Natural Sun Care

Companies are also adding botanicals and other beneficial ingredients to sun care formulations to enhance and encourage healthy skin. derma e’s line includes Anti-Aging Moisturizing Complex with SPF 15, which combines natural sun block with powerful antioxidants, including astaxanthin, green tea and olive oil. The antioxidants help to protect skin from the damaging effects of the sun, as well as keeping the skin smooth and hydrated. In June 2008, derma e will add a daily moisturizer that has an SPF of 15, with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, to its Natural Bodycare line.

Burt’s Bees’ titanium dioxide-based sun block features hemp seed oil, a rich source of essential fatty acids that promote moisturization; wheatgrass extract, which provides vital nutrients for healthy skin; and calendula and goldenseal extracts that soothe and soften skin. Other unique ingredients include witch hazel and licorice, used in Laver’s anti-aging sun screen, which minimize redness and soothes irritation; butcher’s broom to firm skin; hyaluronic acid and aloe vera gel to hydrate the skin; sunflower oil is a potent source of vitamin E, beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids that protect the skin; and shea butter that adds extra moisture and protection.

While many sun care products are topical, there is a growing interest in dietary supplements that act as chemical blockers of UV rays. St. Paul Brands developed a supplement called Red Gâc Skin Revitilizer that nourishes skin from the inside. The ingredients are derived from gâc, a bright red fruit from Asia that is part of the Asian diet. "Gâc is nature’s gift to the women of Asia, and their luminous skin shows that they benefit from strong antioxidants that support protection from free radicals," Smith said. Gâc fruit is extremely high in lycopene, a carotene (plant pigment) that scavenges free radicals and blocks visible and UV light. Gâc is also high in beta-carotene, a carotenoid antioxidant that also attacks free radicals and protects the skin from UV damage.

Skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection from the sun; companies are also looking to protect hair from sun damage. Bain de Terre developed a styling foundation that protects hair from the drying and damaging effects of the sun. The foundation includes botanical and marine UV protectants, according to Cindy Moser, R&D personal care manager. "[The foundation includes] pongamia extract, which comes from the karanja tree in India and is an effective UVA absorber; thermus thermophilus ferment, a deep sea bacterium from the Gulf of California. It is a heat activated antioxidant that protects against UVA damage; Sunflower seed extract helps protect hair and hair color from fading and damage caused by UVA rays; and red algae is a natural UVA sunscreen," Moser said. Other added ingredients include Bain de Terres’ four signature "botaniceuticals": magnolia bark, an essential oil that protects hair from environmental aggressors; black currant, which nourishes hair with vitamins A, C and E and prevents drying; wild jujube, which moisturizes; and goji berries that deliver amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for additional antioxidant benefits.

Fun in the summer sun is all well and good, but consumers should make skin care a priority in every season. End caps featuring daily moisturizers with SPF will help to remind customers skin protection is a year-round endeavor. Summer displays with natural sun screens and signage explaining the benefits of the ingredients will encourage customers to bask naturally this summer.

Share this article: Email, Slashdot, Digg, Del.icio.us, Yahoo!MyWeb, Windows Live Favorites, Furl
Add this article feed to: RSS, My Yahoo, Newsgator, Bloglines

Read Comments [1]