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!
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We encourage all to give what they can to help. For our part, Vivesana will donate at least 50% of online sales to Haiti relief via Doctors without Borders from January 14-20.
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Basking in Sunny Praise: Where to Begin?
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
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She took some convincing – but not by us. By mom.
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.
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It’s a handy little mnemonic, but there’s a lot more to it. In the spectrum of light waves, visible light is longer than UV light. Generally, the shorter the wave, the more energy it has…and the more trouble it has penetrating the atmosphere, or for that matter, skin. UVA waves are the longest type of UV light, and just shorter than visible light. Almost all UV light is in the UVA range. UVB rays come next. They’re stronger but less penetrating: indeed, the vast majority of UVB light gets trapped in the outer atmosphere. Thanks to ozone depletion, of course, a lot more gets through than in the past. UVC light is by far the strongest, most dangerous and shortest wavelength. Fortunately, it generally can’t get through the outer atmosphere.
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!
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIVESANA ORGANIC SUNSCREEN LAUNCHES IN STORES ON BOTH COASTS
May 21, 2009 (Brooklyn, NY)
Since Vivesana officially launched in stores a few short weeks ago, the response has been tremendous.
The list of retail partners is filled with prominent, fabulous places. In New York, that includes baby boutiques, green shops, and sporting stores, like Yoyamart, Patyka and Pomme in New York. In the Hamptons, stalwarts like Whites, Main Beach & Sport, and Rube have joined the team. In San Francisco, it includes wonderful groceries, boutiques, and furnishing stores, like Rainbow Grocery, Mudpie and Spring. In Southern California, it means all of the above, in places like Lazy Acres, Pump Station, Sparrow, Magical Child, Whippersnapper, and Bellini.
Founder Dan Signorelli noted, “We’re enormously proud to be working with this set of stores. Every one of them upholds the standards we look for. They couldn’t be better places to start!”
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
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIVESANA TO PROVIDE SUNSCREEN FOR CAMP GOOD GRIEF
June 22, 2009 (East Hampton, NY)
Vivesana will be the exclusive Sunscreen provider for one of the most unique summer programs in the country, Camp Good Grief. It is a week long summer camp held on Shelter Island, NY for children who have lost a parent.
Camp Good Grief is underwritten by proceeds from the East End Hospice Thrift Shop and by grants and generous donations from the East End Community. There are no fees to participate.
Skilled bereavement staff members plan and lead each day with care, and are assisted by carefully trained volunteers.
“This is not a sad place,” notes Hospice President Priscilla Ruffin. “Fun is mixed in with therapy, and the important thing is that these children learn they are not alone, and other children have gone through similar experiences. . . . At school and at home they are different from the other children. But here, they are the same.”
Dan Signorelli, Vivesana’s founder says “We are very excited to be able to provide our sunscreens to the cause. Healthy, active outdoor play is what childhood is all about, and we’re thrilled and honored to support this wonderful program.”
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
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vivesana to Partner with Baby Loves Disco: A Marriage of Safe Sunscreen and Good Times
February 24, 2009 (Brooklyn, New York,)
Vivesana announced today that it will be meeting parents and giving away some of its
Solar to Polar Baby at the upcoming Ft. Lauderdale Baby Loves Disco Valentines Ball on
February 28 at Revolution Live. We at Vivesana are excited for the chance to dance, to
meet parents like us, and most of all the opportunity to talk about how important strong,
safe and effective sunscreens are for our kids.
Baby Loves Disco started in Philadelphia in 2005 with the goal of creating a new
environment for toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents to have fun and get their groove on.
They went to work on a fabulous, innovative concept – transforming the hippest night clubs
into child-proof discos. By the fall of 2006, had spread coast to coast and now holds events
in over 21 cities – largely through the most powerful – and credible – form of advertising
there is – word-of-mouth along the mommy (and daddy) grapevine.
When talking about the partnership between Vivesana and Baby Loves Disco, founding
member Dan Signorelli said “Baby Loves Disco didn’t rely on advertising to grow – they
simply did something special, and the people came. Vivesana has the same focus, putting
everything we have into making the best, safest sunscreens on the planet.
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
Telephone Number: (718) 522-5547
Email Address: dan@sana-skin.com
XXX
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIVESANA ORGANIC SUNSCREEN CREATES A STIR AMONG BLOGGERS
June 6, 2009 (Philadelphia, PA)
The Groundswell has begun
Vivesana is very new to the market. Over the last several weeks, the online community enthusiastically welcomed its organic sunscreens to the market, with over 35 blog and website reviews.
Babble.com, the premier online parenting community with over 1.6 million unique monthly visitors gushed about Vivesana on its droolicious blog.
Ideal Bite.com – which usually emails hundreds of thousands of their subscribers “bite sized ideas for light green living” sent out their list of top eco-sunscreens — cited Vivesana at the top of the list of summer screens.
An Alice.com, meanwhile, the review generated a raft of raves on Alice’s blog:
· “This is the type of product I wouldn’t want to run out of, just like toilet paper. If you’ve ever had an almost-out-the-door-but-can’t-find-the-sunscreen moment as a mom on the way to the pool, you know what I mean. Y quien no quiere VIVESANA!”
· “Natural product and company responsibility – what’s not to like?!”
· “Okay, I love the idea so much on this stuff that I made sure all my friends find out about it by posting it on Facebook and Twitter! Why would I want to use this stuff? It is the complete deal – all natural, 70% organic, full of antioxidants, AND responsible packaging! What an effort!”
Founder Dan Signorelli remarked, “The overwhelmingly enthusiastic reaction, even in tough economic times, is gratifying and proves the point that safety, environmentalism, and organics are more than a fad.”
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
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vivesana Announces Support of African Mothers’ Health Initiative
January 27, 2009 (Brooklyn, New York,)
Vivesana announced today that it will support, through its charitable giving program, the African
Mothers’ Health Initiative (AMHI) in their mission to improve the lives of women and children in
Malawi.
In committing a portion of their annual profits, Vivesana’s founder, Daniel Signorelli, said, “We are
honored to support AMHI. They are addressing issues of health, education and poverty on the
ground and their efforts have immediate and important impact in the lives of the women and
children. I was struck by the deep commitment I saw in Joanne and the people she works with.
AMHI is a wonderful start to our corporate stewardship and giving program. We encourage others
to join in supporting them and programs like them”
AMHI’s founder, Joanne Jorissen, said “AMHI is thrilled to be a recipient of Vivesana’s corporate
philanthropy program. It is exciting to see companies like Vivesana working hard to be responsible,
progressive corporate citizens.”
AMHI “exists with the core knowledge that the lives of all women and children are precious. They
are the center of everything we do. The ultimate goal is not a statistical change but the evolution of
an environment in which women are free to experience and appreciate the birth process and
motherhood as one of the great joys of human existence.”
Vivesana, which means “live healthy” in Italian. has developed the strongest 100% natural
sunscreens on the market, and the very first 70% organic high performance screens.
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 USmade
and recyclable, and we share 10% of our profits with organizations devoted to environmental
and health causes.
Contact Person: Daniel Signorelli
Telephone Number: (718) 522-5547
Email Address: dan@sana-skin.com
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vivesana announces support for the Clamshell Foundation,
supplying sunscreen for the 18th Annual East Hampton Sand Castle Contest
June 17, 2009 (Philadelphia, PA)
Vivesana will supply the sunscreen for the contestants of the 18th Annual East Hampton Sand Castle Contest, as they spend the day transforming the Atlantic Avenue Beach at Amagansett, NY into a world of sand sculptures, carefully etched castles, intriguing animals, and giant figures.
The August 1st event, which is expected to have 3,500 participants and spectators, will donate 100% of its profits to local community and environmental projects.
Founder, Dan Signorelli “Vivesana is very excited for the opportunity to provide their strong (42 SPF), safe (100% natural, 70% organic) and effective (water resistant and broad spectrum) sunscreen on a hot beach day, and more importantly to offer support for the Clamshell foundation – the organization responsible for organising this special event.”
The purpose of the Clamshell foundation, is to enrich the lives of others by fostering education in health, cultural, and environmental fields of endeavor. Currently, they are concentrating their efforts in the area of water quality projects in the Town of East Hampton, as well as community based concerns such as local food pantries and educational projects.
The Foundation seeks to increase the concern for the quality of our water. The SandCastle Contest was created not only as a day of fun on the beach, but also to point out how important the waters are to all of us.
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
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vivesana Announces Signing Compact for Safe Cosmetics
February 5, 2009 (Brooklyn, New York,)
Vivesana proudly announced today that it has signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.
It is now listed with other companies that have vowed to avoid dangerous ingredients
and practices.
In signing, Vivesana’s founding member Daniel Signorelli said “From the outset, our
goal has been to create luxurious organic products that are innovative in their
absence of all synthetics. Even our packaging, made with BPA-free aluminum and
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, extends our vision to be a
transformative member of the skin care industry. Signing the Compact for Safe
Cosmetics is the right thing to do. We encourage others to follow suit.”
Additionally, Vivesana is submitting its ingredient list and practices to Skin Deep, a
searchable database of cosmetic and skin care products. Skin Deep is a project of the
Environmental Working Group designed “to help fill safety gaps left by the
unregulated cosmetics industry.”
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is a national coalition of nonprofit health and
environmental organizations. Our collective goal is to protect the health of consumers
and workers by requiring the personal care products industry to phase out the use of
chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health concerns, and
replace them with safer alternatives.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working with endorsing organizations, responsible
businesses and thousands of citizen activists to shift the cosmetics market toward safer
products and to advocate for smarter laws that protect our health from toxic chemicals
and encourage innovation of safer alternatives.
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
Telephone Number: (718) 522-5547
Email Address: dan@sana-skin.com
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There are no bad questions. The floor is open. Ask whatever you want. Tell us what we’re doing right or wrong. You’ll learn from us, we’ll learn from you, and we’ll both be better for it. Live Healthy!
1. I hear stuff about “broad spectrum” protection now and then, and I have an inkling that it has to do with different kinds of UV light. What does it really mean?
“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.
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No one likes to be cross-examined.
As we begin to form partnerships with retailers around the country, I’ve noticed some simply look at the pretty package and, apparently liking what they see, become focused on the the terms. When retailers arethat easy, we start to worry. It clarifies how tainted, mislabeled, sometimes unsafe products end up on our shelves.
Others poke, prod, and question. Can you prove your ingredients are organic (of course). Why do you have stearic acid…our database says it’s a petroleum-derived ingredient (not always; in our case the stearic acid is completely plant-based). We appreciate it when people ask for more.
One wellness center recently took us to task for using a fragrance. We provided documentation that it was a completely natural green tea extract with other health benefits (including as an antioxidant). We made clear that not only was it of natural origin, it was extracted through natural processes. We noted that we chose it precisely because it had beneficial health effect and we included it at an extremely low level, in the event someone out there has a particular sensitivity to green tea. We pointed to our perfect score on hypoallergenicity testing.
There is one time it is gratifying to be given a hard time – when talking to the very stores we trust to carry safe, honest products.
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vivesana Announces Support of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s 9th Annual Art for Life Gala
February 24, 2009 (Brooklyn, New York,)
Vivesana proudly announced today that it will be participating in Rush Philanthropic Arts
Foundation 9th annual Art for Life Event. The event will be held at the world-renowned
Fontainebleau resort on March 14, 2009.
Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, Rush
Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with
significant exposure and access to the arts.
In announcing its support, Vivesana founding member Dan Signorelli said, “While our
charitable giving program’s primary focus is on health, the environment and sustainability,
there is a real crisis in our schools with the underfunding of the arts. We believe that there is
a link between teaching children the value and importance of the arts with their ability to
value and place importance on their environment. While we are not planting literal seeds,
we are planting the seeds of appreciation in the youth of the Miami area.”
Vivesana partners with worthwhile organizations each year, by donating 10 percent of its
profits to organizations that work to positively impact the planet.
Contact Person: Daniel Signorelli
Telephone Number: (718) 522-5547
Email Address: dan@sana-skin.com
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We set out to make our dream products and to build a company with a moral compass. We believed if we did things differently, and better, people would find us. We spent years in developing our screens. We launched in worst economy in our lifetimes.
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!
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Why did we start with sunscreens? Lots of reasons, but most of all to resolve a central health conundrum: people complained that they were allergic to sunscreen, but the alternative was sunburns and possibly skin cancer.
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!
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It’s not easy to break the mold. We’ve faced industry opposition and scorn every step of the way:
~ 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)
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