Let’s consider a controversial topic: SUNSCREENS

When I was a teenager, I knew nothing about the damaging effects of too much sun exposure. Like all my peers, I would bask in the sun, looking for the fastest ways to get a tan… CRAZY!!! I even used udder balm (supposedly to speed up the process), which was the stickiest, yuckiest thing (virtually impossible to wash off)!

Then I realized that something a bit more… organic would definitely be better, so I used olive oil, which helps you tan while moisturizing the skin, except that it does not protect much from UV rays!

Then we all learned about the dangers of too much sun exposure (melanoma being a pretty deadly form of cancer), and we started slathering on sunscreens, which, it turns out, were loaded with toxic chemicals, some of them recognized as endocrine disrupters. Besides, ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunscreens were found to be responsible for damaging coral reefs!…Nice!

Going from one extreme to the other, with the massive use of high UV protectant sunscreens (what a business to be in), we also discovered that a large percentage of the population was now vitamin D deficient, and so everyone loaded up on Vitamin D supplements, which, it turns out, are poorly absorbed by the body. And that the best way to get enough vitamin D (which, when studied in mice, is believed to slow or prevent the development of cancer) is through sunlight exposure.

Talk about making our heads spin!

Now, with a little more perspective, we realize that regular, moderate exposure to sunlight is really good for us and that we should use sunscreen (safe versions, please!), especially when we are out for prolonged periods of time.

BEFORE and AFTER sun exposure

Nourishing and protecting our skin before and after sun exposure with natural, organic ingredients is key to keeping it healthy and glowing. One of my favorite ingredients in skin oils is Carrot Seed Oil (from Daucus Carota, which is the wild carrot, a.k.a. Queen Anne’s Lace).

Even though it is said to have some degree of UV protection, I wouldn’t recommend it as your go-to sunscreen, because it only provides mild protection. But it is a powerful anti-oxidant, it is packed with nutrients, it is highly repairing, and it won’t clog pores. It also has anti-bacterial properties, it strengthens our skin and helps it build resilience prior to exposure to UV rays.

We use carrot seed oil in our Repair and Eclat face serums, Men’s Face Oil, and Heal Scar Treatment. It comes from France, it is organic, cold-pressed… A beautiful oil all around!