“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…

Vivesana announces its newest retail partner, the Hippocrates Health Institute of West Palm Beach.

Standing apart as one of the most prominent wellness centers in the country, the Institute embodies many of ideals Vivesana strives to meet. Live Healthy!

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.

So what do they do to our skin? UVA penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB light but doesn’t fry the surface like UVB light. Although less potent, UVA is more dangerous than UVB light in some respects. Its effects are not immediately visible and many sunscreens don’t do a good job of blocking it (the FDA has no labeling requirements in place to illustrate the degree of UVA protection…all those sunscreens that purport to offer UVA protection don’t have to give specifics). It’s like drinking spiked punch – without even realizing what’s happening, you can get yourself in trouble. UVA degrades elastin and collagen – the stuff that holds skin together and gives its pliability and smoothness. UVA light makes skin sag and wrinkle. Newer studies are also showing that it can cause skin cancer and degrade the skin’s barrier function. It deoxidizes corneocytes and impairs peptide functioning. It degrades corneodesmones, which compromises skin integrity, and can even affect our immune systems. Hopefully, the FDA’s proposals to establish a UVA metric will eventually take effect. Until then, tread carefully. Take a look at the EPA’s list of strong UVA blocks. And then take a look at Sana’s ingredients!

UVB light, on the other hand, wreaks more immediate damage at the skin’s surface but does not penetrate to the deeper levels (although it has its benefits, too). Since SPF is tied to UVB light, and because UVB leaves direct evidence on the skin, most sunscreens block UVB light.

One other tip – just like a marshmallow, don’t get too close to the flame! Your skin produces melanin in response to UVB light, but it takes several hours for the process to effectively kick in. Melanin is what makes you tan and helps protect you from UV rays and sunburn. So, if you’re going somewhere sunny, be especially careful the first day!

VIVESANA TO BE THE EXCLUSIVE SUNSCREEN PROVIDER FOR THE 61st ANNUAL ARTISTS vs WRITERS CHARITY SOFTBALL GAME

June 19, 2009 (East Hampton, NY)

The Artists & Writers 61st Annual Charity Softball Game will take place on August 15th, 2009 in East Hampton, NY. Benefitting 3 local East Hampton non-profits, the players have included celebrities like Christie Brinkley, Bill Clinton, Ed Burns, Matthew Broderick, Chevy Chase, Alec Baldwin and many more.

It started out as a casual softball game in the 1950’s with artists like Jackson Pollack, Willem de Kooning, Norman Bluhm, Esteban Vicente and Syd Solomon. Then in the 1960’s writers like John Irving and Kurt Vonnegut joined, and with that the game changed from being light and fun to serious business, full of rules. Gradually the definition of “artists/writers” was expanded to include people of different talents, as well as celebrities.

Today the East End Hampton Day Care Center, The Retreat and The Hospice all benefit from the funds raised through Sponsorship, Ticket Prices and Donations.

Vivesana will be providing its Natural, Organic Sunscreen for the hot, long day of softball.

Dan Signorelli, the Founder of Vivesana says “We are thrilled to contribute to an event that has long been a local tradition, and has benefited three wonderful charities”

About Us

Vivesana, which means “live healthy” in Italian, has developed the strongest 100% natural sunscreens on the market, and the very first 70% organic baby screen.

Vivesana is deeply committed to safety and sustainability in product, packaging and practices. We avoid all synthetics, including phthalates, parabens, PABA, and BPA. Our packaging is entirely US-made and recyclable, and we share 10% of our profits with organizations devoted to environmental and health causes.

Contact Person: Daniel Signorelli
Phone: 215-247-SANA
Email Address: dan@sana-skin.com