“Broad spectrum” is a term of art that generally refers to the range of light that is emitted from the sun including both UVA and UVB light. The easiest way to remember what each does? UVA is for Aging and UVB is for Burning. UVB is the stronger, shorter rays that burn the skin’s surface and induce burning and/or tanning. The Sun Protection Factor “SPF” relates only to UVB light. Sana’s Solar to Polar is broad spectrum because it protects from both UVA and UVB lights.

2. Is tanning bad? Really? I know the skin purists say any kind of sun is bad, but I practically never burn. Should I worry?

Yes and no. Tanning itself – the production of melanin – is not damaging, but many argue that simultaneous skin damage (at least UVA damage) always accompanies tanning. Those of us with darker skin actually may be at greater risk for skin cancer- largely because UVA damage leaves no immediate signs. In other words, deeper damage may be occurring for those who feel impervious to the sun. You’ve seen the deep brown leather skin sported by longtime beach goers – those are people who may not have burned, but UVA rays have taken their toll. It’s fun to play in the sun, and its effects aren’t all bad when you protect yourself!

3. What is the difference between synthetic active ingredients in sunscreen vs. minerals in sunscreen? There are many reasons synthetics could be a no-no. It is believed that synthetics in skin care products can do anything from disrupting the body’s hormones to causing allergic reactions due to how absorbable they are. Learn more at Save with Green

4. Why are physical sunscreens better for tattoos? Physical sunscreens aren’t just better; they’re the only thing that works. Short of wearing a burka, that is. 

There are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens repel the UVA and UVB rays . The two FDA-recognized physical screens – zinc and titanium – do not have negative impact on skin in appropriate doses. Chemical sunscreens, meanwhile, protect your skin by absorbing UVA and UVB radiation and mitigating its effects. The rub? Chemical sunscreens might help your skin, but they don’t protect your tattoos from fading. Not even a little. Further, several chemical screens are known endocrine disrupters, meaning they’re not good for you or your skin. Vivesana sunscreens use exclusively physical sunscreens, making them better for you and your tattoos than any chemical screens out there. They also have two dramatic advantages over other natural screens. First, Solar to Polar Ultra has the strongest natural spf on the planet, providing a higher level of protection. Second, Vivesana screens rub in completely clear – an entirely unique innovation in a field filled with white, pasty, grainy natural screens. Unless you’re looking for an opaque white finish to your ink, Vivesana is the best there is. But now we’re bragging.

5. If water is so great for your skin, why are Sana products water-free?Sana doesn’t include waterin its products for a number of reasons. First, topically applied water has no benefit to your skin. It’s not absorbed by the skin in any meaningful quantity. Second, water is the perfect place for microbes to grow. Other skin care products counteract this by using harmful synthetics to inhibit microbe growth. Lastly, water is a filler, allowing other companies stretch their product.

6. What’s the deal with aluminum? I’ve heard it causes Alzheimer’s.There are studies showing a mild link between Alzheimer’s and aluminum, and many others showing none. There also is an issue with the liners in some aluminum and plastic containers containing a nasty substance called BPA, or Bisphenol A . The concern stems from research showing that BPA leeches into everything from the water inside the bottle to the cosmetics in the container. Plastics have their own issues, including the use of phthalates and the fact that the overwhelming majority of plastic containers come from China. Whether there is in fact a link with aluminum – and we threw out our aluminum pans some time ago just to be safe - Vivesana tubes have BPA-free liner, which means our products do not touch the aluminum. The tubes are local, more sustainable, and more safely manufactured.

7. What are Parabens? I hear about them everywhere. Parabens are low molecular weight synthetic preservatives used in a wide range of personal care products. They are endocrine disrupters, which means they can interrupt and/or disrupt the flow of hormones in the body. Their primary impact appears to be as an estrogen-mimic with mild carcinogenic properties. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that parabens can permeate the skin, enter the body and bio-accumulate. Parabens appear to be most troublesome in areas where absorption is most likely (e.g., in deodorants and shaving cream). Some studies have found a connection between parabens and breast cancer. Sana does not use Parabens, or, for that matter, any other synthetic preservative.

The lovely people at Ecofabulous just made us blush.  Read what they had to say about the Vivesana approach to sun care.  We think they’re doing great work, too!

And read on, to see what scores of other reviewers have had to say…

We’re blushing.  We’ve received scores – possibly hundreds – of reviews those with the most discerning eyes of all – the bloggers.

Here are just a few notable examples of the blogs and websites that have given their thoughts.

We’ll keep posting the reviews as we find ‘em.  Click on any of the links below to see what the experts have to say…

Ideal Bite, The Style Page, Livestrong, Beauty News NYC, The Greenists, Babble, Baby Gadget, Mamaista, Cool Mom Picks, Treehugger, Quiskaeya, Mogul Baby, Nonchalant Mom, Totsnob, Smorgasbite, Beauty Snob, Re-Nest, DKmommyspot, Green Blog, Sustainability Digest, This Full House, Green Goddess Dressing, FindBuzz.com

I sat down with Lakey and her parents on a sunny Santa Barbara afternoon. We talked about our approach to things. We were on the same page with just about everything – from the importance of organics and sustainability, to being a responsible corporate citizen, to reasons why a moisturizing, all-natural formulation is ideal for active, prolonged exposure to sun, wind, water and salt.

Lakey was a hesitant. She liked the tinted sun stick she had always used. Mom pointed out how good Solar to Polar made her skin look, and why it’s better to use nourishing natural ingredients. Lakey tried it, flashed a bright smile, and ran off to guitar lesson.

The Petersons seem like a wonderful family, which helps explain why Lakey is such a funny, energetic, charismatic young lady. She also happens to be one of, if not the, top young women surfers in America. She just won the national NSSA open women’s surfing championship. Read more here. And, we’re happy to report, she just joined the Vivesana family.

Would anyone care about organics in a downturn?  Is environmentalism truly a widespread, lifestyle-altering movement or an ephemeral fad?  Will people pay a little more for something better?

The response has been immensely gratifying and a little overwhelming. In the last two weeks alone we’ve launched in the perhaps the preeminent baby boutique in Manhattan (Yoyamart), the best skin care shop in the Hamptons (White’s of East Hampton), the biggest, most respected organic market in San Francisco (Rainbow Grocery), and one of the prettiest baby stores in LA (Bellini’s of South Pasadena).  And then there are the re-orders already piling up from stalwarts like Lazy Acres in Santa Barbara.
The blogosphere, of course, already has their own two cents on the subject (e.g., here, here, here and here and so on, and so forth) but that’s a subject for another time.

Thanks to all…and spread the word!

Sunscreens have perhaps the widest range of skin toxins, carcinogins, endocrine disrupters and allergens in any area of skin care (outside of nail polish remover, if that counts). It’s beyond dispute that sunscreens do cause contact dermatitis in a portion of population. Or more precisely, chemical sunscreens cause contact dermatitis in some people. Chemical screens work by absorbing UV rays, while physical screens – like zinc and titanium – block and disperse rays at the skin’s surface.

We did everything we could to choose the least allergenic natural and organic ingredients we could. We were thrilled when we got our results from clinical hypoallergencity testing – not a single reaction over 8 weeks of testing.

Nothing is perfect for all people and the traditional caveats should always apply – seek medical advice with babies under 6 months, consult a doctor if a rash develops…etc – but for those with sensitive skin, it’s nice to know there may be a path that doesn’t involve reactions or sunsburns. Live Healthy!

~ Forget all-natural and 70% organic. It’s a pipe dream. Just throw the words around. Nobody reads.
~ Do you have any idea how much cheaper it’d be to buy your tubes from China like everyone else?
~ Forget everything else – put your money into marketing if you want to succeed. They can sell anything.

Time to prove ‘em all wrong. Take this coupon. Use it. Spread it. Have fun!

(valid online until May 5, 2009)

“Just got back from Mammoth!! Epic conditions. In the morning, really sunny, to extreme wind and freezing in the afternoon, all three days. Brutal wind up to 75-100 mph ridge gust were forecasted, so we stuck to tree skiing. Used Solar to Polar Ultra 40…And NO sunburn and more surprising, no windburn either! My friend Toby and I used it and were fine. My buddy Alex didn’t use it and had full raccoon dace with really dry windburn. Just thought you’d like to know…GREAT PRODUCT! – Steve, Ventura

“Honestly, I’m very picky about what I put on my face. I used it, grudgingly, all week on my runs on the cliffs. It’s the best sunscreen I’ve ever used. It doesn’t run, even a tiny bit.” – Wendy, Santa Barbara

“Does it say anywhere how moisturizing it is? You really should say that somewhere. ” – Mom, Philly

“I put it on my kids’ faces every day before they go to school. And of course, every time we go to the beach. They don’t mind it all, which is very unusual. And I absolutely love what it’s made of.” Tina, San Diego

Yeah, this sounds like set of cheesy infomercial testimonials. But I don’t care – developing these products took years of sweat and tears. Nothing about it was easy. We finally have our dream sunscreens, and I’m damn proud of it. There, I’ve said it, let’s move on.