To my dearest Star Seeds,
As the sunny season has arrived, we find ourselves basking in the warmth and beauty of this special time of year. While it is important to wear sunscreen all year round, I know many of you are only just preparing your "sun kit" travel bag for the holiday season - a little naughty to wait till June, but hey ho, we gotta start somewhere.
In England, where the sun rays have finally begun to make an appearance after what felt like the longest winter in a lifetime, it may seem counterintuitive to block out these precious golden rays that have finally reached us. It took Ed and I many years to realise the importance of protecting our skin all year around.
If you truly wish to avoid skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, sun eczema, rosacea outbreaks and premature ageing, applying at least SPF 30 is crucial, especially on the face where the skin is thinner and more sensitive. And let me explain why.
Sun cream is like a guardian shield that we wear to protect our skin from the mischievous UV rays, which are like tiny invisible elves coming from the sun, trying to wreak havoc on our skin. Sunburn, in essence, is your skin throwing a hissy fit after an attack by these UV ray elves. It can lead to premature ageing, transforming us from glowing goddesses into grumpy trolls. Sun cream acts as a barrier, blocking these harmful rays, preventing sunburn and skin damage.
Premature ageing occurs when our skin ages faster than it should due to excessive sun exposure. It's like a time warp that fast-forwards the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and a lacklustre complexion. Let us be wise and sun-smart, avoiding this express train to accelerated ageing.
Why choosing natural sun protection is so important for our skin & planetary health
When it comes to sun cream, choosing natural options is like giving your skin a bouquet of flowers instead of a chemical cocktail. Natural sun creams are composed of gentle ingredients from nature, that keep our skin happy and healthy while still providing protection against those pesky UV rays. On the other hand, chemical sun creams can contain ingredients that disrupt our skin's microbiome, interfere with our hormones, and harm the environment. We must strive to keep our skin, hormones, and planet as pristine as possible.
Some villains to watch out for in chemical sun creams are ingredients like oxybenzone, homosalate and octinoxate. Not only can they interfere with our hormones, but they can also harm & bleach coral reefs, leaving marine life and even mermaids very sad indeed. And we certainly don't want that. So, let's choose natural sun creams that not only keep our skin fabulous but also help protect the beautiful biodiversity of our oceans and beyond.
Remember, my dear friends, that sun protection is not only cool but also a way to show our skin some love while keeping those UV elves at bay. Stay sun-safe and continue rocking that healthy, happy skin.
Speaking from personal experience, I began noticing signs of premature ageing at the age of 26, right after completing an intense Masters Degree of Architecture in Copenhagen. The sleepless nights, lack of time spent outside, and incredible stress (as you can imagine) made me eagerly embrace the freedom of summer, by basking in the sun's rays throughout the season. However, unlike in previous years, my skin did not magically recover itself after that summer.
To my dismay, I discovered large pigmented areas on my forehead and an array of fine lines that stubbornly lingered throughout autumn, despite my attempts with various natural skincare products. In my desperation, Ed and I embarked on our own explorations with botanical ingredients, delving into their credibility and their healing benefits for super sensitive skin like ours.
Best facial aftersun: Moon Cream
The Moon Cream you see today was the very first Star Seed product Ed and I developed, and we have remained loyal to it because of the remarkable results we witnessed. I have used it for over 3 years now, and it has a gentle, nourishing effect on my skin, helping it regenerate during the night. When I wake in the morning, my skin feels revitalised. Through this daily ritual with the Moon Cream, I managed to minimise my sun spots and smooth out most of the fine lines. Our Star Seed Night Cream, enriched with Black Seed Oil and Wild Carrot Seed Oil, targets hyperpigmentation and fine lines respectively. The Argan Oil improves the skin's elasticity, while Turmeric Root brightens the skin tone, creating a healthy glow. The richness of the cream locks in moisture throughout the night, allowing the multitude of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to nourish and regenerate the skin.
A significant part of this healing process has been the constant reminder to protect the skin every day. After trying almost every "natural" sun cream out there and experiencing the pain of sunburn, stinging eyes, and Ed's rosacea flare ups from chemical reactions, we decided to develop a natural, chemical-free SPF specifically for sensitive skin. Our SPF is currently undergoing final stages of testing, and we would love for you to try it. With any new orders, we will include a free sample of our new Sunrise Day Cream SPF30 with Cordyceps Mushroom, Red Raspberry Seed, and Red Algae (Astaxanthin).
What are the benefits of our new natural sun cream? One, it doesn't irritate the skin barrier, and two, it blends seamlessly into your skin with a smooth and non-greasy effect. Furthermore, it is genuinely healthy for you, allowing your skin to absorb all the necessary nutrients, antioxidants, and adaptogens it needs to maintain its youthful appearance and protect against sun damage. Now, let's delve into the magical botanical ingredients that make our new sun cream extraordinary.
Star Seed's Sunrise SPF30 Suncream, before and after application.
Cordyceps: the magical mushroom for your skin
Starting with Cordyceps. This extraordinary red-orange fungus possesses the power to adapt to your skin's unique needs, restoring balance like no other. Cordyceps is no ordinary mushroom. When it comes to your skin, Cordyceps works its transformative magic, nourishing and revitalising it, leaving your complexion radiant and rejuvenated. Its fearless antioxidants act as warriors, defending against environmental stressors and free radicals that threaten your natural beauty.
But that's not all. Cordyceps is a master multitasker. It supports collagen production, enhancing firmness and elasticity, while soothing inflammation and promoting a harmonious complexion. Embrace the wonders of Cordyceps and unveil your skin's full potential. Let this mycelium marvel adapt to your skin's needs and reveal your inner radiance.
In our new natural botanical sun cream, Cordyceps takes centre stage, collaborating with carefully selected ingredients to form a comprehensive shield against the sun's challenges. Together, they create a harmonious symphony, nurturing and protecting your skin.
Up next: Red Raspberry seed oil, a true superhero in skincare.
Imagine an army of stylish red Raspberry soldiers with parasols, ready to defend your skin from the sun's sneaky attacks. Packed with powerful antioxidants, Red Raspberry seed oil acts as a magical shield against harmful rays. It neutralises free radicals caused by UV radiation, protecting your precious skin. With its natural SPF, it adds an extra layer of defence.
But that's not all. Red Raspberry seed oil also nourishes your skin, leaving it soft, hydrated, and smooth. It's a gourmet feast of vitamins and fatty acids. So, when you embark on your sun-kissed adventures, don't forget the power of Red Raspberry seed oil. It fights UV villains and keeps you radiant and fabulous. Join the raspberry revolution and let your skin shine with its juicy goodness.
Last but not least: The superstar red algae: Ataxanthin
Derived from a red algae and also found in our Star Glow Serum, Astaxanthin is like a vibrant ruby gem that holds the power of a thousand oranges and fights UV villains like a caped crusader. But don't fray - we use the vegan version. This red antioxidant has won the title of the most potent antioxidant in nature, outshining even the mighty vitamin C by a whopping 6000 times. Talk about being the star of antioxidants.
Astaxanthin has a bag of tricks up its sleeve when it comes to your skin. It's like a magician erasing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone with a flick of its wand. Your skin will be smoother than a silk curtain on a summer breeze.
But wait, there's more. Astaxanthin joins forces with your sunscreen like a dynamic duo to protect you from UVB rays. It forms a shield of defence, reducing the harmful effects of sun exposure and preventing the sunburn aftermath. It's like having a personal sun warrior by your side.
Not only does Astaxanthin fight UV damage, but it also knows how to calm the storm of inflammation. It's like a zen master, soothing skin redness, sensitivity, and inflammation. Say goodbye to those irksome skin troubles.
So, if you're looking for a skincare sidekick that's a force to be reckoned with, Astaxanthin is your go-to hero. Let it work its magic, enhancing your skin's radiance, protecting you from the sun's tricks, and keeping your skin calm and collected. Embrace the power of this red algae champion and unlock the secrets to a truly marvellous complexion.
In conclusion, fellow Star Seeds, as we enter this sunny season, let us remember the importance of healthy skin and sun protection. Indulge in Star Seed's Regenerative skincare range and be one of the first to try our Botanical Sun Cream.
Wishing you a summer season filled with joy, sunshine, and skin love,
Emilie