair damage that may be done.

• Frankincense (we use 4 different species)

• Carrot Seed Essential Oil

• Lavender

• Chamomile

• Sandalwood

• Rose Absolute

• Neroli

• Palmarosa

• Peppermint

• Rosemary

• Eucalyptus

These ingredients each help protect against and heal sun damage because of their healing properties. They are high in vitamins such as A, C, E as well as Omegas 3, 6, and 9. Many contain retinoids, flavonoids, zinc, antioxidants, and minerals.

So you can probably imagine what happens when all of these ingredients are applied to the skin. Each individual product we sell has powerful healing properties. When you combine the products you are stacking those healing properties. You will get benefits whether you choose just one product or all of them.

If you do get sunburned, it's not too late to protect your skin! I was out on a boat one day and forgot to reapply the Deep Healing Serum after going in the water for a while so I ended up burned.

Photo on the left is 9pm, photo on the right is 9am the next day. I applied Deep Healing Serum and Graceful Glow Night Cream to all burned areas. I do my best to remember to apply the Deep Healing Serum before going in the sun. Sometimes I forget or I miss a spot or two. So I use it ASAP for repair. The Face Lotion and Night Cream also help to protect and repair. These products are not just for the face!