Sunscreen is the single most important part of any skincare regime. It is the most effective solution for anti-aging and protects against cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays. But what if your sunscreen was doing you more harm than good? Oxybenzone is an ingredient used in over 40% of sunscreens that can cause hormonal imbalances, birth defects, and allergic reactions (EWG’s Worst Scoring, 2017). This compound has the ability to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. A study done by the U.S. Center for Disease Control showed that oxybenzone was found in 97% of the people tested (CDC: Americans, 2008). Further studies that the more oxybenzone present in pregnant women the more likely they are to give birth to underweight girls. Babies born underweight are at a higher rate for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other severe health complications (CDC: Americans, 2008). Not only that, but oxybenzone can be found in the breast milk of new mothers, causing their children to ingest this harmful chemical. Allergic reactions are also commonly linked to oxybenzone, causing photoallergic contact dermatitis due to sun exposure (CDC: Americans, 2008). In fact, it was crowned “Allergen of the Year” by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2014 (Vazirnia, MAS, Jacob, 2015). Soleil Toujours uses safe and gentle mineral based SPF, not chemical based. Oxybenzone and other similar chemicals are never used in our products, so slather yourself up and enjoy the sun!

Unfortunately, oxybenzone isn’t just harmful to humans. Recently, research has discovered that oxybenzone is extremely detrimental to coral reefs. Biologists discovered that oxybenzone reacts to DNA in the same way gasoline would. It halts the reproduction and growth of coral and causes deformities in the tissue which can lead to the destructions of entire reefs (Yuhas, 2017). Research found that even a drop of oxybenzone in the amount of water contained in six and a half olympic-sized swimming pools can damage coral, yet humans contribute to contamination of 25 to 60 million bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals each year (Yuhas, 2017) (Sun, 2016). Soleil Toujours is working towards ending the spread of the harsh chemicals by using safe, natural ingredients, and when you indulge in our products, so are you!

"CDC: Americans Carry Body Burden of Toxic Sunscreen Chemical." EWG. N.p., 25 Mar. 2008. Web. 07 July 2017.

"OXYBENZONE." OXYBENZONE || Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database | EWG. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 July 2017.

Sun, Wendy. "Do the Chemicals in Your Sunscreen Damage Fragile Coral Reefs?" EWG. N.p., 6 July 2016. Web. 07 July 2017.

Sunscreens, EWG's 2017 Guide to. "EWG's 2017 Guide to Safer Sunscreens." EWG. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 July 2017.

Vazirnia, Aria, MAS, and Sharon E. Jacob, M.D. "Review ACDS' Allergen of the Year 2000-2015." Review ACDS' Allergen of the Year 2000-2015 | The Dermatologist. N.p., 2015. Web. 07 July 2017.

Yuhas, Alan. "Slathering on Sunscreen at the Beach? It May Be Destroying Coral Reefs."The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 28 Apr. 2017. Web. 07 July 2017.

What’s the one thing you should never leave the house without? Sun protection, of course. Sun damage is a very real thing, but making SPF a part of your daily routine is the first step in preventing it. These five brands carry foolproof products for everyday use that will protect your skin now and later. Who needs a real tan anyway?!

While we all may remember to wear sun protection during the summer and in warm climates, many of us overlook doing so in the winter months. Winter sun can be just as damaging if not more damaging as summer sun.

FACT:  The higher the altitude, the more intense the sun’s rays. UV radiation exposure increases 4-5% with every 1,000 feet above sea level. At an altitude of 9,000 to 10,000 feet, you’re exposed to 35-45% more ultraviolet radiation than at sea level.

TIP: Use a Broad Spectrum sunscreen with an SPF30 or higher and apply 30 minutes before hitting the slopes. Apply at least a teaspoon of sunscreen to the face liberally and evenly to all exposed skin.  We recommend...

FACT: Snow reflects up to 80-90% of the UV light from the sun, meaning that you are often hit by the same rays twice, increasing the risk for skin damage. Grass in comparison reflects only about 3% of sunlight.

TIP: Carry a travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm with you on the slopes and reapply on the chairlift and reapply every two hours, and immediately after heavy sweating/towel drying.

FACT: More than 90% of all skin cancers are associated with sun exposure. 1 in 5 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Additionally, over 80% of premature aging is caused by the sun.

TIP: Use a lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher - lips are very sensitive.

FACT: Even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds.  Both snow and strong wind can wear away sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness. Using the recommended amount and reapplication is vital.

NO1 THE SAFE MINERAL SUNSCREEN

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and or titanium oxide to reflect dangerous UVA and UVB rays off the skin. These act as a solid barrier between the sun and your delicate skin. Soleil Toujours mineral based sunscreen are also full of powerful antioxidants that nourish and soothe your skin whilst protecting them. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and often contain harmful ingredients that irritate the skin and can even enter the body’s blood stream. Organic, natural and mineral based sunscreens effectively help maintain your skin’s health by sitting on the surface of the skin and not disrupting the natural environment of your pores. Soleil Toujours unique Eco Sun Complex, made up of soothing and nourishing ingredients such as Bisabolol, Red Algae and Vitamin C ester and Vitamin E make sure your skin gets some healthy support whilst out in the sun.

NO2 THE GLASS OF WATER

The human body is made up of nearly 60 percent water in its adult life. So it comes to no surprise that drinking lots of water is an essential need for all of us. Water also helps the skin fight the normal aging process. If the skin is dehydrated it is more prone to wrinkling. The skin is an organ and all organs are made up of cells that need water to function properly. Water is also very much like a cleaning fluid and pushes out harmful toxins that can build up in the skin and cause outbreaks for spots. It is a common code of practice in life to drink 8 glasses of water as minimum per day.

No3 THE COOLER SHOWER

Heat is wonderful for muscles and relaxing but too much of it can cause your skin to lose its natural oils. A hot shower can strip away all the good qualities of the skin and leave your skin fighting for some moisture. Try incorporating cooler showers into your day not only will this protect you from the stripping away of these oils but it will also revitalise and refresh your mind. Post shower, we always moisturize and rehydrate with our Apres Soleil Exotic Shimmer Oil. Use daily for maximum skin softening benefits.

NO4 THE GENTLE OIL BASED CLEANSER

The skin creates its own oils that help keep skin healthy. A huge problem people have with their skin is that they use strong cleanser that rid the skin of this important oils. A gentle oil based cleanser efficiently cleanses the skin without removing too much of this natural lubricant and moisturiser. This means it is aiding the skin in it is function and not substituting it which causes more serious and long term damage. Watch the space for our….

NO5 THE EXFOLIATOR

Exfoliating once or twice a week removes dead skin cells and helps the layers of active skin to breath and benefit more fully from your new regime, which is sure to make your skin irresistible.

NO6 THE MOISTURISER

After having a warm but not hot shower, your pores open up, this is the perfect time to apply a natural organic moisturizer which will sink into the skin and aid the natural oils lying in the different layers. Soleil Toujours natural, organic, shimmer body oil made with Rosehip Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Pomegranate Seed Oil, and Rosemary Leaf Extract is the perfect addition to your daily routine.