Sky & Sol sunscreen isn’t made locally, but it offers the other features I am looking for – health-conscious, natural, sustainable, eco-friendly – so I decided to give it a try. I will be testing and adding it to the online store. I will also be buying three extra tubes for 3 friends who can to help me test and provide a review:
1. 1st 3 people who share this post on facebook and tag a friend, or
2. Tag us @in.virdance on Instagram and a friend who travels frequently, NEEDS sun protection, values toxin-free products and is a discerning consumer who will provide honest feedback. Comment with hashtag #sunkissedadventurer and we will reach out to them with details.
Even after the first 3 tubes are gone, I set up a 10% discount code for friends: SUNKISSEDSKIN.
Click image to view producer and purchasing options:
BACKGROUND INFO:
In the never-ending quest to eliminate toxic products from my life, I have been looking more closely at things I put on my skin, like sunblock. I use a lot. It’s not easy as a traveler and a paragliding pilot. I’m always unsure what’s in the cheap creams I get when I’m not planning ahead. I travel to hot, sunny places near the equator and have fair skin. I am up in the sky and on mountains where there’s little shade and the atmosphere can be quite thin.
I have friends who have had issues even with darker skin tones, so better safe than sorry. Also, there are several concerns and controversies surrounding commercial sunscreen, I’ve dug a little deeper and found some interesting facts:
- Chemical ingredients: chemical UV filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate have been associated with potential endocrine disruption, coral reef damage, and environmental harm.
- Nanoparticles: improve the texture and absorption of their products, but there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with these tiny particles, including their ability to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.
- There are many false claims and misleading labels about sun protection factor (SPF) or to contain less UV-blocking ingredients than advertised, which can leave users with inadequate sun protection.
- Environmental impact: In addition to the concerns about chemical ingredients, there are also worries about the environmental impact of sunscreen packaging, with many products using plastic containers that can contribute to plastic pollution.
I’ve turned to mineral-based sunscreens and eco-friendly sunscreens that use biodegradable packaging and reef-safe ingredients. This one is made mostly of tallow.
Little scientific research has been done to prove/disprove benefits, it’s commonly known that tallow is used in soaps and creams because if offers:
Moisturizing: Tallow contains a high proportion of fatty acids, such as stearic acid and oleic acid, which can help moisturize the skin and prevent dryness.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some of the fatty acids in tallow have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
- Barrier function: The fatty acids in tallow can help maintain the skin’s barrier function, preventing water loss and protecting the skin from environmental damage.
- Anti-aging: The high concentration of saturated fats in tallow may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Tallow also contains large amounts of stearic acid which has several potential benefits for the skin, including:
- Moisturizing: Stearic acid is an emollient, meaning it can help soften and moisturize the skin by forming a protective barrier that prevents water loss.
- Anti-inflammatory: Stearic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
- Barrier function: Stearic acid can help strengthen the skin’s barrier function, which can protect against environmental stressors and prevent moisture loss.
- Improved texture: Stearic acid can give skincare products a rich, creamy texture, making them more enjoyable to use.
- Enhanced stability: In skincare products, stearic acid can act as an emulsifier and stabilizer, helping to keep ingredients from separating and extending the product’s shelf life.
Why reduce toxins in your life?
- Reduce load on immune system and inflammation, which can contribute to calcification, heart disease, chronic pain and fatigue.
- Reduce load on endocrine, lymphatic and other hormonal systems, promote balance in body chemistry and function.
- Improve mental function. Keep foreign chemicals, metals from crossing over into bloodstream and crossing blood-brain barrier.
Overall, this looks like a good product. The marketing is a little gimmicky and it’s a little pricey at $29, but a sunscreen that not only protects but offers restorative properties and moisturization could be worth the investment. So we are offering free trials and discount to see if this product can meet or exceed expectation.