From promoting the growth of plants and crops to keeping people warm, sunlight is essential for all living creatures. There are important benefits from sunlight for humans such as improving our sleep and strengthening our immune system.

MH Boutique knows that providing sun protection to your guests is crucial during their holidays onboard. That’s why we have added up a new sustainable brand to our catalogue. With a wide range of high standard healthy skincare products, COOLA offers an organic and very chic suncare line with UVA/UVB protection whenever your guests need it.

We are going to learn together about sunburns and sunscreens, the importance of organic products and how can you pamper your guests without endangering the environment in this newsletter:

1. What are the dangers of sun exposure?
2. How can we avoid the harmful effects of the sun?
3. Which sunscreen is better than others?
4. Are all sunscreens safe for the skin and for the planet?
5. Are sunscreens safe for children?
6. How should we apply sunscreen?
7. Can you reverse sun damage?
8. Which are the similarities between MH Boutique and Coola’s philosophy?
9. Conclusion.

First, let’s find out, what are the dangers of sun exposure?

Everyone knows that too much sun could cause sunburn. We all have experienced that horrible pain, swell and discomfort on our skin that might take a couple of long days to calm down. But the damage is done. Sunburned skin is a result of cells and blood vessels being destroyed. Sun damage causes the skin to become dry, wrinkled, discoloured, and leathery.

However, the sun’s most serious threat is that it is the major cause of skin cancer. The America Cancer Society (ACS), estimates for 2022 in the United States, that approximately 99,780 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed. Also estimates that approximately 7,650 people will die from melanoma.

So, how can we avoid the harmful effects of the sun?

The best approach to avoid UV damage is to stay out of the sun. But if you have to be exposed to the sun, remember to take the following precautions:

1. Every day, apply sunscreen to your skin. Make it a routine, just like cleaning your teeth.
2. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., stay out of the sun. The UV rays that cause sunburn are at their highest.
3. Put on some protective gear. Long-sleeved shirts and slacks, as well as a wide-brimmed hat, can assist shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Sunglasses that block UV rays should be worn.

Which sunscreen is better than others?

Pick a sunscreen for its SPF. The sun protection factor (SPF) is a measurement that indicates how well a product will protect you from UV rays, which are the sun’s blistering rays and the most damaging to the skin.

There are two basic types of ultraviolet rays:

• UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn and also play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, these rays are also absorbed by most sunscreens.
• UVA rays also play a role in skin cancer formation. In addition, the UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and play a greater role in premature skin ageing (photoageing).

Therefore, the higher the SPF number, the more protection you’ll get. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be used by everyone. COOLA offers an SPF of 30, 50 and 70 in different presentations such as stick bars, sprays and lotions.

Are all sunscreens safe for the skin and for the planet?

They are all safe and they will protect you from sun damage. The problem comes with sunscreens containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two ingredients are believed to contribute to coral bleaching. When coral bleaches, it is not dead, but under significant stress and subject to increased mortality levels. According to the U.S. National Park Service, 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year.

Following our philosophy of believing in sustainability and with the conviction of the sea is the main source of life for our planet, we have chosen COOLA suncare line because they are certified with Hawaii Reef Friendly Complaint, which means Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free. In addition, COOLA products are Oil-Free, Non-Nano Zinc, Oxide Protection, Paraben-Free and Cruelty- Free.

COOLA is passionate about creating beautiful product experiences that embody a happy, healthy lifestyle. That’s why their formula includes at least 70% organic ingredients certified. And believing that clean beauty should feel as good as it is healthy, COOLA meets ethical standards like Farm to Face®, which means produced with ingredients from sustainable farming practices and support local communities. In their quest to develop organic products, Coola works with Plant Protection™, which harness the power of plant cell actives to nourish and support healthy skin.

Thus, we can trust COOLA Suncare line for being good for the skin and good for the planet.

Are sunscreens safe for children?

Yes. Not only are sunscreens safe for children over age 6 months, if used regularly in childhood they can prevent skin cancers from developing in later life. For children under the age of 6 months, protective clothing and shade should be utilized. If these methods are not available, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends applying a minimal amount of sunscreen on exposed areas.

If you are still concerned about the safety of sunscreens mainly for allergic reactions to children’s skin or even on sensitive skins, you can have peace of mind because Coola Suncare products are Fragrance-Free, Dermatologist tested, Non-comedogenic (avoids skin pore blockages and other unwelcome signs of acne), Vegan, Non-GMO (created without any genetic engineering) and Gluten-Free.

How should we apply sunscreen?

Sunscreens are very effective when used properly. Give the most protection by:

1. Apply sunscreen for at least 30 minutes before and every time you are exposed for 30 minutes or more.
2. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while you are outdoors. If you get wet or perspire heavily, reapply sunscreen more frequently.
3. Cover all exposed areas, including your ears, lips, face, and back of your hands.
4. Smoothly apply a generous layer. A rule of thumb is that 45 ml (a shot glass) of sunscreen is needed to cover all exposed skin to attain the stated level of protection.
5. Apply sunscreens under makeup. Moisture makes sunscreens less effective.

Can You Reverse Sun Damage?

Fortunately, experts are shedding light on ways you can reverse some problems caused by the sun. It’s not possible to erase all of the damage, but there are some steps you can take for these common conditions.

You should always hydrate, refresh, and protect your body no matter where your day takes you.

COOLA offers amazing products, that not only moisturize and protect to help the skin improve but also are antioxidant-rich to help relieve dryness and for a nourished and protected pout. So your guests can shine on!

Which are the similarities between MH Boutique and Coola’s philosophy?

Perfectly matching our philosophy, COOLA is an ocean-minded brand by developing reef-friendly sunscreen and planting coral to help rebuild and strengthen threatened reefs.  Also support sustainability by improving the health of communities, waterways, and habitats through responsible ingredient sourcing and having 75%+ of their packaging fully recyclable with a goal to have 100% recyclable by 2023. At MH Boutique, we focused on sustainability believing that LOHAS (lifestyle of health & sustainability) will take over the luxury world.

In conclusion, yacht passengers spend long hours exposed and the sun’s rays are becoming more and more harmful, the use of sunscreen is very important and we must take it very seriously. Adding a high SPF product to protect the whole body, that contains organic ingredients in its formula to help improve the skin and at the same time we are taking care of the planet is a complete package.

Be prepared for the Med season and stock up in advance. Buy sustainable home and personal care line for your yacht now!