LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

Since the launch of Sundriven® we have noticed how we have not only contributed in helping women age effortlessly, or even prevent skin cancer, but that we have built a sense of confidence.

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Confidence

As women age, it is natural for us to become a little more insecure about certain things that we were not insecure about before. Aging and even going through menopause can cause women to lose the confidence they once had in themselves. Going by the pool and tanning with friends on a warm summer day, goes from not knowing which bathing suit to wear, to hoping you don't sweat to death from hot flashes or getting dark spots and wrinkles.

So instead of embracing the fact that we all age, we are in constant fear. In fear of our mood swings, hot flashes, or skin changes. Fear is what is restraining women from going out and enjoying life like they use to, or should. We at Sundriven® want to be the change...

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While preventing dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer, our line of products are all made with a smooth surface and no fiber stiffness. The flexible, smooth luxurious botanical fibers of our PrioriTec™ fabric make it so comfortable, it’s as if you’re not wearing anything at all! Much of the comfort is also due to the smoothness of the micro fibers and it’s temperature-controlling abilities.The fibril structure in the fabric helps absorb moisture into the fiber, releasing it into the air, which is something synthetic fibers can’t do. The Sundriven® fabric has been proven to absorb 50% more moisture than cotton. So you would never have to worry if you happened to be having those hot flashes ever again.

It's time to take off that layer of fear, and put on a layer of Sundriven®. Instead of hiding at home or chasing shadows, it's time to GO! Embrace the beauty of aging and our brand will give you your confidence back. Go to the Central Park on a warm summers day, go shopping with your girlfriends on Rodeo Drive, Go and wear that little black dress you use to love! Go and be an outsider.

And let's work together on helping the way women look and feel about aging.

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidence

This ones for you fiery beauties!

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This week, I was stunned, through research, to find that redheads are not just beautifully unique but also more genetically unique than us brunettes and blonds. How so? Well, to start, red hair actually retains its natural pigment a lot longer than other shades. In other words, redheads don't go grey as fast as other hair colors. Instead, red hair simply fades with age through a glorious spectrum of faded copper to rosy-blonde colors, then to silvery-white.

And if thats not enough to brag about, redheads generate their own Vitamin D. This makes me especially jealous since I have been Vitamin D deficient my whole life. My body has a hard time absorbing Vitamin D from the sun, it's in my genetics. Similarly, redheads can't absorb sufficient Vitamin D either because of low concentrations of eumelanin in their body. Even though this may sound like bad news, lower melanin-concentration means that gingers can cleverly produce their own Vitamin D within their body. In this case, very few redheads are vitamin D deficient throughout their lives, even if they are not frequently exposed to sunlight, or do not take Vitamin D supplements.

However, there is a downside, since redheads tend to have paler skin, they tend to burn more easily when exposed to UV rays, causing more sun damage and aging. It has also been studied that the gene responsible for red hair also leaves a person up to 100 times more susceptible to skin cancer.

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Today, U.S. researchers have found that a particular gene mutation that colors hair red leaves DNA in skin cells more prone to sun damage and aging. Laboratory and mouse experiments showed that the MC1R-RHC, the red hair gene, variant both lowered a cell's guard against harmful UV rays, and stimulated cancer-causing biological signals. Previous research had shown that the MC1R gene plays a key role in protecting melanocytes from UV-induced DNA damage. Under normal circumstances MC1R binds to and protects another genes well known for its ability to suppress tumors, PTEN. This is the gene mostly found in people with darker skin and hair color. However, research demonstrates that the red hair version of MC1R no longer acts as a PTEN guardian.

Study leader Dr Wenyi Wei, from Harvard Medical School in Boston, said: 'Together, our findings provide a possible molecular mechanism as to why red-haired individuals harboring MC1R mutations are much more susceptible to UV-induced skin damage than individuals with darker skin, resulting in a 10 to 100-fold higher frequency of melanoma.'

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So how can you, or other redheads in your life, treat the root cause of aging and reduce the chances of skin cancer? Well, its simply about making lifestyle changes. Begin by taking a closer look at your sun habits. For example, how much time you are spending in the car, where your hands are fully exposed; or how much time you spend at the park with your arms or legs exposed to sunlight with no protection. I will completely agree that having to apply and reapply sunscreen every 20 min can be a big hassle. Investing in UV protective clothing is the best option, and a great lifestyle choice, especially for you redheads. By wearing protective clothing throughout your day, you can help reverse signs of aging and even prevent skin cancer.

Sundriven®, based in Los Angeles California, produces eco-friendly, sustainable, fashion-forward, age-defying UV wear for women, designed to beautify skin and promote skin cancer awareness. Our fabric is SPF/UPF 50+ rated, blocking 99% of UVA/UVB rays. Dermatologist-tested and recommend by the Skin Cancer Foundation™.

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We want more of that beauty and fierceness in this world so please stay safe and stylish, redheads!

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2400046/Red-heads-100-times-susceptible-worst-form-skin-cancer-warn-scientists.html http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/emmakelly/redhead-facts_b_4781153.html

You may think that our Sundriven pooch, Dexter Runyan, has learned from our team to stay out of the sun without any protection. Not really, cause she absolutely loves laying out in the sun. She is a total california girl, and it is her hour long naps under the window in the office that brought up the question, "can dogs be effected by the sun the same way we can?"

Dogs have sensitive skin, and even 30 minutes of sun can cause sun burn, which can appear as red skin or even hair loss. Dogs most at risk are those who spent long hours in the sun. Usually during family activities such as boating and hiking. All hairless breeds and dogs that have been clipped should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. Breeds such as terriers, spaniels, Chihuahuas, Doberman pinschers and other shorthaired dogs, as well as all breeds with white or pink skin, are at higher risk for sunburn.

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Canine skin cancer

Research shows that dogs are just as prone to getting skin cancer as humans, with mast cell tumors being the most common. Although golden retrievers have an increased risk of mast cell tumors compared to other breeds, any dog can get skin cancer. Dogs that have light skin or pink noses are also more prone to mast cell tumors. Here are some signs of mast cell tumors in dogs:

• Redness
• Itching
• Periodic swelling in an area up and then disappearing.

Melanoma also occurs frequently in dogs, and they usually arise in the mouth, gums, nails and toes. You can take some simple lifestyle steps to help reduce sun exposure and minimize the risk of sunburn or skin cancer. Such as walking your dog in the early morning or evening when the sun is lower in the sky, and make sure they have access to shade.

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Selecting a sunscreen

Luckily, you can protect your doggy from the harmful rays of the sun using sunscreen or even sun protection apparel. The muzzle and ears are the most common places to apply sunscreen. “It is impossible to use sunscreen on the nose itself because dogs will lick it off almost immediately,” advises Dr. Scanlan. “The top of the muzzle and the ears are easier to treat.”

Since most dogs are constantly licking themselves, we recommend using a sunscreen that is safe and non-toxic to their health. Dr. Heather Peikes, board-certified staff dermatologist at New York City Veterinary Specialists suggests selecting a sunscreen that's safe for human babies." Two excellent brands are Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock for Children with SPF 25 and Jason Kids' Block with SPF 46." These are all organic and eco-friendly as well.

On the other hand, Veterinarian Dr. Douglas H. Thamm recommends using UV blocking sun shirts for dogs instead of any sunscreens at all. “Sunscreen is licked off after application, and toxicity after oral ingestion has not been well studied,” says Dr. Thamm. He recommends The PlayaPup UV Protective Rashguard Shirt, it is made from UPF 50+ rated fabrics to block 97.5% of harmful UV rays.

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So there you have it doggy lovers, if you don't already, please remember to protect your pup with either sunscreen or sun protective clothing when spending long hours outdoors. Let me know about what you think of these products, and include any other brands that you use and love for your dog!

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/articles/sunny-days/ http://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/7-sun-safety-suggestions-for-dogs