In an effort to set the standard in sunscreen safety and effectiveness, the FDA has put regulations on the manufacturing and marketing of all sunscreen products. The FDA has given strict guidelines to manufacturers so that consumers are better informed on a sunscreen product’s benefits.

Janet Woodcock, M.D., Director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said, “These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families.”

So effective June 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for over-the-counter sunscreens require that your brand new bottle of sunscreen look something like this:

Smaller and new to market brands like Soleil Organique® have two years to change packaging in compliance with the new FDA requirements. In the meantime, we’ll be working on that and keeping you current on the latest.

Today marks the start of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. More than 2 million people per year are diagnosed with skin cancer making it the most common cancer in the US. We’re glad to report that it is also one of the most preventable of cancers. Most startling however, is the statistic that one person dies from melanoma approximately each hour.

Head this advice and practice safe, smart sun S.O. friends. With these tips we hope you won’t have to find yourself in a sunscreen crisis this season. We’d rather see you enjoy a relaxed start to summer.

S.O. Sun Safe Tips: 

• Choose broad spectrum sunscreen to protect you from both UVB and UVA rays. Not all products are broad spectrum and remember that SPF number only measures UVB, not UVA.
• Select a naturally based, physical, mineral sunscreen with actives Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Chemical sunscreen actives are linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage making them toxic and hazardous to health.
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before outside activity and apply generously to all areas of exposed skin.
• Do not look to makeup / cosmetic products for your core sun protection.
• Wear sunscreen every day, every month of the year!
• Stay out of the sun when it is at its peak, between 10a.m. – 4p.m. This holds true even on cloudy days.
• If you must be in the sun, re-apply sunscreen every two hours or sooner if you have been swimming or sweating. Water resistant sunscreen must be re-applied as towel drying rubs product off the skin.
• UVA rays are not blocked by windows or typical sunglasses.  Wear sunscreen when driving or indoors near windows. Remember to apply sunscreen to the back of your hands too. This is especially important for prevention of UV damage received while driving. Look for sunglasses that offer as close to 100% coverage from both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Have a wide brimmed hat with you at all times. It will help protect the face, ears and scalp from UV damage.
• If attempting UV coverage with clothing, keep in mind cotton only gives the equivalent of approximately an SPF15. Look for clothing that specifically carries a UPF rating.
• Apply sunscreen to the often missed areas of the body: eyes, lips, ears, behind knees, feet and scalp.
• 50% percent of UV exposure occurs between the ages of 19 – 40 and children are at an increased risk due to thinner skin. Offer the entire family sun protection often to impart healthy skin/sun habits.
• Get an annual skin check by a dermatologist to monitor skin changes and discuss concerns. Most dermatology offices provide free screenings. To find a free skin cancer screening, visit the AAD website.
• Do not use tanning beds or sunbathe intentionally. Tanning not only poses a greater risk for skin cancer but also breaks down collagen and elastin causing premature aging.
• Replenish your sunscreen stash so you’re never without UV protection and toss any expired product.

When looking for the finest sustainable beauty products, look just beyond the sandy beach lounges on Florida’s Palm Beach shore and step inside the Four Seasons Palm Beach resort. The FSPB has a beautifully curated array of skin care products and gifts available for their celebrated guests. It is a distinct pleasure to have the Soleil Organique® suncare collection available at FSPB.

Posh pampering awaits inside the Spa where premium-grade treatments cater to the most discerning spa-goer. Not up for leaving the room? No need. In-room and couple spa services are personal favorites.

Gentlemen visiting the resort will enjoy taking a seat in the Barber Room chair for an experience that includes all the trimmings.

We would like to recognize and thank FSPB Director of Spa, Michael Perez. An industry Director for over 15 years, Michael gives Lifestyle SOphisticate readers some inside scoop about this fine Four Seasons property:

SO: Who are your guests and what do they value most at Four Seasons Palm Beach?

MP: Our guests really enjoy the chic simplicity of our decor and design as well our constantly evolving result driven products and treatments. They are very diverse in sex and age and that will continue to change as we are about to launch a spa for children program here in Palm Beach.

SO: What treatments or services are your personal favorites?

MP: My favorite is a Palm Beach Signature Massage and Fountain of Youth Facial.

SO: Three words to describe the Four Season Palm Beach Spa:

MP: Natural Ocean Bliss.

SO: What direction do you see the spa industry taking over the next decade?

MP: Simply put – organic. Fortunately in 2011 we converted to 95% organic and 100% paraben free in our spa products for home care as well as treatment.

When in Palm Beach S.O. friends, save us a spot under the sun!

S.O. Founder Valerie McMurray visited THE most dynamic duo currently in the apothecary world last month at their first LA store opening. Renowned brand owners, Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz of Malin+Goetz are experts in the fields of both architecture and cosmetic design, evident the moment you step foot into any Malin+Goetz lab store. Valerie McMurray was thrilled to have been able to celebrate with these fellow New Yorkers on their latest outpost opening. Nestled in the heart of Larchmont Village, Val commented that “it is simply stunning inside and the minimalist interiors brilliantly allow the Malin+Goetz range to speak for itself.”

Shouldn’t every day be Earth Day? While we would love for that to be the case, unfortunately daily activities can have a cumulative negative impact on Mother Nature. Even the simple act of applying a personal care product has the propensity to cause great ecological harm. When it comes to sun protection it’s not only about our affinity towards healthy, ageless looking skin. Our goal at Soleil Organique® is to protect the skin against skin cancer, protect your overall health and respect the earth in the process.

Sunscreen and the Environment

Marine biology studies reveal that synthetics like chemical sunscreens are accountable for the dying-off of our oceans’ coral reefs.  Some 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off tourists, surfers, divers and other swimmers every year. Then when coral bleaching occurs coral reefs not only lose their beauty but also their life.

Coral reefs provide home and food to many species of marine life in the earth’s oceans. Corals have the ability to protect our coastlines and keep carbon dioxide within the ocean in proper balance.  Without coral the risk of disproportionate CO2 promises a very inhospitable acidic environment further impacting a vast number of marine species not to mention the entire seafood industry.

Coral is a living organism that survives on algae. However, studies show that synthetic sunscreen ingredients infect algae with viruses and as the virus grows, algae dies. Without it, so too does the coral die.

Environmentally Dangerous Chemical Sunscreen Actives

Also dangerous to a human’s well-being, some chemical sunscreens actives harmful to the environment are:

• Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)
• Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
• 4Methyl-benzyliden camphor (4MBC)
• Butylparaben

A truly healthy, environmentally pleasing product is one that is safe for you and the planet. Besides, who really wants to trash nature or their health during their daily beauty routine? So we’ve formulated the entire S.O. line with well-crafted, highly effective, naturally based ingredients. Sustainably focused, broad spectrum mineral actives are simply gentler on both the skin and the environment.

 Environmentally Friendly Naturally Based Protection

• mineral sunscreen actives Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide vs. chemical UV absorbers
• contains organic ingredients
• no petrochemicals, phthalates or synthetic preservatives
• packaged with BPA-free, recyclable materials
• coral reef safe and biodegradable
• water resistant

Celebrate the Earth

Soleil Organique® is celebrating Earth Day and our commitment to keeping your skin and the planet healthier. Those who share the same conscious discernment when shopping for sunscreen can enjoy 15% at www.SoleilOrganique.com all week long.  Use code EARTH15 at checkout.

Soleil Organique® is now available at Ron Robinson | Fred Segal on Melrose in LA. Listed as one of the most powerful 50 in fashion, Ron Robinson, Fred Segal protégé, has revolutionized the face of fashion and beauty since his first store in 1978. This is a perfect fit for Soleil Organique® as we take aim to change the world of sunscreen by offering a truly safe, progressive, relevant collection – saving many faces in the process.  No need to agonize over what skincare line to select, Robinson has taken care of that for you. Procurable among some of the finest niche beauty brands in this well-edited LA experience, is definitely cause for celebration.

“For me, being a retailer means giving people the tools to show who they are, which is incredibly exciting. I want to bring the elite of fashion to a dynamic, organic environment; I want to curate cool, in a manner of speaking. More than anything, I love the history and loyalty that we experience with our shoppers who continue to turn to us, for what’s chic and sharp!”

Looking toward daylight savings time we are keenly aware of two things: less sleep and spring. It’s farewell to layers of cool weather winter clothing and hello to sun-shy skin. The upcoming longer days naturally mean more hours spent outdoors in the sun. We think it is the perfect time to remind our Lifestyle SOphisticate readers to protect your skin from harmful UV rays after its long period of hibernation.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds everyone to take precautions before spending time outdoors. “After a particularly long and arduous winter, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to Daylight Saving Time,” said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “The sun may not feel that strong this time of year, but its UV rays still penetrate and damage the skin, so it’s important to keep the skin protected. Even on cloudy days, about 80 percent of UV rays can still reach us.”

When we spring forward, we call to mind a desire to turn back time. Unprotected, overexposed skin absorbs the sun’s rays which damage the skin’s DNA, breaking down collagen and elastin. Using a broad based sunscreen will prevent future damage. And, a product with anti-aging formulations with antioxidants built-in, can help repair past damage, helping time stay on your side afterall.

We hope you ease your skin into spring S.O. friends – with your best sunscreen-slathered foot forward and all!

Images: Fairy Candles, TheSFStyle

Whether surfing, boating or just generally being proactive about wrinkles, only the most stylish sun care product can truly compliment a sophisticated lifestyle. If chemically laden, passé drugstore sunscreens aren’t synonymous with your style; Soleil Organique® has you covered. Reach for a modern, elegant sun care solution that provides superior broad based protection from damaging UV rays and environmental aggressors.

By incorporating a distinctive sunscreen into your daily life, one that is refined in appearance yet indomitable in effectiveness, you’ll be sitting sun smart and pretty.

With a change of season soon upon us, we’re eager to switch up our band of beauty. Since it’s a bit too soon to pull out the Spring ’12 corals, we’re riding out winter in classic red.  Our look of the moment is one that suits everyone – red with just a smidge of gold – because it’s as eye-catching as it is effortless.

For that, we first turn to a quality primer product to even skin tone and protect in the process which manages to pull off a bright, healthy, au natural face.  Strong red lips and nails demand nothing more than a bit of gold liner and your favorite mascara to balance it out.

We’re pairing this all-American classic beauty look with a natural, limited edition perfume that favors only the finest American botanicals.  It’s all very Don Draper worthy don’t you agree?

1. Soleil Organique ‘Environmental Defense Anti Aging Primer’
2. Giorgio Armani Spring 2012 Waterproof Eyeliner in ‘Antique Gold’
3. Chantecaille Hydra Chic ‘Tigerlilly’ Lipstick
4. D.S. & Durga and Joya Limited-Edition ‘Staghorn Sumac’
5. Scotch Naturals ‘To Hell with Swords and Garter’ polish

Image: Olivia Graham

Everyone knows that sun exposure is the only natural source of the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D. The sun can singlehandedly provide us with our necessary daily intake, but have you ever wondered why D is so important for us, or how to get your intake?

Benefits of Vitamin D:

- helps us absorb calcium and prevents osteoporosis

- fights depression

- balances the immune system

- lowers risk for certain types of cancer and diabetes

- prevention of MS

Experts report that being deficient in Vitamin D can pose serious health concerns. The good news is that receiving just the right amount of D is attainable.

How much sun time is required?

Very little time in the sun is all we need to get our daily dose of D. Just 10-15 minutes of sunlight on arms and legs is the recommended amount of time to produce Vitamin D in the body. UVB intensity and other factors like skin color and regional location will dictate your specific and appropriate length of time to spend in sunlight.

Risks?

Limited non-burning sun exposure is reportedly safe. However, repeated unprotected intense and cumulative incidental UV exposure causes damage at the cellular level, leading to skin cancer, photo aging, eye damage and immune system suppression.

Safe love:

As with all good things, sun moderation is key.  One of our mantras at Soleil Organique® is to ‘love the sun safely and naturally’. How can you do that?

• Limit Exposure – The sun is at its strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Aim to get your 15 minutes of D before 10AM.
• Cover up – During peak sun, shield exposed skin with clothing that is not transparent. Look for clothing that has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).  UPF in apparel rates the fabric’s effectiveness to guard against UVA and UVB rays.
• Sunglasses – There are various eye problems that are associated with overexposure to the sun. Select shades that offer 100% UV protection and HEV (high-energy visible) protection.  A wraparound style is most beneficial.
• Hat – Keep heat at bay and damaging UV rays off of your scalp, ears and face with a broad brimmed hat.
• Naturally based sunscreen  –  Sun damage most often occurs out of incidental exposures or those times during our daily   activities. Keep the habit of applying a non-toxic, naturally based, broad spectrum sunscreen for full protection during both peak UV exposure and for normal daily wear.
• Reapply - The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a reapplication of sunscreen every 2 hours. Sunscreen reapplication may be required more often especially when sweating, swimming and towel drying are in play.

Vitamin D…  it definitely does a body good. It’s officially on the list of reasons we love the sun.