Jane's Sun Philosophy

Summer is quickly approaching and while you might be anxious to run to the beach and spend hours outside, there’s a few things you should consider. Don’t be afraid of the sun, our bodies need sunlight! At janegee, we are here to take the worry away and help you enjoy the sun and soak up all the wonderful benefits it has to offer.

While the temperatures are getting higher, the sun is getting stronger. While you might think you’re being safe by lathering on the sunscreen, make sure you know what’s in it. You might just be lathering your skin with chemicals and preventing your body from absorbing the sun. Here are some ingredients to avoid:

• Oxybenzone - A sunscreen ingredient associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts.
• Avobenzone - Sunlight can cause this ingredient to break down and lose its effectiveness for skin protection. Photodegradation is delayed by mixing avobenzone with stabilizing chemicals.
•  Octisalate -When this chemical is exposed to UV light, it absorbs the rays and produces oxygen radicals that can damage cells and cause mutations. It is readily absorbed by your skin and may accumulate within your body in measurable amounts.
•  Octocrylene - a common ingredient in sunscreens. It may cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
•  Homosalate - a common ingredient in sunscreen. Research indicates it is a weak hormone disruptor, and sunlight breaks down the chemical into harmful byproducts.
•  Octinoxate - can cause biochemical or cellular level changes, endocrine disruption,  persistence and bioaccumulation, enhanced skin absorption, ecotoxicology, and organ system toxicity (non-reproductive).

Along with all the nasties found in commercial sunscreens, I also think they create a false sense of security. People tend to stay out in the sun far longer than is safe because the sunscreens mask our body’s natural warning mechanism.

Sunscreen also blocks UVB rays which our bodies need to manufacture Vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, facilitates normal immune system function, aids in growth and development of bones and teeth, and improves resistance against certain diseases. Your body loves and needs Vitamin D!

What if I told you that you could build your own natural sunscreen just by changing your diet. Your skin already has a natural SPF, but you can make it even stronger. It’s best to start doing this a few months before summer but it’s better late than never! You want to start eating food rich in  antioxidants foods such as berries, watermelon, green tea, turmeric, red, green and yellow peppers, and tomatoes. Your skin cells will become nourished and stronger.

Exposing your skin to the sun little by little everyday will help build your sun tolerance. Building the melanin in your skin (the tanned-skin pigment) can help prevent burning in the summer.  

You can also use botanical oils to protect your skin. Oils like Jojoba, Olive and Seabuckthorn offer some protection.

Make sure you’re using the right products on your skin. Even using the wrong skincare can damage the acid mantle in your skin which holds your natural SPF. Avoid using scrubs, peels and synthetic moisturizers.  

Get a little too much sun? No problem. Below are some of my go to remedies for a pesky sunburn:

• Suncare - I developed a product called Suncare that is great for soothing your skin after you’ve been soaking in the sun.. It’s a blend of coconut oil (natural spf of 10), carrot seed oil (natural spf of 28-38) and raspberry seed oil (natural spf of 45-50). Suncare is designed to reduce inflammation, condition and hydrate your skin, and keep it healthy and glowing. It’s great used before, during, and after sun exposure.
• Tip: Keep a bottle of Suncare in your fridge. It’ll feel so refreshing on your sun kissed skin.
• Tomato - All you have to do is  cut a tomato in half and rub it on your sunburn, the lycopene in the tomato will soothe the burn and promote healing. The next day you may still be a little red but no pain and your skin will heal quickly. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar works great at balancing the pH of your skin and allowing it to heal faster. We recommend filling a spray bottle with water and adding 1-2 capfuls of vinegar. Spray the solution on your burn to soothe and heal. 
• Black Tea - Black tea contains tannic acid and theobromine which helps remove heat from a sunburn. It also had catechins which help prevent and repair skin damage. Steep the tea in a pitcher then use a rag to apply it to your skin. 
• Stay Hydrated
• Add a janegee Floral Water to your daily routine to add mositure and nutrients to your skin.
• Drink coconut water. Not only is it extremely refreshing, but it is also great for hydrating the body and aiding in overall kidney health.
• Add a pink of sea salt to your water. This will help your body assimilate it better and stay hydrated.

Remember, the sun is important for our overall well-being. Learn to embrace and respect the sun. Learn to embrace and respect your skin. Lets get better together!