As we shift from the all-over-the-shop spring weather towards sunnier days and a long, hot summer, you might be wondering how to approach your summer skincare routine.
Summer can bring extra humidity in some parts of the country, meaning your skin will absorb more moisture from the air (hello, dewy skin). But it can also mean more time spent immersed in saltwater, chlorine or air-conditioning, which all tend to dry out your skin.
So, how to keep your skin supple and balanced over the summer months?
Let’s start with some low-hanging (yet very nourishing and potent) summer skincare fruit.
If you’re not already applying sunscreen as a daily ritual, you absolutely want to start now that summer is upon us! Obviously sunscreen helps protect against skin cancers, and it’s your first line of defence against the sun damage that leads to fine lines and thickened skin.
Over here, we’re all about mineral sunscreens (like our Original SP50 Sunscreen or Tinted SPF50 Face Sunscreen) that sit on top of your skin and repel UV rays, as opposed to chemical ones that can be absorbed into your skin (yuck!).
Sunscreen should be applied after serums and moisturisers and before make-up (wait for each product to dry before applying another). Remember to apply it not only to your face but also your neck, ears, clavicles, backs of hands and anywhere else that is exposed to the sun — and re-apply every two hours to ensure you’re protected.
Another low-hanging fruit. You can apply all the products in the world to your skin, but it won’t do much if you’re not hydrating yourself from the inside. Obviously we tend to sweat more in the summertime, so it’s important to consciously up your fluid intake.
If you find it tricky to consume two to three litres of water in a day, keep things interesting with iced herbal tea or smoothies with coconut water, or jazz up your water with lemon, mint or cucumber.
We all know there are few things better than having a post-beach shower and then applying some deeply nourishing skincare (perhaps then followed by indulging in a caprese salad, but we digress).
On that note, cool showers are your skin’s friend, as hot water can cause your skin to dry out. Applying your skincare while your skin is still slightly damp will help lock in moisture, too.
Our Moisturising Cucumber After-Sun Milk is designed to bring your skin back to its happy place after long days at the beach or by the pool, while our Hydrating Kakadu Plum Sleep Mask is a luxurious, super-hydrating formula that will work its magic overnight so you can wake up feeling renewed. Listen to your skin and use these products as often as needed.
Summer usually involves being out and about more often, which might include wearing make-up and sunscreen, as well as sweating. All of this means that it’s important to give your face a gentle cleanse and scrub to clear away excess product and dead skin cells for a complexion that’s clean, bright and clear.
Exfoliating once or twice a week (depending on your lifestyle and what feels right for your skin) is generally enough in the summer. Try our Deep Cleansing Marshmallow Face Powder to help clear clogged pores while smoothing and soothing your skin. You can use this exfoliating powder all over your body, too.
Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to enjoy a sun-smart salad roll on the beach.
]]>As exciting as it can be, pregnancy is often an overwhelming and confusing time — especially when it comes to working out what to put on your skin.
More and more of us are becoming aware of the issues surrounding chemicals in cosmetics generally, and ingredient lists can take on even more significance when you’re having a baby. The idea of passing on unwanted chemicals to your bub in utero is a pretty scary thought.
Meanwhile, our skin is more sensitive during pregnancy and therefore more susceptible to burning or pigmentation, so it’s super important to keep using sunscreen when outdoors.
Fear not! We’re here to help break down sunscreen use during pregnancy and why you might want to think about using natural, mineral-based sunscreen.
As the name suggests, mineral sunscreens employ minerals as their active (sun-repelling) ingredients — for example zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients have not been found to penetrate the skin: instead, they sit atop your skin like a barrier and screen it from the sun’s UV rays.
Chemical sunscreens, meanwhile, use chemicals such as oxybenzone and avobenzone to protect your skin from the sun. Sunscreen chemicals have been found to penetrate the skin and wind up in our blood and tissues.
Research also suggests some sunscreen chemicals are endocrine disruptors, and studies have found sunscreen ingredients in breast milk, semen and amniotic fluid.* Yikes!
The endocrine system includes our endocrine glands: the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands, as well as our sex organs. An endocrine disruptor is a chemical that’s able to cross cell membranes and interrupt our natural hormone production. There are plenty of endocrine disruptors found in many household items, including shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens and cleaning products.
Naturally, we don’t want to disrupt our hormone production during pregnancy, and endocrine disruptors can also wreak havoc on our health when trying to conceive — or even if we’re not pregnant or trying to conceive. The endocrine system underpins several other systems in our body, and its health and harmony encourages overall wellbeing.
Some of the ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene and avobenzone. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s Sunscreen Report, all of these chemicals have been found to penetrate the skin and cause hormone disruption.
Oxybenzone in particular has a reputation for being problematic — and with good reason. When it comes to pregnancy, studies show that oxybenzone can increase the birth weight of male babies, decrease the birth weight of female babies and lower the gestational age for boys.*
Oxybenzone is also thought to be connected to Hirchsprung’s Disease, a condition that affects babies’ colons and sometimes requires surgery. And a 2022 study found that exposure to low doses of oxybenzone during pregnancy can change the mammary glands in female mice.*
It’s not just female bodies that can be affected, either: in a 2015 study, chemical UV filters were shown to lower a male partner’s chance of conceiving each menstrual cycle by 30 percent — possibly because the presence of these chemicals affects semen quality.*
As well as penetrating our skin, sunscreen chemicals can wind up on our lips and be ingested, while spray sunscreens can be inhaled.
To protect your skin from sun damage while minimising chemical exposure during pregnancy, natural mineral sunscreen is the way to go. Look for sunscreens with non-nanosized zinc oxide as the active ingredient, and steer clear of products that contain artificial fragrances.
The best thing is that natural mineral-based sunscreens are gentle enough to use on your new bub when they arrive, too. And, as an added bonus, you won’t be polluting our oceans and waterways.
1. Gentle and Hypoallergenic
2. Broad Spectrum Protection
3. No Harmful Chemicals
4. Long-Lasting Coverage
5. Environmentally-Friendly
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7648445/#R16
*https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844799/
*https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190722-sunscreen-safe-or-toxic
Hey SunButter Fam, recently I got to go back to Expedition guiding and what a treat it was.
As you may know, Sacha and I spent several years working as Expedition Wildlife Guides before we started SunButter and also in the businesses' early days. In late November last year I jumped back on a small ship (Le Laperouse) to work as the Dive Master and a Wildlife guide with a team of 17 amazing experts and only 70 guests.
We were sailing from Bali to Cairns island hopping through remote eastern Indonesia stopping in incredible spots like Komodo and finding amazing gems like Pulau Ngaf. We were able to visit culturally diverse communities in the Asmat and learn about colonial history in Banda Neira - the centre of the spice trade and origin of nutmeg and cloves.
The trip started with a couple of days in Bali staying in a beautifuul hotel with stunning views over Jimbaran bay. It was so good to reconnect here with some of my best mates. We’ve worked together on expedition trips for about 7 years, but being spread around the world, we rarely get to see each other unless on a ship - so it was pretty special to be reunited.
The ship expedition started with a beautiful sunset sail out of Bali heading east towards Komodo National Park. The Komodo dragons are the exceptional icon and “must see” of the region, but the diving and snorkelling was pretty inspiring too. In fact, one thing that stood out on this trip was how healthy the coral reefs were. We were sailing through the Coral Triangle, the epicentre of the globes coral biodiversity and everywhere we went the coral looked healthy and flourishing, with a great densities of reef fish.
From Komodo we kept heading east towards Alor, Banda Neira, The Moluccas and then Western Papua before heading south into Australian waters with brief stops on Thursday island, Bligh Reef and Lizard island.
A couple of the things that most stood out for me during this amazing trip:
Did I mention the Pygmy sea horses?
We also know that the very ingredient that gives our tinted sunscreen its tint can be a bit pesky to remove if it makes its way onto your white clothes.
Hence, please enjoy our step-by-step guide to removing our tinted sunscreen (or any mineral makeup type products) from places it doesn’t belong.
Why does tinted sunscreen stain?
We’re glad you asked! Our tinted sunscreen is a bit like a mineral foundation in sunscreen form.
Being an all-natural bizz, we only use real ingredients. Our tinted sunscreen gets its tint from mineral pigments, which come with a deep, natural colour — a little like clay, or the red dirt you see in the outback!
We went with a mineral option because it’s hypoallergenic, which means it’s great for sensitive skin, acne, and a variety of other skin conditions, plus it won’t clog your pores. The result is a tinted sunscreen that includes a combination of pigments, oils and waxes.
How do I avoid staining my clothes with tinted SunButter?
We have a few helpful hints when it comes to keeping those white linen shirts safe.
Make sure your skin is hydrated but not oily when you apply your sunscreen (otherwise it’ll be more likely to slide off and onto your clothes!). It’s also going to be a smoother process if your skin is clean and exfoliated.
We all want to race out the door when the sun is shining, but if you can wait for your tinted SunButter to dry before dressing or moving your body, it’ll be able to set properly.
Applying a mineral foundation powder will provide more coverage and, if it contains SPF, more sun protection. If you’re happy with the light coverage that our tinted sunscreen gives you, you could use a translucent powder to keep it in place.
What to do if your clothing has been stained by tinted products
Never fear! We’re now stocking Go for Zero natural stain removing sticks, which are palm oil free and 100 percent biodegradable.
Here’s how to use your Go for Zero stick for stains.
For stubborn stains, use the stick as a pre-wash.
That’s it, folks! If you follow the above advice you’ll be setting yourself for hours of glowing skin, sun protection — and sunscreen that stays where it’s needed!
]]>We’ve been busy bees over here at SB HQ getting all our products ready for you ahead of the delightful Summer season - woohoo! We’re excited to have the warm sun on our bodies whilst out adventuring with friends and family, protected by SunButter, of course.
As we reflect on the journey we’ve had so far, and look forward to the adventures ahead, we decided to share some behind the scenes insights into what it’s like to be at the helm of SunButter Skincare.
What circumstances led you to get the idea for SunButter Skincare? / What was the tipping point in starting SunButter Skincare? / What made you decide to start the company?
Sacha. Learning about the harmful effects chemical sunscreen was having on coral reefs and not having any alternative products in stores led me to making my own. The recipe started out as Christmas presents in 2016. The business starting was actually all thanks to Tom and my brother Miles. They saw the potential and lifted the vision from there.
Tom. I think seeing so many misleading products claiming to be “reef safe” but being full of some of the worst ingredients for ocean health, as well as all of them being in plastic packaging.
You first started with your SunButter SPF50 Reef Safe Original, now you have a range of 8 products… What is your absolute favourite product and why?
Sacha. That’s like trying to make a parent choose their favourite child! Each of our products has it’s own talents and shines in different situations, so I use different ones at different times. But if you had to twist my arm, I would say I just love our Tinted SPF50 Reef Safe Sunscreen and our Boab, Wattle and Kelp Face Oil. They’ve changed my skin for the better and I’ll always be grateful to them.
Tom. For me it's The Original SPF50 or the Surf Zinc. The surf zinc especially is so good! Long lasting, sticky but easy to apply.
What’s the mission behind the brand?
Sacha. Protecting People & the Planet is our mantra, and it’s what we strive for on and off the field. Therefore, creating SunButter naturally evolved as an extension of our passion and values for caring for our community and the natural world.
Tom. Protecting People & the Planet. Every company decision we make stemmed from this viewpoint.
How would you describe SunButter’s success so far?
Sacha. Incredible. We are so proud of SunButter and what it has achieved to date. It’s a testament to the amazing community of support we have, from our Exmouth community who helped launch the very first tins, to our growing customer base who rep SunButter around the country.
Tom. It's wild. Australia’s first plastic packaging free sunscreen,. Australia’s first vegan surf zinc. The WORLD’s first certified palm oil free sunscreen. All managed thanks to our epic customers and community.
What are you most proud of from the journey so far? What has been the highlight?
Sacha. Honestly, the fact that Tom and I have been able to run a successful start-up and now Nationwide company, whilst learning on the fly, and still finding time to have fun, be adventurous, and not stop loving and appreciating each other. That’s no mean feat.
Tom. All Sash said :-) (plus our world first - thats super cool!)
What has been the biggest challenge?
Sacha. Two of our biggest challenges that stand out because of the sheer grit, perseverance and unwavering commitment required to overcome them were:
1. Finding a manufacturer to package sunscreen in aluminium tins not plastic tubes - because it had never been done in Australia before.
2. Becoming certified palm oil free by bringing certain products in-house and securing a palm oil free supply chain.
These seemingly small tasks took us 2 and 3 years respectively.
Tom. Navigating a global pandemic was a pretty challenging ride too. But again, that amazing community came out to support our brand and products.
In what way (ways) are you a different person/people today because of starting SunButter Skincare?
Sacha. SunButter has stretched us enormously as individuals and professionals. We have loved the experience of bringing a valued product to life and seeing how running a for-purpose business can positively impact the environment and communities.
Tom. Sash has put it beautifully, as usual. I think SunButter has really helped with that long term view in life, planning and thinking ahead, these sorts of things. We started out with a “oh it’s Christmas in a couple of weeks” approach, I like to think we’re a bit better now.
Name the top two or three lessons you’ve learned from your experience
Sacha.
Tom.
When you’re not being busy bees at SunButter HQ, what will we find you doing with your free time?
Sacha. Surfing, freediving, embroidering, hiking.
Tom. Surfing, looking for birds/wildlife, drinking tea/eating cake, hiking, and then surfing some more.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Sacha. The ocean, and nature in general. It's my first aid box, my inspiration, my joy machine, my place to recalibrate and recentre.
Tom. Sacha - a huge inspiration and incredible human. Compassionate and kind almost to a fault. The ocean is pretty good too ;-)
How do you see SunButter developing over the next few years?
Sacha. We love the organic process of SunButter. We believe that to be truly sustainable it is important to embrace the slow and steady. Our business model is to remain sovereign over our decisions and therefore Tom and I are the sole owners in the company. This means it’s unlikely we’ll be skyrocketing into the global market in the next 6 months, instead we’ll be happily continuing to enjoy the journey of spreading the butter across Australia and adding a few new delicious products to the range.
Tom. I can’t add much more to what Sacha has so beautifully said. Slow and steady. Necessity over profiteering. Keep our integrity and purpose at the forefront.
Ah, the joys of travel: Meeting new people, tasting new foods, marvelling at new landscapes and enjoying a totally different routine. Like you, we are super pumped that travel is finally back on the cards after a few tumultuous years.
Of course, when it comes to traversing this big blue planet, there are some environmental considerations to think about. Since it’s Plastic Free July, we thought we’d share some of our favourite tips on travelling sustainably and plastic free.
As all humans (and marketers) know, miniature-sized products are our kryptonite. Tiny plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles and little plastic dental packs are devilishly convenient — but they’re also just plain devilish for the environment.
With a smidge of organisation, you can create your own cute and convenient toiletries travel bag. Deodorant, body soap, shampoo and conditioner can all be purchased in bar form in compostable packaging, and kept in a reusable container (say, a preloved SunButter tin). Toothpaste tablets can be bought in a reusable tin or glass jar, and obviously you can bring your own (bamboo) toothbrush from home! Huzzah!
Pop these things in a drawstring canvas bag, and Bob’s your uncle: You’ll have a super cool travel pack, and you won’t be adding to the plastic problem of whatever beautiful destination you’re heading to!
While it’s easy to throw caution to the wind and just go with the flow while travelling, bringing your own eating and drinking utensils instead of accepting the plastic ones that will inevitably be handed to you is important for helping reduce plastic waste (imagine if everyone did this!). Reusable bamboo knives, forks, spoons and straws come in cute little roll-up kits these days, along with pipe cleaners to keep your straw shmick.
Obviously this is a big one for us — the reason we created SunButter in the first place is because we didn’t want to be causing damage to local reefs and waterways while surfing and diving.
Whether you’re travelling somewhere warmer or not, you’ll likely need sunscreen at some point on your journey and might end up just buying whatever’s available at the nearest pharmacy. Again, with a little forethought, you can lessen your environmental footprint.
Hence, you’ll want to stock up on plastic free sunscreen. Also, make sure the sunscreen you’re using is reef safe and uses non-nanosized zinc, which acts as a physical (rather than chemical) barrier and won’t be absorbed into your body.
SunButter ticks all these boxes (plus, it’s palm oil free and cruelty free!). We might seem biased, but we created our sunscreen specifically because we couldn’t find any truly sustainable options on the market and wanted to travel (and live) as consciously as possible.
It might seem odd to pack empty containers, but it’s actually pretty useful to have some spare receptacles (like jars or stainless steel bento boxes) with you while travelling. Keep them in your backpack or tote bag and ask restaurants to pop your takeaway or leftovers into these containers instead of using single use plastic ones (the use of which spiralled out of control during pandemic lockdowns). They also double as vehicles for snacks like nuts when hiking or surfing, which will reduce the chances of you having to buy items such as plastic-wrapped energy bars while out and about. Smart!
It’s estimated that 583 billion plastic bottles were produced in 2021, and that this is 100 billion more than were produced five years ago.
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but if you don’t have a reusable drink bottle with you when travelling, you’ll probably work your way through a fair few plastic drink bottles (ugh!). Having a reusable drink bottle means you can fill it up with water while at restaurants or rest stops (packing water sterilising tablets can be a great idea, too). Reusable drink bottles are also not going to melt or heat up your water during long beach days. Win-win!
As an FYI for anyone flying internationally: You obviously won’t be able to bring a bottle of water through security, but you can take your empty bottle and fill it up using the filtered taps at the gate.
While we’re at it, this also extends to filling jerry cans with water while on road trips (rather than buying a slab of plastic water bottles… Once again: Ugh!).
And, of course, don’t forget your reusable coffee cup! Whether you’re knocking back café con leche in Spain, sipping on matcha lattes in Japan, enjoying spicy chai in India or swigging bulletproof coffee in Sydney, remember to bring your reusable cup so you’re not adding to the worldwide disposable coffee cup problem (in the US alone, around 50 billion coffee cups are disposed of each year).
If you’re on the road, taking reusable ice packs and/or filling up old bottles or Tetra Paks with water and then freezing them is a great alternative to buying plastic bags of ice for the Esky. You just have to remember to re-freeze them while stopped at caravan parks, friends’ houses etc.
This one may not relate directly to plastics, but offsetting your travel is such an easy way to help mitigate the emissions caused by road or air travel. SunButter offsets through the legends at Greenfleet Australia, who we strongly recommend.
As a final word, take us with you! We love to see where you’re going, what you’re up to, and how you’re travelling plastic free and sustainably — especially if you’ve got a tin of SunButter in tow. Tag @sunbutterskincare on your next adventure!
]]>Gather ‘round, friends, and let us tell you a tale. It’s the tale of creating a Certified Palm Oil Free sunscreen.
More specifically, it’s the tale of how we became the first sunscreen company in the world to be Certified Palm Oil Free, and the journey we took to get here. It’s a story of obstacles, persistence and, in the end, huge celebration.
Our journey to Palm Oil Free Certification
You see, from the very beginning we wanted every single one of our products to be palm oil free. As we’ve detailed in a blog we wrote a while back, the palm oil industry presents huge environmental issues. It’s multifaceted and complex, but basically the problems involve everything from deforestation and the disruption of soil carbon to the decimation of local animal populations (193 species are currently classified as endangered or vulnerable because of the palm oil industry). With a motto like, “Protecting people and the planet”, it was a given that palm oil just couldn’t be part of the SunButter party.
And yet, things weren’t always so straightforward. Our sunscreen was originally certified “palm oil free” by the Orangutan Alliance in 2019. Then, one of our suppliers (of a cheeky little ingredient called Coco-caprylate/Caprate) changed and, because international supply chains involve so much smoke and mirrors, we could no longer be certain that this ingredient wasn’t derived from palm oil somewhere along the way. Hence, we had to kiss our palm oil free certification goodbye.
But we never stopped working to get things back on track. We brought more and more of our manufacturing process in-house to a local factory so that we had greater certainty and control over our supply chains. We worked closely with the Orangutan Alliance and enlisted the help of Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark (POFCAP), who dived into the nitty-gritty production of all our ingredients and made flow-charts that illustrated where every single thing came from — even the ones that already sounded palm oil free. We left no stone unturned.
Certification (and celebration!)
Today, we are ecstatic to announce that we’ve achieved the seemingly impossible and earned ourselves a POFCAP Palm Oil Free Certification. Every product in the SunButter range is now Certified Palm Oil Free. It hasn’t been easy or cheap (but don’t worry — we’re not passing any of that cost onto you guys!). There were plenty of moments where we struggled, or hit roadblocks, or felt like it would never happen. Thankfully, the certifying bodies were there to keep us going — and we’re so glad we persisted.
Shop SunButter Certified Palm Oil Free Sunscreen here.
To our gorgeous community, thanks for coming along on the journey with us. For those wanting to ensure they’re not using products containing palm oil, head to the POFCAP website to learn more about the different names used to disguise palm oil (Vitamin C, anyone?), or check out Biome, who do plenty of their own research and only sell palm oil free items.
If you’re a fellow cosmetics business, we wholeheartedly encourage you to go down the palm oil free certification path. It’s not a cake walk, but there’s plenty of support along the way — and the planet is worth it!
]]>Leyla Bulmer is an Irish/Australian artist with an innate need to express herself creatively — and to use her work to process and overcome internal struggles. The divine beauty of the human form illuminates her creativity and, through travel, Leyla has found new surroundings and people an infinite source of inspiration. These past few years of staying at home on the Mornington Peninsula have been a change, but this stillness has brought much welcomed focus and deeper meaning to her work. Drawing from life, Leyla uses a continuous line style, putting her paintbrush down and allowing fluid but striking lines to emerge organically.
Much of Leyla’s work showcases the female form, her way perhaps to heal wounding around the feminine and celebrate it all at the same time. Portraying the beauty of the human form and not staying within societal perceptions of perfection, she creates to unravel beliefs about the physical. Leyla's love for the water can be seen through the strong but fluid lines she uses in her work.
This month, to celebrate International Women's Day, SunButter has partnered with Leyla in creating postcards that feature her beautiful artwork, The Surf of Venus.
Artwork - The Surf Of Venus, by Leyla Bulmer
leylabulmer.com - @leylabulmer.
Purchase your very own print of "The Surf of Venus"
What do you do?
I’m an artist — a painter. You could say I’m a figurative artist, in a way, focusing on the feminine form a lot. That’s where I’m at at the moment, but that could change. I did study graphic design and I’ve done that for the past few years, but I’m letting go of it and focusing more on my art practice.
How long ago did you make the shift from graphic design to painting?
So, I guess I’ve always drawn and painted but probably more in the last three to four years. It’s been happening slowly, slowly over that time.
What inspired you to make that shift — was there something that gave you a little bit of a nudge to embrace that part of your practice?
I just started to enjoy that part of it more. I was doing a lot of design work on the computer, and I started focusing more on my own creativity rather than working to a client’s brief. So, the transition was quite natural. I suppose I always wanted to be an artist but somehow ended up in graphic design school, and I’m very happy I did that because I learned some very important skills that help me a lot now.
And you’re from Ireland originally?
I was born in Australia but Mum is Irish, so I spent my childhood there.
How old are you now?
I’m 32. I’ve been back here for 10 years, which has gone fast.
Tell me about your studio — is it part of your house?
It’s separate to my house. During the pandemic I built a tiny house, which is so, so great. At the time I didn’t realise I’d use it as a studio but I’ve since moved house and so the tiny house is in the garden of my new place and it’s so good. I love it: it’s a beautiful space with arched windows. It’s such a blessing to have it. And it’s not very far from my house, but at least I can leave home and be at work.
How long did it take you to build the tiny house?
About four or five months. A friend of mine is a builder, so he helped, and my Dad and I also did a lot. Well, actually my builder friend built it, and we helped him! It probably could have been done a lot faster but we had pretty chill days, surf breaks and long lunches.
That sounds beautiful! And what about your creative process — do you have a routine, or is it different every day? How does it all come together?
So, at the moment it includes a lot of writing, just to get things clear in my head and see patterns, see what’s coming up. Writing allows me to see what’s important and what needs to be let go. Most of the stuff I write is to let go of so I can focus elsewhere — on my practice. That’s kind of new. I haven’t always done that but that’s recently been working really well. So writing to begin with, and then there are a few different ways I go about things depending on what I’m doing — if it’s personal creative expression with no clients involved then I usually take photos to work from, do a bit of sketching and from there I can see the lines that I want to pick out and paint for a piece. I guess I keep it quite simple. The sketches can be a little more detailed. At the moment I’m working mostly acrylic on paper, but I do some work on canvas as well.
It’s a bit of a different process when I do a body portrait commission — that’s more about the clients; there’s no personal writing needed. I speak to them a lot and figure out what they like. Working from a photo or working from an in-studio sitting is the beginning of that process.
Do you enjoy both those processes equally?
I do. Sometimes I find that it’s easier to work with clients because it’s less about me. And it’s lovely to connect with clients and get to know them — whether it’s via email and through them sending me photos, or they come to the studio. The in-studio sessions are really beautiful because we get to spend two hours together, and I get to create that space for a woman to be seen, feel seen… People love seeing themselves on paper too. It’s an interesting process to go through. I get to chat to them, learn more about them and It’s lovely to celebrate their bodies.
It must feel like an honour to get to know people in that way and represent them.
Yeah, it really is. And I’m getting a lot more confident with that process — in the beginning it was a bit daunting and I felt like there was a bit of pressure but that’s mostly gone now. It’s getting a lot more easeful and joyful.
Who or what motivates or inspires you?
I guess the women in my life inspire me or motivate me, fuel me. I’m working on a project at the moment that involves a lot of my stuff around my mother. Many of the women in my life remind me of her, so that’s an interesting one. Those places are where ideas come from sometimes.
I’m inspired by a lot of the women from the paintings in the Renaissance era because of their body shapes and sizes. I guess I relate to them — I can see myself in them and their shapes and their pale skin.
And also just my world, I suppose. Living by the ocean, the water. Everything is inspiring. I used to get inspired through travel a lot, back in the day when that was a thing, but it’s been great staying at home actually and figuring what I can draw from being here, and being more still. It’s a little harder but fulfilling and rewarding.
Exploring more depth over breadth, perhaps.
Yeah, there’s a lot of internal stuff rather than just seeing something beautiful and wanting to recreate it.
And how does being a woman influence work? Does your womanhood flow into or bleed into your work?
I’m not sure because I don’t know what it’s like to be a man, but I guess it has everything to do with my art, being in this body. I create a lot of pictures of women and maybe I started that because of my own body images issues, so it was a way of working through that. When I started to do life drawing classes I realised that I really loved drawing figures, and I noticed that I loved drawing women more so, because of the shapes and the flow. I was seeing the beauty in all of those people that I was painting and drawing and then I noticed that I couldn’t quite get to that in myself — couldn’t see that beauty in myself.
Being all about aesthetics, how I looked physically was such a big thing in my life for some time, and I just wanted to move on from it, so I guess my art is a way of moving through that. I didn’t want my whole life to be focused around feeling less than, like I didn’t fit in or feeling like I had the wrong body shape or whatever. If I can help people move through this as I have then that’s kind of where I want to be. And now this project around being my mother’s daughter, who knows what’s next but surely being a woman will always have some influence.
So, it’s been a way into embracing your own body and shifting the way that you relate to your body.
Yeah. It has.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I guess the day itself hasn’t always been a huge day in my life, but it’s important — and this shift is happening slowly in the world anyway — to bring the feminine forward a bit more. When I say “feminine” and “masculine” I don’t necessarily mean men and women. We’ve been in a world that’s run by the patriarchy and capitalism and go-go-go, do-do-do. The feminine becoming a bigger part of this world would be great. We’d all be able to breathe a little deeper, I think. Everybody’s worn out — and so is the planet. If we keep on pushing ourselves so hard it’s not going to be good. Rather than the rise of women, let’s go for balance. To accept both masculine and feminine in everything and everyone, both men and women.
And if we look at it through that lens, your work is a form of rebellion — even though it’s so beautiful and soft and gentle and flowing — because it’s making a case for the feminine in the world.
Yeah, yep. Someone saw my art at an exhibition once and said that it made the feminine all around them much more visible. It’s so great when people can articulate what you’re doing. To hear that was really beautiful because whatever he was seeing around him, it just kind of accentuated the feminine aspect of those things, and showed the importance of the feminine in the world.
It made visible something that’s not usually so visible. I love that.
leylabulmer.com - @leylabulmer
Purchase your very own print of "The Surf of Venus"
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What is SPF?
There’s a common perception that the SPF number on a sunscreen simply indicates how powerful it is. In the minds of many of us, a higher SPF number means the sunscreen is going to do a far better job of protecting us.
This is both true and untrue. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” (which doesn’t really tell us much, to be fair). What it means is how much longer the sunscreen is going to protect you from UVB rays (more on those later) than if you were out in the sun with zero protection.
In other words, the SPF number tells you just how much longer your skin will be able to withstand UVB rays before it starts to burn. An SPF15, for example, should protect you for 15 times longer than wearing nothing at all. If you usually burn in 15 minutes, then it should take 225 minutes for you to burn if wearing an SPF15 sunscreen. An SPF4 sunscreen is theoretically just as powerful as an SPF50, but its effect will wear off much faster.
Bear in mind that we also need to take into account things like sweating and splashing around in the water, which make sunscreen less effective. To be on the safe side, the rule of the thumb is to re-apply every two hours.
Also, not all sunshine is created equal. By this we mean that the noon sun on a summer’s day is more powerful (meaning you burn more quickly) than, say, 7am sunshine in the middle of winter. Plus, the UV changes from day to day, and doesn’t always correlate with the outside temperature.
How is SPF calculated?
By scientists in a lab! They recreate the conditions in which the sun is at its highest and hottest and see what happens to skin exposed to UVB rays with and without the sunscreen in question.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?
Ah! We’re glad you asked, because this is a goodie. So, as we mentioned earlier, the SPF in sunscreen protects you against UVB rays only. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. UVA rays, on the other hand, are the sneaky assassins that penetrate the skin’s layers more deeply and contribute to sun exposure effects like premature ageing (wrinkles) and damage that can lead to skin cancer.
Which is to say, we don’t want to be soaking up too many UV rays at all if we can help it!* This is where broad spectrum sun protection comes in. Seeing “broad spectrum” on a label tells you that the sunscreen is going to protect you from both kinds of rays. Broad spectrum is what we want. Broad spectrum is king.
Which SPF is best?
We don’t know about you, but here at SunButter HQ (which extends to our local beaches and beyond) we like to apply our sunscreen and know that we’re protected for as long as possible —partly because we’re frothers who like to frolic outdoors for extended periods of time, and partly because we’re lazy. So, we’re SPF50 kids.
Of course, some sun protection is better than none, so if you happen to find yourself renting a beach house at some remote location with access to only SPF4 (a very specific situation), then go for that SPF4! Just be extra mindful and remember that you’ll need to apply far more frequently (no falling asleep on the beach for hours, folks).
SPF and make up
If you’re a make-up wearer, you might have noticed that foundations, tinted moisturisers and BB creams sometimes contain an SPF rating. This can be a great thing, because it ensures that any time you’re wearing your make-up, you’re somewhat protected (good news if you find yourself on a spontaneous boat trip, at a daytime rooftop party or even just standing in the sun waiting awhile for your takeaway coffee).
However, it’s important to note that most of these products only have an SPF rating of 15, meaning that they won’t offer as long-lasting protection. To better protect yourself, experts recommend wearing at least SPF30 sunscreen on your face (and other exposed areas of your body, such as your ears, neck and hands). Sunscreen needs to be applied underneath your make up — and it’s not a good idea to combine your sunscreen and make up together.
SunButter SPF50 tinted sunscreen can be a great way to make sure you’re giving your skin sun protection that lasts longer while also sporting a bronze glow.
So, that’s SPF in a (kind of big) nutshell, friends. The bottom line is to know what you’re putting on your skin and how long it is likely to protect you before you get out into the big, wide world.
*To circle back to the question of UV rays: we do need a certain amount of UV action in our bods. It’s through UV rays that we’re able to soak up Vitamin D from the sun, which is important for things like strong bones and muscles. In a crazy paradox, UV is both the chief cause of skin cancer and the best way to get natural Vitamin D. Wild, huh? Even still, experts don’t recommend running out into the midday sun sans protection to beef up your Vitamin D count (if you’re deficient, your GP may suggest Vitamin D tablets). If the UV rating is over three, you know the advice: slip (on a shirt), slop (on some sunscreen) and slap (on a hat).
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As adults, hopefully we’ve learnt a thing or two about protecting ourselves from the sun’s UV rays. But what about when it comes to our little ones — are their sun protection needs different? How do we keep children safe from sun damage? And what should we look for in kids’ sunscreen?
While the needs of kids differ slightly from adults', the good news is that we can all use the same sunscreen (provided it ticks the following boxes!).
Of course, the primary defence against sunburn in kids is keeping bubs in the shade —especially during the middle of the day — protecting them with broad-brimmed or Legionnaire’s hats and covering their limbs with loose-fitting clothing. Experts do not recommend applying sunscreen to children under six months of age, and babies under 12 months should be kept out of direct sunlight when the UV rating is above 3.
Physical sunscreens are far better for children (and all of us, actually) because they work by creating a barrier that reflects and absorbs UV rays — as opposed to using chemicals that are absorbed by our skin. No one wants nasty chemicals seeping through their kid’s epidermis!
Sunscreens containing the natural mineral zinc oxide are recommended for children. Look for products with non-nanosized zinc oxide, as nanosized particles are small enough to be absorbed through the skin. Sunscreens with oxybenzone in them are not recommended for children (or adults!) because oxybenzone is known to cause a raft of health issues, including hormone disruption. Also, the ocean will thank you for choosing reef-safe non-nanosized zinc over products that contain nanosized zinc, oxybenzone or any of the other ingredients on the ever-growing HEL list of chemicals that damage our waterways and marine life.
Bless their cotton socks and soft downy heads! Children, obviously, have especially delicate skin that’s often more susceptible to burning than adults’, and the sunburn we sustain as kids can set us up for skin damage (including skin cancers) later in life.
Your best bet is to use an SPF50 sunscreen. The SPF (or Sun Protection Factor) indicates how long a person can stay in the sun without getting burnt compared to how long it would take to get burnt without that sunscreen. SPF30, for example, allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer than you would be able to without any sunscreen. The thing is that there’s no magic number here: while one day you might burn in 15 minutes of midday sun, it might take an hour of sun exposure to earn yourself a sunburn at 10am. Using SPF50 sunscreen theoretically means you can be exposed to UV rays for 50 times longer.
We want to be offering kids the maximum protection, which is SPF50 (anything above SPF50 doesn’t seem to offer much more effectiveness). Longer-lasting sun protection also won’t need to be applied as frequently, which is a massive bonus with squirmy, busy kids who just want to keep playing!
Broad spectrum is also super important here. Some sunscreens will only protect against UVB rays (UVB is the main sunburn culprit) without protecting against UVA rays (which also contribute to skin damage and premature ageing). Enter zinc oxide, which is a broad spectrum UVA and UVB mineral blocker!
Kids generally do not like sitting still, and applying sunscreen to wriggly little people is really no fun for anyone. Many zinc oxide sunscreens are great from a natural ingredients perspective, but almost require a spatula to apply (other sunscreens can be easy to apply but full of nasty ingredients!). When it comes to sunscreen, we want something that ticks all the boxes while still being a formula that we can slip, slop and slap on with relative ease.
Some sunscreens — like, ahem, SunButter — come with natural spreadability helpers such as coconut oil and Vitamin E that have the added bonus of keeping skin supple and moisturised. We also make SunButter in an aluminium tin so you can dive in and scoop out however much buttery goodness you need without messing around squeezing tubes. Just remember to clean the thread of the tin regularly, store the tin upright and, like all sunscreens, keep under 30 degrees Celsius.
Fragrances are lovely! We’re talking the scent of coffee, fresh flowers; the first whiff of the ocean while clambering out of the car on holiday. Fragrance in the cosmetics world, though, can be a no-no for sensitive skin. Synthetic fragrances can also worsen respiratory issues, trigger headaches and cause general irritation.
One of the most common questions we’re asked at SunButter is whether our sunscreen is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. The answer is: You betcha! Because we only use gentle, natural ingredients, our sunscreen is ideal for all ages and skin types. This is great news for babies and kids and anyone whose skin can be prone to irritation. Of course, it’s always prudent to do a patch test before using any product.
Natural sunscreens also won’t sting eyes, which is important for little or big kids who like to splash around in waves and water (or tend to rub their eyes!).
It’s not enough for sunscreen to be high SPF and broad spectrum. Considering so much of summertime fun is spent at the beach, by the pool, running through sprinklers or racing around sweating up a storm, kids’ sunscreen needs to be water resistant. This means it won’t just slide off at first contact with water. It’s always a good idea, however, to re-apply after sweating or being in the water, as even the most water-resistant sunscreen will be less effective after getting wet.
Remember, folks: sunscreen only works if used correctly. Make sure you apply liberally, re-apply every two hours and avoid using if past the expiry date.
Happy days!
]]>When it comes to sustainability practices, upcycling and DIY are king! SunButter has always loved upcycling — especially around Christmas time when things tend to get stressful, wasteful and expensive — and this year it’s even more important than it was before. Let us guide you through our favourite ways to upcycle our tins.
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When it comes to sustainability practices, upcycling and DIY are king! While we’re unable to accept returns of our sunscreen tins once used (due to TGA health and safety restrictions), we love that our little aluminium friends can be reused in so many creative ways.
Here are some of our favourites upcycling gift ideas for our tins (obviously we recommend cleaning the tins prior to use!):
Drill a hole in either side of the tin thread and poke a piece of wire through (or, option B: drill a hole in the centre of the tin lid so you can thread the wick through there). Twist the wire at its centre to make a loop (this is how you will secure the wick) and then cut a 6cm by 2cm strip from an old cotton tshirt or pillow case (important: make sure it’s 100 per cent cotton!). Fill the tin with olive oil and add essential oils if you like. You can even add some citronella so it can double as a mosquito repeller! Dip the cotton wick in the oil and then thread it through the wire loop (or through the hole in the tin lid and then secure the lid for option B). Light her up!
No one likes soap build-up on their shower caddy or bathroom sink! Place a couple of elastic bands around your tin (see image) to act as a soap holder. It’s super easy to clean! Also, you can transport your soap/shampoo/deodorant bars in the tin while travelling. Genius!
Christmas tree decorations just need to be shiny, right? And what about filled with yummies? For this one, get some twine and create a loop. Secure that loop onto the tin by wrapping more twine around the sides. Or, drill two holes next to each other through the side of the tin, loop some twine through and voilà! You have yourself a merry little Christmas and an upcycled bauble. To make it extra fancy, fill it with chocolates and cover the tin in some wrapping paper, even personalise it for your loved ones by adding their name.
Heaven knows us modern humans have quite a few knick-knacks to keep an eye on: ear pods, contact lenses, jewellery, scroggin mix, false teeth, next year’s garden seeds, brooches, flower petals you like the smell of, tiny people that you accidentally shrunk a la Honey I Shrunk the Kids etc. etc. You pre-loved sunscreen tin can become a tiny house for all these items (and more!).
5. Tealight candle container
Because we always need more things to pop our tealight candles in while getting our picnic / dinner party / meditation / séance on.
Remember, friends: reduce, reuse, upcycle!
So, what’s going on with global shortages?
Oof, it’s complex. As you might have heard, there’s a shortage across the world when it comes to things like computer chips, timber, sneakers — and heaps more. Basically it’s the result of a big and bizarre flow-chart (or domino effect) of one issue leading to another.
It goes a little something like this. People in (mostly) Western countries shopped a lot more during lockdowns (because they were receiving government money to keep the economy going) and spent money on all kinds of material possessions as well as on renovating their homes. The factories in China that manufacture many of these goods (or at least one essential part of the goods) struggled to keep up with the increased demand while also frequently being shutdown due to Covid outbreaks. There have been big shipping container traffic jams. Also, there is a shortage of labour among people who drive trucks, load containers, pack boxes and so on.
One of the heartbreaking flow-on effects of this is that people across the world can’t get things that they actually really need, including medicines, protective gear and food, and that non-profits who usually distribute excess product to those in need can’t get their hands on these products.
Keeping it local
On the plus side, the shortage reminds us that there actually is a supply chain involved whenever we buy something. And where there’s a supply chain, there’s a carbon trail.
Which is where shopping local comes in. Not only does shopping local make more logistical sense (especially if you’re a last-minute shopper and can’t afford to risk long wait times), it’s also incredibly important for helping out small businesses, improving our local economies and reducing our carbon footprint.
Now that markets and bricks-and-mortar stores have reopened (along with services businesses that sell experiences like massages, theatre shows and wild dolphin and seal swims!), it’s the perfect time to spread some local love through your community.
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You heard right, friends: Australia’s first vegan surf zinc is here!
Unless you’re vegan, you might never have considered the beeswax industry, why sustainable beekeeping matters or whether your zinc is made using animal products.
We covered the ins and outs of the beekeeping industry in a blog a while back, but essentially it goes a little like this:
From the beginning, our mission has been to not only to tread very lightly on the earth, but also to actively create alternative eco-friendly products that make the planet more sustainable. So while sourcing local sustainable beeswax was a possibility when we were hand-making zincs in our home kitchen, it proved a little tricky when demand grew and we needed to start slinging more and more tins of the good stuff.
After much researching and soul-searching, we decided to stop using beeswax altogether because we didn’t feel comfortable with the practices of any large-scale beekeeping producers. Hence, Australia’s first vegan surf zinc was born! Huzzah!
We now make our zinc with natural butters, waxes, oils and non-nano particle zinc oxide. It glides on easy and is designed to be applied super thick and protect you for up to four hours in the water. Like all our products, it’s cruelty-free, palm oil free, reef safe, great for sensitive skin and SPF50 TGA listed. Plus, it comes in a nice big 70-gram tin and has a scrum-diddly-umptious cacao aroma.
So, that’s the long and short of why we created our vegan surf zinc. Any questions? We’re all ears.
]]>Apart from having quite a cool name, free radicals are a pretty interesting little group of microscopic particles. Most of us know at least a little bit about free radicals, but just what are they exactly and what is their agenda? Are free radicals bad? And where does sunscreen come in?
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are tiny atoms that are constantly moving around the body (and the world) as the result of both external factors and normal physical processes. Each one exists for less than a split second, but can wreak plenty of havoc in that time. They’re a highly unstable and reactive atom — needy, if you will — so they’re always looking for stable electrons to which they can attach themselves. Damage caused by free radicals happens thanks to both natural metabolic processes (turning the food we eat into energy, for example, or exercising) and lifestyle or environmental factors (such as smoking, UV rays, chemical exposure and pollution).
The process whereby free radicals damage healthy cells or tissues is called oxidative stress. This occurs when there is an unfavourable imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants — in other words: when we have too many free radicals and too few antioxidants to neutralise them.
Are free radicals bad?
They certainly can be. Oxidative stress can lead to the DNA damage responsible for cancer. Free radicals damage not just DNA but all kinds of other cells in the body, and they are believed to speed up the ageing process (causing our skin to wrinkle, for example). Oxidative stress is also thought to be behind inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and respiratory conditions, as well as heart diseases, stroke, neurological disorders and more.
Why are free radicals on this destructive mission? We don’t know, but we do know that free radicals are ever-present in the human body and that they are an unavoidable part of human physiological functioning, meaning we can’t eliminate them completely. Reducing the number of free radicals in our system, however, is a great idea.
The role of antioxidants
If we think of free radicals as stormtroopers that invade the body, then antioxidants are members of the Rebellion! (This is a Star Wars reference, friends. For the uninitated, the stormtroopers are those soliders in white armour that march around the galaxy causing trouble, and the Rebellion are the good guys fending them off).
Antioxidants have the power to stop free radicals from forming or proliferating, and to mitigate the damage they cause. They’re sometimes referred to as “scavangers” because of their ability to go in and clean up free radicals, but this makes them sound less noble than they are. Antioxidants are charitable little guys: they actually donate electrons to free radicals so that the free radicals are pacified and stop rampaging around like wild cowboys.
We naturally produce some antioxidants in the body. Other antioxidants can’t be produced by the body, however, meaning we have to get them through our diets. The main sources of dietary antioxidants are the minerals and vitamins found in plants — in particular vitamin E, vitamin A, beta-carotene, anthocyanidins and epigallacatechin-3-gallate. Antioxidant-rich foods include berries, kidney beans, black beans, artichokes, green and black tea, coffee , prunes, olives, citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, apples, certain herbs and spices, nuts — and plenty more. Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure we’re consuming a variety of antioxidants. The more varieties, the merrier!
If we can reduce our free radical exposure and increase our antioxidant intake, peace and balance will be restored in the galaxy of our bodies.
Free radicals and sunscreen
We mentioned above that sun exposure can encourage free radical generation. Therefore wearing sunscreen and protecting our skin from the sun wherever possible is an important step in reducing our risk of skin damage and cancer.
However, it’s also true that certain carcinogenic chemicals can play a role in boosting free radical production. This is why you might have heard people mention a link between sunscreen use and cancer, leading to lots of confusion. Allow us to explain.
Chemical sunscreens use chemicals to help deflect harmful UV rays. The catch is that these chemicals can also be absorbed into our bodies through our skin, meaning we have potentially nasty compounds floating through our bloodstream that might encourage free radical production. (As a side note, these same chemicals slide off our skin and into oceans and waterways, threatening marine life).
Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, work in the same way as a beach umbrella or hat: by creating a barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. Because physical sunscreens use this barrier approach (thanks to mineral ingredients like zinc oxide) they don’t need to use harsh chemicals in order to protect you. And as long as these ingredients are non-nanosized, you won’t be absorbing them through your skin. It’s a win-win: you’re protecting yourself both from the free radicals caused by UV exposure and from the free radicals that might result from chemical absorption. AND the oils and waxes in natural suncreen form a barrier against pollutants, too.
SunButter has always been, and will always be, a natural, mineral, non-nanosized physical sunscreen.
Pretty cool, hey?
Mitigating the effects of free radicals
There are two ways to keep free radicals in check: by increasing our antioxidants and by reducing free radical numbers.
As we mentioned above, we can bolster our antioxidant numbers by eating antioxidant-rich foods. We can also boost our body’s antioxidant-generating capacity by applying antioxidants directly onto the skin. When applied topically, antioxidants can help slow the processes that break down proteins in the skin, such as collagen fibres. The result is skin that remains supple, bright and uniform in tone for longer.
This is where our Boab, Wattle and Kelp face oil comes in! This face oil is high in vitamins C, A and E, which help boost the skin’s natural defences, protect against environmental damage and fight signs of premature aging.
When it comes to minimising free radicals, it helps to avoid harsh chemicals, pollutants and UV exposure. Interestingly, mental and emotional stress can also contribute to free radical production by triggering stress hormones in our bodies. As such, we also recommend meditating, sunsmart surfing, restful yoga and nature time (or whatever helps you unwind) to help keep those pesky free radicals under control!
It might sound like a lot, but all of these practices have flow-on effects for your general health and wellbeing. Plus, it’s worth it! Research suggests that having the right balance of free radicals and antioxidants helps us live a long and happy life.
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If you’ve read the recent IPCC report that was released this month — which describes climate change as “widespread, rapid, and intensifying” — your head may be spinning a little bit. Written by the UN’s team of scientists on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the report is a pretty damning look at where we’re headed as a planet.
Basically, if we remain on our current trajectory, temperatures are set to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the next 20 years, meaning a dangerous increase in heat waves, rainfall, floods and other natural disasters, as well as rising sea levels and temperatures. If the climate rises by 2 degrees Celsius, this might be too much for agriculture and human health to withstand.
BUT the truth is that there are things we can do, personally and collectively, to help mitigate climate change and its effects. Climate change is a humanmade catastrophe, which means we humans have the power to turn things around. The IPCC report tells us that “strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change”.
If you’re feeling concerned or overwhelmed about the climate, one of the best and most empowering things you can do is change your own habits for the better. You might feel like you’re only one person and that your behaviour won’t make a difference — but it can! In fact, there’s a whole lot you can do to help.
Emissions come from a variety of places. We often talk about carbon emissions, which come from burning fossil fuels (including using coal to produce electricity), but methane and other greenhouse gases are also a big part of the problem.
About three-quarters of emissions come from energy usage, which is partly made up of electricity (mostly residential use) and transport (mostly car travel).
One-fifth of emissions come from agriculture and land use. This is because of land clearing, the methane produced by livestock, and the greenhouse gases produced when fertilizers are mixed with soils. These kinds of emissions are actually even more potent and damaging than carbon emissions.
Throughout history, nature has taken care of re-balancing the emissions released by capturing or sequestering these emissions. But the fact that we’re not taking such good care of nature (eg. by cutting down forests and damaging marine ecosystems), combined with the radically rising population of the world and our consumerist, means we’re overshooting our ability to balance the emissions we’re releasing.
The everyday
This means turning off lights and power points that aren’t being used, switching to LED lights wherever possible and choosing appliances with a high energy rating. Wash your clothes in cool or warm water rather than hot, and do so on a sunny or windy day so that you can line-dry them. Your power bills will also be reduced, so it’s a win-win!
If you’re a homeowner, there are plenty of things you can do to make your place more energy efficient. Consider installing green insulation to better heat and cool your home, use curtains or blinds to keep the heat in or out, learn how to draught-proof your home and how to use ventilation to cool the place down in summer. If you wanted to go further, you could install double-glazed windows and solar panels. Gas stovetops, while popular, are less energy efficient than electric ones.
Renters will be able to do some of the same things: you can draw the curtains or blinds for temperature stability, for example, or use a door sausage to keep cold air out in winter! You might not have the option of putting in double-glazed windows, but you could use a method such as stick-on window insulation from Clear Comfort.
While air travel does play a role in emissions (1.9 per cent of global emissions), road transport is a bigger problem (11.9 per cent). More than half of road emissions come from passenger travel in cars and on motorcycles and buses. Whenever you can, choose to walk or ride to your destination — or share a ride with others!
Each time you purchase something that has to travel to you, either by plane or road transport, you’re increasing your carbon footprint. Ask yourself what you can source locally. Buy what's in season so there's less chance the food has been transported from somewhere far away. Go to farmers’ markets, subscribe to fruit and vegetable boxes in your area and shop with local makers and producers wherever possible — or better yet, grow your own food!
Between four and 10 per cent of global emissions come from the fashion industry. While online shopping is super convenient and tempting, resist the urge to buy your clothing and accessories new, reject fast fashion and shop second-hand instead. When buying new, opt for linen, hemp, tencel or silk. Do your research on brands and businesses that actually care about the planet and their policies and processes. Look for a sustainability section on their website and specific details about their practices. If you can’t find anything, send them an email.
“Limiting other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have benefits both for health and the climate,” says Panmao Zhai in the IPCC Report. Livestock — in particular beef and lamb — are constantly releasing methane, so reducing your consumption of red meat and dairy products from cows can help. If you’re not ready to go vegetarian, maybe consider committing to Meat Free Mondays and lay off the dairy.
The organic waste produced by humans — including the food we throw away — contributes 3.2 per cent to global emissions. If you don’t already have a compost bin, get one! And if you don’t have a back yard or garden, you can buy a bokashi bucket or worm farm for your kitchen, or donate your compost to a community garden (including schools with kitchen-garden programs). Check the fridge and write a shopping list before you hit the shops so you’re not buying excess food; store your perishable foods properly so they last longer; and remember that you can freeze most leftovers!
As well as (rather than instead of) reducing emissions, you can pay to offset unavoidable emissions in various ways, including through organisations that plant trees in your name to help draw down carbon. SunButter does this through Greenfleet, which gives you the option of offsetting your personal or business emissions. You can also sign up to donate to Carbon8, which is on a mission to rebuild the carbon in agricultural soil.
The construction industry has a huge carbon footprint: a quarter of Australia's overall greenhouse gas emissions. If you’re building or renovating a house, take the time to research sustainable methods and materials, and choose a builder that focuses on minimal waste. A good architect or builder will design a house takes into account the factors that make an energy-efficient building — for example, an orientation that allows for passive cooling and heating.
You might not think about it, but when your money is sitting in your bank account, your financial institution is using your funds to invest in companies such as those in the fossil fuel industry. The same goes for your superannuation. It might not seem like a big deal if you don't have a lot of money to your name, but it adds up! Banks such as Bank Australia and superannuation institutions like Australian Ethical focus on divesting from the fossil fuel industry (as well as the gambling, tobacco, weapons, live animal export industries and others). Instead, they invest your money in ethical projects like affordable housing and renewable energy. The great thing about putting your money in the hands of an ethical financial institution is that it means a large pool of funds can be divested from planet-harming industries and towards planet-helping ones. You can check how your bank invests your money through marketforces.org.au.
Do your research before the next local or state election and find out which parties or politicians are taking a stand against climate change. Contact your local member (there’s a helpful guide to do this here) or the Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, and tell them that we want the energy, transport and manufacturing industries to be powered by renewables, and for our taxpayer money (more than $10 billion a year!) to stop subsidising fossil fuels. Tell them that Australia needs to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. Remember that the role of our politicians is to represent our needs and interests, and that your voice counts.
It's up to all of us to protect our beautiful planet. We can turn things around — but only if we act now.
]]>if you’ve worked daily sunscreen application into your routine, good job! However, if you’re also applying make up, it’s important to make sure your process is all tickety-boo. The last thing we want is for you to stroll out into the sunshine without your SPF protecting you as it should.
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If, by now, you’re across the truth that skin experts say sunscreen is the single most important beauty product, then you might have wondered this: Is combining sunscreen and foundation a good idea?
First, a recap. Dermatologists and make up artists alike agree that if you only use one product on your skin, it should be sunscreen. This is because all the cleansing, exfoliating, face masks, moisturising and powdering in the world won’t make much difference if you’re exposing your delicate facial skin to harsh UV rays. As well as the dangers of skin cancer, UV damage can cause premature ageing of the skin and pigmentation. The experts also say that we should be wearing sunscreen on exposed areas of skin every day — even when it’s cloudy — because you never know quite when those pesky rays are going to show up.
So, if you’ve worked daily sunscreen application into your routine, good job! However, if you’re also applying make up, it’s important to make sure your process is all tickety-boo. The last thing we want is for you to stroll out into the sunshine without your SPF protecting you as it should.
What happens when you mix sunscreen and make up?
When it comes to mixing sunscreen and foundation, the answer is that it’s not a great idea. When we say “mixing”, we mean literally combining the two products into one (some people might do this as a time-saver, or because they like the consistency). The reason this approach can be problematic is, first of all, because it dilutes the SPF in your sunscreen. If you’re swirling sunscreen around with foundation then you’re probably not applying as much sunscreen as you need to properly protect your skin. Secondly, there are other ingredients in your make up —such as emulsifiers and oils — that might interfere with the sunscreen’s ability to do its thing.
How should make up and sunscreen be worn together?
So, here’s the thing. Just because combining sunscreen and make up isn’t a good idea, it doesn’t mean that you can’t wear sunscreen and make up at the same time. The trick is to layer your products instead of mixing them together like you’re baking a cake. How you do this depends a little on what kind of sunscreen you’re using.
For physical sunscreens like SunButter (sunscreens that block UV without using chemicals), your skincare application should look like this:
We also suggest waiting at least a few minutes between each layer before applying the next (hey, you might as well use the time to listen to your favourite song, take some deep breaths or dance around the bathroom).
If you’re using chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, you need to apply this first (before your skincare), as it needs to be close to the skin in order to work effectively (however, as we know, chemical sunscreens are full of all sorts of ingredients we probably don’t want close to our skin!).
What about make up or skincare that includes an SPF?
While it can be very tempting to lean into the convenience of products like tinted moisturisers or BB creams, there can be issues with non-sunscreen products that come with an SPF. Although some sun protection is better than none, these products usually tend to contain a lower SPF than what is generally recommended for staying safe (SPF50 or above is definitely the go when protecting your face), plus in some cases the sunscreen’s efficacy may be compromised by the other ingredients used in the product.
Where does tinted sunscreen come into all of this?
We’re glad you asked! We created our tinted SPF50 to simplify, streamline and give you the option of a one-stop shop. If you ever find that zinc sunscreens leave a white cast on your skin, tinted sunscreen might blend into your skin tone better while giving you a bit of a glow. Some people choose to use our award-winning tinted sunscreen on its own for a fresh-faced, dewey look, while others pop some mineral make up powder over the top for fuller coverage.
Plus, our tinted sunscreen formula includes cocoa butter to keep your skin nice and supple, without any nasty chemicals that are going to harm you or the environment — so you can take a spontaneous plunge into the ocean without a care in the world!
The bottom line
Ultimately, the best-looking skin is the healthiest skin, and the healthiest skin is the skin that’s protected from the sun. UV damage can happen on cloudy days as well as sunny ones, so it pays to take a moment and apply your SPF before you leave the house. If in doubt, remember sunscreen BEFORE foundation — and to wait a few minutes between layers.
]]>Everything we do comes back to our mantra: “Protecting People and The Planet”, and every purchase of a SunButter product helps us live out this mantra. When you buy sunscreen in a tin, for example, you’re reducing plastic use AND minimising the amount of chemicals in our waterways. How cool is that?
We’ve put together our Impact Statement to let you guys know what you’ve helped us achieve in the last 4 years (and why it matters!).
This is huge! Convincing a manufacturer to make us a suitable aluminium sunscreen container wasn’t easy (or quick!), but it was one of our non-negotiables when we started SunButter four years ago. Now, we’re proud to be able to say we are Australia’s first sunscreen packaged in reusable and recyclable tins.
As we talked about during Plastic Free July, plastic pollution is a huge issue for the planet — especially when it comes to the ocean. Currently, 8 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the ocean each year. Plastic pollution is a disaster, but it’s a human-made disaster — meaning we humans have the power to turn things around through our purchasing, consuming and lifestyle decisions.
Imagining tonnes of chemicals flowing into our precious oceans and rivers isn’t a nice thought, and yet the reality is that a huge amount of chemicals end up in the waterways of the world each year.
These chemicals come from a variety of places, but sunscreen use is a huge one: each time you slip, slop, slap and then go for a swim or surf, some of the sunscreen you’re using slips off your skin and into the water, where it can cause all kinds of damage to marine life. Oxybenzone and nanoparticles like zinc oxide are known for being particularly troublesome, but scientists are adding more ingredients to the list of known pollutants every year.
This is why SunButter sunscreen is formulated with all-natural ingredients and physical UV blockers, as opposed to chemical UV blockers. SunButter-wearers can play in the water knowing they’re not contributing to chemical pollution (also, it’s nice to know you’re not absorbing those chemicals into your own body). Go, team!
The environmental effects of surfboard wax can certainly slip under the radar, but most wax is made out of petroleum and therefore toxic. To get more specific, surfboard wax is made from paraffin, which is a by-product of petroleum, and the methods used to process petroleum are pretty nasty.
Around 95 per cent of surf wax on the market is made using petroleum products. On top of the effects of this, toxins from the wax leach into the ocean.
We stock locally-made Native Dog surf wax because it’s petroleum-free and all-natural, and we love that you guys are using it!
We’re a for-purpose business, which means that we prioritise purpose (“Protecting People and the Planet”) over profit — and that we donate our profits and product to organisations fighting for a better planet.
We are super pumped that so far we’ve been able to donate $30,081 to our charitable partners, including:
Living Culture (local legends here on the Mornington Peninsula who work to keep Indigenous culture alive);
Save Westernport (who are fighting to conserve the pristine Westernport Bay);
Seed (Australia's first Indigenous youth climate network);
The Thin Green Line Foundation (which helps protect wildlife rangers across developing nations and within Australia’s Indigenous community);
Project Hui (Madison Stewart’s epic initiative to provide alternative incomes for shark fishermen in Indonesia in order to conserve the shark population); and
Sea Shepherd (the conservation society fighting illegal fishing activities).
Surfrider Foundation (works to protect and preserve the world's oceans, waves and beaches).
Southern Right Whale Study (working to understand, protect and conserve the endangered Southern right whales of the Southern Australian coastline).
Plus, we've also donated our time or products to projects such as the Australian Conservation Foundation, Humpbacks and Highrises, Climate Force, Naru Surf Gathering and Bellarine Catchment Network.
Once again, this wouldn’t be possible without our awesome SunButter community.
From the start, our mission has involved not just being carbon neutral, but carbon negative. This means that we go further than offsetting the carbon emissions caused by our business activities: we take steps to ensure we’re absorbing even more carbon than we’re producing. We do this through an organisation called Greenfleet, which plants native trees across Australia and New Zealand. These forests also provide important habitats for local wildlife.
By the way, anyone can sign up to Greenfleet and start offsetting their business or personal carbon emissions — there are heaps of different options to offset certain activities like car or air travel.
To every single customer or supporter of SunButter: Thank you! None of this would be possible without you. You make our dreams come true.
]]>So, you’ve got your reusable coffee cup and drink bottle, switched to shampoo and conditioner bars and started shopping at the bulk food shop. Great! What’s next in your plastic free journey?
Let’s take a dive into some of the other ways our insidious plastic use is causing issues for the planet — and what we can do about it — with our extra tips for Plastic Free July.
]]>So, you’ve got your reusable coffee cup and drink bottle, switched to shampoo and conditioner bars and started shopping at the bulk food shop. Great! What’s next in your plastic-ridding journey this Plastic Free July?
As we know, the plastic pollution problem is a multifaceted one. Let’s take a dive into some of the other ways our insidious plastic use is causing issues for the planet — and what we can do about it — with our extra tips for Plastic Free July.
Not only is the fashion industry responsible for a huge amount of carbon emissions and water wastage due to our culture’s love of fast fashion — it’s also an issue because of microplastics. When you think of microplastics, you might think of plastic bottles breaking down into tiny pieces in the ocean, but microplastics also come in the form of microfibres. Microfibres are released by synthetic materials when they’re being washed, and they’re so tiny that they evade filtering systems and end up in our waterways. A single piece of clothing can release 700,000 microfibres in one wash.
Microfibres released from synthetic clothes represent 35 per cent of microplastics found in the ocean. Fish are unknowingly consuming these microfibres, which are full of toxins, and we are consuming these fish. Microfibres can also be found floating in the air and have been shown to contribute to breathing problems.
So, what to do?
It’s always best to reuse containers and reduce the need to purchase single-use plastics in the first place, because only a portion of what we put in the recycling bin actually ends up being recycled. But when it comes to recycling, there are some key things to know to ensure that we’re not contaminating the recycling bin (which can mean nothing in the bin ends up being recycled!).
To improve your recycling habits:
While it seems great that there are more restaurants and cafes serving up takeaway dishes in “biodegradable” or “compostable” containers, the reality is that a lot of this packaging ends up in landfill or contaminating recycling bins. Often “compostable” items can’t be composted in home composts, and there is only a small selection of industrial composting facilities. Unless you’re sending these items to one of these facilities, they need to go in the rubbish bin as they can’t be recycled.
Plus, the word “biodegradable” is broadly defined. Technically, a container can still be called “biodegradable” even if it’s going to take a long time to degrade. Items also need specific conditions in order to biodegrade — including a certain temperature and moisture level. If they’re simply sitting in soil or floating in the ocean, they won’t biodegrade (or, they’ll break into harmful fragments!).
Lastly, even though this kind of packaging seems eco-friendly, it might actually be made primarily out of fossil-fuel based materials. This is especially true of items labelled “oxo-bioplastic”.
Packaging tips:
To learn more about our favourite plastic free products, check out our blogs here and here.
And for a whole lot more plastic-free tips, check out this book from our beloved ambassador, Kate Nelson (aka Plastic Free Mermaid) here.
]]>As far as we’re concerned, every month is an opportunity to break more strongly with our culture’s single-use plastic lifestyle! But we love Plastic Free July because it’s all about raising awareness around how plastics are choking the planet and the actions we can take, personally and collectively, to reduce our plastic footprint.
Of course, there is a long list of problems caused by plastics. As marine biologists and ocean lovers, one of our chief concerns is the 8 million tonnes of plastic that ends up in the ocean and kills millions of creatures each year. For us humans, plastics break down into microplastics that plague our air and drinking water. Unfortunately for all living creatures, plastic manufacturing is showing no sign of slowing down — in fact, it has doubled in the last couple of decades.
It’s a dizzying problem, but each of us can make a difference. The Western Australian crew that came up with Plastic Free July (the Plastic Free Foundation) tell us that people who participate in the challenge reduce their personal household waste and recycling by around 21kg each year. They also help reduce global plastic waste by a whopping 940 million kg each year, and 85 per cent of people continue their plastic free habits after the challenge. Those are some pretty encouraging stats!
Plastic Free July is all about becoming more conscious and getting creative. What did people do before cling wrap? Before plastic takeaway containers? Before plastic bags? They had other solutions, of course! It’s a month of sharing ideas and helping each other create a less plasticky world. In the spirit of sharing and caring, we’ve put together a guide to help you on your merry plastic-free way.
Humans eat every day. And many of us are busy. And we like devouring delicious meals. And it shows. Because what are the most common plastic items we see strewn across foreshores and floating around in the sea? Coffee cups, plastic water bottles and straws. Food packaging accounts for around a third of all plastic pollution. That’s a lot.
Packaging manufacturers like to remind us that their products are recyclable, but the truth is that only a small portion of our used containers actually get recycled. There are also issues with “compostable” and “biodegradable” packaging.
Our tips?
Most of us are probably now aware of the issues surrounding plastic bags — yet they still account for a large proportion (over 10 per cent) of plastic pollution. Plastic bags have a devastating effect on the animals that ingest them or become entangled in them.
This one is not just about saying “no” to plastic bags at the supermarket and bringing your own reusable bags (although this is important) — it’s also about reducing the use of items like ziplock bags and garbage bin liners.
Our tips?
Far less bathroom plastics end up being recycled than kitchen plastics, so cleaning up our plastic habits involves looking at our bathroom products, too. Seemingly innocent items like cotton buds make sneaky plastic pollution culprits.
Our tips?
Happy Plastic Free July!
]]>When it comes to windburn, there’s quite a bit of heated (or chilled?) debate and conjecture about whether it actually exists. Most dermatologists seem to recognise windburn as a real condition, but even the experts haven’t reached a consensus. For those who’ve experienced windburn, you’ll probably attest that it’s a totally legit (and uncomfortable) phenomenon.
Some of the conjecture comes from the fact that people sometimes mistake sunburn for windburn. As we know, sunburn can happen even on cool, overcast days — especially if the sun’s rays are bouncing off water or snow — so we might end up blaming the wind for damage caused by the sun.
To add to the confusion, it can also be hard to tell the difference between the symptoms. Luckily, the prevention and treatment methods for windburn and sunburn are mostly the same.
What does windburn look and feel like?
Windburn appears and feels very similar to sunburn.
Your skin might be red, itchy, scaly, puffy and hot to touch. We most often see windburn on the face, as facial skin is the most delicate and sensitive, but it can appear anywhere on the body where skin has been exposed to the elements.
When and why does windburn happen?
Basically, windburn can occur anytime when you’re outside in cold winds with low humidity (windburn doesn’t tend to happen in warm weather). One theory is that the wind strips your skin of its protective oils, leaving it vulnerable to inflammation. Low humidity also dries out your skin, which means its natural defences are weakened.
People will often experience windburn while skiing or snowboarding, while boating or surfing, or while running or cycling in the cold.
How can we prevent windburn?
Thankfully, there are some things we can do to minimise our risk of windburn.
Just like sun damage, your first line of defence is covering up as much skin as possible when out in the elements. It’s especially important to protect the face with sunglasses or goggles, and you might want to wrap a scarf around your mouth and neck.
Dermatologists also recommend keeping the skin moisturised, so remember to go through your normal skincare routine — and potentially use a thicker moisturiser — on days when you’re going to be out in the wind and cold. It’s a good idea to avoid harsh chemicals (like retinol) on your skin at all times, but particularly if you’re concerned about windburn, as you don’t want to be stripping your skin’s natural oils before you even meet the wind.
Using a physical sunscreen (like SunButter!) will further assist in creating a barrier. Plus, given what we know about UV rays, we should really be wearing sunscreen year-round. SunButter has the added benefit of being hydrating for the skin (thanks to coconut oil), so it’s a win-win-win!
Don’t forget to protect and nurture your lips, either — the skin on the lips is especially sensitive, and chapped lips are fun for no one. Zinc and lip balm are your friends here.
How to treat windburn
Thankfully, windburn doesn’t usually last as long (or cause the same lasting damage) as sunburn. However, it’s no walk in the park. If the undesirable has happened and the wind has delivered you (what feels like) a slap across the face, there are a few things you can do to nourish your skin back to health.
First, you can to make sure you’re moisturising the skin several times a day with hydrating creams. If the windburn is bad, it can be a good idea to harness the calming effects of aloe vera (fresh is best) or oatmeal (there are some body lotions on the market that are oatmeal-based, or your can make your own. For the face, check out our DIY facial recipes here). Be gentle with your skin, keep your showers cool and avoid exfoliating until the condition has cleared up.
Our Boab, Wattle and Kelp Face Oil is also great for rehydrating the skin. Boab is said to be one of the best natural humectants ( a kind of moisturiser that helps you draw moisture from the air)!
If you’re heading back out into the great outdoors, it’s important to maintain your sunscreen game, because damaged skin is more susceptible to sun damage (unfair, but true).
How long does windburn last?
The good news is that windburn generally fades sooner than sunburn: it’s usually gone after a few days. The more after-care you give yourself, the sooner your skin can start repairing.
]]>When it comes to skin, the changing of the seasons is always a bit of a precarious time as your epidermis adjusts to different conditions. Autumn can be the time when all the carefree fun, late nights and long beach days of summer finally catch up with us. The air becomes drier and less humid; the weather windier. Combined with the increased time we might spend near heaters, this whole thing is a recipe for dehydrated and dull-looking skin.
]]>Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Hello, autumn!
We’re happy to see you.
When it comes to skin, the changing of the seasons is always a bit of a precarious time as your epidermis adjusts to different conditions. Autumn can be the time when all the carefree fun, late nights and long beach days of summer finally catch up with us. The air becomes drier and less humid; the weather windier. Combined with the increased time we might spend near heaters, this whole thing is a recipe for dehydrated and dull-looking skin.
Luckily, autumn is also very conducive to beginning new rituals and routines of all sorts — including a skincare regime.
Here are our top tips for keeping your skin looking fresh and supple through the cooler weather. (Of course, it’s always best to observe changes in your skin before launching head-first into a new routine, and avoid radically changing things overnight).
Exfoliate — but don’t go crazy
You might want to up your exfoliating efforts over autumn to help ease skin congestion and cell build-up. As a rule, keep it gentle. Your facial skin is delicate and won’t enjoy being scrubbed like you might scrub your body.
There are plenty of manual gentle exfoliating methods that don’t involve chemicals or (or nasty microplastics!) — try our Rosalina and Marshmallow Face Scrub (or scroll down and check our out full autumn DIY facial recipe for a great one using household ingredients!).
Enrich your skincare routine
Now is the time to start gradually using heavier, richer moisturisers and face oils to make up for the lost humidity in the air (especially now that we don’t have to worry about summer sweatiness!).
Our Boab, Wattle and Kelp face oil is a super nourishing elixir that’s packed full of Vitamin C and minerals to restore and replenish sun-kissed skin. (Pro tip: Pipette a small amount onto the back of your hand, apply to face, and then rub any remnants into the back of your hand).
Remember to sunscreen daily
The sun might be hiding — but that doesn’t mean the UV is. It’s still extremely important to keep up your sunscreen application in the cooler weather — we suggest making it part of your morning skincare routine. (Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine and the first step in your make up routine. For more info, read our blog on this).
Don’t forget to also apply sunscreen to all of those other parts of your body that are getting UV exposure — we’re talking ears, neck, décolletage and backs of hands.
Our tinted sunscreen is especially good in the cooler weather because it’s got added cocoa butter (read: added moisture) and will give you a subtle bronze glow.
Keep drinking water
It’s easy to forget to drink water when the temperature drops, but experts say that hydrating yourself from the inside is more important for keeping skin supple than anything you apply to the skin topically.
We find that drinking herbal tea or warm lemon water helps us down our three litres of water a day.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
Try out this DIY skin recipe
This one is from our interview with Ayurvedic practioner Jemima Kerr. Jemima created it to help balance the dryness that comes with vata season (autumn) and nourish the skin.
Steps:
Start by steaming/cleansing the skin by pouring boiling water into a bowl and adding a drop of essential oil (Jemima recommends lavender, bergamont, cinnamon, eucalyptus, sandalwood, rose or jasmine). Soak a facewasher in the water and press it against your face.
Then, make a face scrub. Combine one teaspoon or chickpea or oat flour (literally just blended-up oats!) with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of milk (replace with aloe vera juice or gel if vegan). Mix together and rub face in a circular motion to gentle exfoliate.
Next, it’s face mask time. Mix ½ a soft and ripe avocado or ½ a ripe banana (or a mix of both) with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera and 1 teaspoon of sesame or almond oil. Add a small amount of oat flour for a thicker consistency. Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off with a hot face washer or warm water.
Optional: apply rosewater for toning.
To finish, moisturise with sesame oil or almond oil as these have warming qualities that are beneficial for vata.
]]>
Is there a bundle option for tinted SPF?
YES! You asked, we delivered. You can now purchase the regular SPF and tinted SPF together as a duo, or a three pack of tinted sunscreens to last you yonks (our sunscreens have a shelf life of three years from manufacturing date).
Is SunButter tinted SPF50 suitable to replace tinted moisturiser or BB cream? What about foundation?
Good question! Our tinted sunscreen can make a great substitute for tinted moisturiser because, although it's a sunscreen first and foremost, the tint in the formula will provide a subtle glow and light coverage. Our sunscreens are also especially nourishing for the skin because they contain Vitamin E and coconut oil, and the tinted version has added cocoa butter for extra suppleness. We love the idea of using our tinted sunscreen on the face because it's so important to protect your delicate face with SPF50 every day!
As far as foundation goes, our tinted sunscreen will provide minimal coverage with a dewy finish that starts off a little shinier and then blends into the skin. You could definitely apply the tinted SPF50 and then layer mineral bronzer or foundation over the top for thicker coverage.
Does the tinted sunscreen work with all skin tones?
The beauty of our tinted SPF is that it blends in beautifully to darker skin tones, and will give a bronze glow to fairer skin.
Will it stain my clothes?
The lovely bronze colour comes from iron oxide, which is a natural element that *can* (like our tan surf zinc) leave marks on your swimwear or clothing and be tricky (though not impossible) to remove. We recommend steering clear of light-coloured clothing and bathers while wearing our tinted sunscreen and choosing our original sunscreen for those days you want to rock your favourite white linen numbers (original and tinted sunscreen bundle, anyone?).
If you do run into issues with the tinted products marking your garments, please get in touch and we'll advise you on our best removal practices.
Is it the same formula as your regular sunscreen?
Yep, the tinted formula is the same reef safe, plant-based, vegan, mineral, plastic-free, much-loved concoction as our original SPF50 — just with the addition of cocoa butter and iron oxide providing the tan tint.
Is it resistant to sweat?
We know you guys are loving wearing the tinted sunscreen while running, cycling, dancing, climbing etc. and that it's important to you that it doesn't wind up sliding off your face and bod. Our formula is four hours water-resistant, so you should be safe here, but please remember to reapply every two hours if you're sweating it up real good.
What does “plant-based” and “vegan” mean?
Most of us are pretty familiar with the concept of veganism these days, but for the uninitiated, vegans refrain from eating or consuming any product that’s been derived from an animal. This includes not just meat and dairy but also honey, and products-wise it means steering clear of materials like leather and silk, plus cosmetics derived from animal sources. Vegans avoid these products because they don’t agree with the unethical treatment of animals by the (often) big industries that create them, or with the effect that these practices are having on our planet and climate.
For SunButter, the term “plant-based” means that we derive our ingredients from plant sources — not from animals or synthetic chemicals. We know that plant medicine is powerful, and our mission has always been to protect the natural world as well as humans. SunButter sunscreen is both vegan and plant-based.
Where does “cruelty-free” come in?
It’s no secret that a large number of cosmetics companies test their products on animals in conditions that are far from friendly.
Fortunately, all of our ingredients are vegan, natural and chemical-free, so we don’t need any expensive methods of testing. We test exclusively on humans (which has the added benefit of helping us gather feedback and maintain quality control!), so our sunscreen is certified vegan.
Is all sunscreen plant-based and vegan?
Sadly, no. A little investigating uncovers the reality that there are all types of bizarre animal-based ingredients thrown into sunscreens — the kinds of ingredients you probably don’t really want to be applying to your lovely skin. The trouble is that you often won’t recognise these products as animal-derived when scanning an ingredients list. Here are a few examples from The Vegan Society:
How is SunButter made?
SunButter sunscreen is made using coconut oil, candelilla wax, vitamin E and other plant-based ingredients. As an added bonus, these ingredients have myriad benefits for your skin. Vitamin E, for example — which can be derived from a variety of plants, such as the prickly pear cactus and plenty of vegetables — is incredibly nourishing. Among other things, this amazing nutrient contributes to antioxidant defences, minimises UV radiation damage, neutralises airborne pollutants and locks in skin moisture. The wax in our sunscreen is candelilla — a plant-derived and vegan alternative to beeswax.
What’s the deal with beeswax?
As we mentioned above, quite a few cosmetic products contain beeswax. But isn’t beeswax a naturally-occurring by-product of bee activity? We hear you asking. Well, yes. Beeswax on its own is harmless, but beeswax, honey and other bee-related products have become big business, and are being produced in some pretty cruel and unsustainable ways. We’re talking about practices such as wing-clipping, over-harvesting and poor harvest hive-culling, not to mention the use of poor quality wax derived from petrochemicals.
When making our surf zincs, we use beeswax that’s been locally-sourced from ethical beekeepers using sustainable practices. We’re able to do this because our surf zincs are handmade by us in small quantities. However, as we continue to expand as a company, we’re now product testing completely vegan surf zincs. Watch this space!
Why is it important to be reef safe?
To us, there’s no point being plant-based, vegan or cruelty-free if the product you’re sending out into the world is going to harm Mother Nature.
There are many ways in which chemical sunscreens damage our oceans and waterways, from coral bleaching to interfering with the health and development of dolphins and other marine life. Creating a reef-safe sunscreen is where it all started for SunButter, and it’s from that original desire to invent a product that wasn’t going to harm the oceans that all of our planet-loving business endeavours began.
In conclusion?
If you’re seriously passionate about caring for our beloved Planet Earth, it pays to look at all the aspects of a business, their products and their practices when deciding where to spend your hard-earned cashola. Help us keep fighting the good fight!
Oh tinted sunscreen, how we love thee.
While our original SPF50 isn’t going anywhere, our tinted sunscreen is the new kid on the (sun)block — and we couldn’t be more excited. Of course, both products essentially do the same thing, and they do it without causing extra damage to our oceans. But there are some definite perks to using tinted sunscreen. Let us round up all the reasons we’re in love with this new product.
1. Tinted sunscreen gives a better shade match for bronzed or dark skin tones
When creating our original sunscreen, we played around with the ingredients like mad scientists until we found a formula that rubbed in clear (rather than making you look washed out). We hear it all the time that our formula rubs in better than the vast majority of the mineral sunscreens on the market! But our tinted sunscreen goes a step further: for those with dark skin tones, our tinted SPF50 blends in even more easily. Plus, it lends fairer skin a bronze glow.
2. It’s not just for the beach
Sure, you can wear our regular sunscreen anywhere, anytime, but tinted sunscreen has a decidedly non-sunscreeny vibe about it. There’s something nice about whipping out and applying a tin of tinted sunscreen while enjoying a cocktail on a rooftop, or a picnic in a city park, or your favourite Sunday market.
3. It works well with your beauty routine
New Year’s resolution to start wearing sunscreen every day? We hear you. As we know, it’s not just UVB rays that cause burning and skin damage, but the sneakier UVA rays that penetrate deep under the skin. Popping sunscreen on in the morning is a great habit to get into. Due to its coloured nature, tinted sunscreen feels very much at home sitting beside your make-up products and other cosmetics in the bathroom, meaning you’re more likely to actually apply it every day. You can wear it on its own for a natural look, or you can use it as a base layer and then add mineral powder or bronzer over the top for more coverage.
4. It’s good for your skin
Seems too good to be true, hey? And yet our tinted sunscreen is, naturally, made with the same plant-based, non-toxic ingredients as all of our other products (the tint is thanks to iron oxide). We care not just about taking the nasty stuff out of sunscreen: we also care about adding good stuff in so that your skin feels supple as well as protected. Vitamin E, cocoa butter and coconut oil will moisturise your skin without clogging pores or causing acne.
5. You can use it on your whole body
While there is a range of tinted facial sunscreens on the market, there are actually pretty few tinted sunscreens for the whole body — and even fewer that come in plastic-free packaging! Plus, our sunscreens are a very solid SPF50, giving you the confidence to know you’re amply protected while playing in the sun. It’s a win-win-win scenario!
]]>These guys are the real deal. The Polperro boat will take you from picturesque Sorrento out on to the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay, where you’ll learn about the local marine life and swim with bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals.
The filming location of Where the Wild Things Are, Bushrangers Bay is simply magical. You can start from the Cape Schanck lighthouse or from Boneo Road — either way it takes around two hours return, and you’ll find the most stunning beach (and rockpool) at the end. Go early in the morning and you’ll come across plenty of kangaroos and other local wildlife.
The Point Nepean National Park is one of the most pristine spots you’ll find in Victoria. It’s located at the very end of the Mornington Peninsula and was once used as a quarantine location for travellers arriving by boat; before that it was a birthing site for the local Boonwurrung/Bunurong women, and the spot remains a sacred place ((known as mon-mon). Park your car and then carry a picnic down to Cattle Jetty beach (just make sure you leave everything the way you found it!).
Visitors come from all over — including abroad — to soak in the healing natural thermal springs at Peninsula Hot Springs. The place is a sanctuary of mostly outdoor pools (plus a string of other bathing experiences) where you’ll relax among countless native plants and creatures. The pools are filled with naturally mineral-rich water, so you definitely want to use a natural sunscreen (like SunButter) while bathing!
Local Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man Lionel Lauch is an incredible educator who’ll teach you about bush medicine and bush tucker as he guides you through one of his favourite local walking tracks. The walk also involves a preview of Lionel’s yidaki healing, where he plays the yidaki up your spine. It’s pretty powerful stuff. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of Australia’s wondrous plant foods and medicines.
If you’ve been to the Prom, you’ll know that it’s hard to describe what makes it so uniquely special. The southernmost tip of Australia's mainland, it’s got that same pristine, untouched beauty as Tasmania and New Zealand. It’s worth doing an overnight hike to experience the uncrowded wonder of Waterloo Bay. The Prom is also great for gentle surfing and swimming.
One of our most favourite places in the world, Ningaloo Reef is 300km of spectacular marine paradise. On a dive here you’re likely to come across turtles, reef sharks, incredible fish and, if you visit at the right time of the year, the “big three”: whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales!
Freycinet (just over 100km north of Hobart) is home to the famous Wineglass Bay, as well as the absolutely stunning Hazards Beach. We love Freycinet for its incredible views, next-level beaches, white sand, serenity, birdsong and beautiful fresh air that’s laced with the scent of eucalypts and, in the warmer months, blossoms. There are some epic hikes and picnic spots.
If you’re heading to the Northern Rivers and seeking a thrill, rafting down the Nymboida River is just the ticket. The rapids themselves are level three to five, and you’ll get to see rainforest, gorges and natural pools en route. You can get there via transfer from Byron Bay, Coffs Harbor, Grafton and Dorrigo.
For those fortunate enough to get to visit the Whitsunday Islands (a constellation fo 74 islands, including Hamilton Island and Hayman Island), kayaking is a great way to tour around the jaw-dropping turquoise waters and vibrant marine sanctuary of the Great Barrier Reef area (be sure to wear some reef safe sunscreen!). Most tours accommodate beginners and advanced kayakers and allow time for swimming and snorkelling along the way (of course, you can also hire a kayak and do your own thing).
There’s nowhere in the world (or even Australia) like the Northern Territory, and Kakadu National Park is one of those places you just have to visit. The park is home to a wide variety of camping spots and set-ups — from the more luxe sites with pools to basic bush campgrounds. From there, you can experience birdwatching, croc-spotting, boating, fishing; learn about indigenous rock art, traditional painting and more; bathe in natural waterholes and waterfalls, plus plenty else.
Ah, South Australia: where the desert meets the ocean. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best surf that Australia has to offer. The Fleurieu Peninsula is easy to get to, being just a 45-minute drive from Adelaide. The area is especially good for experienced surfers looking for a big wave, but there’s something for everyone. Think limestone cliffs, hot air blowing from Central Australia, cold water, and camping in the sand dunes under the stars.
]]>The organisation is headed up by Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man and artist Lionel Lauch, who’s lived in the area since he was six years old. Living Culture’s guided cultural walks are journeys across sacred land where you’ll be introduced to edible fruits and weeds and their medicinal purposes, meet various animals and spirits along the way, and finish with a yidaki sound healing. The team also perform smoking ceremonies, host weaving workshops and visit schools to teach kids about traditional stories, tools and artefacts.
“I teach people about the importance of the land. The land can live without us, but we can’t live without mother earth,” says Lionel.
Our skincare range, which is inspired by Australian bush essences as well as the sea, has been created in collaboration with Living Culture.
We believe in giving back to First Nations people and custodians of this country, from whom we learned the benefits and healing powers of Australia's indigenous plants. Therefore, 10 per cent of profits from this range will be funnelled into helping Living Culture continue their super important work.
We’re also giving away greeting cards featuring one of Lionel’s beautiful coastal drawings — a representation of sun, sea and sky — with every SunButter purchase made between now and Christmas.
Whether you live down this way or not, we strongly encourage you to check out Living Culture and the awesome job they’re do at keeping Indigenous culture alive in this country.
]]>But there are certain items that have us scratching our heads: What do we do with mattresses we no longer need? How do we dispose of old batteries? Phones? Electrical cables? Bras? Pillows? Textile scraps? How can these things we re-used?
We've done a little digging to figure out these common conundrums for you.
1. Old clothes and clothing scraps can be picked up by Upparel
We were so excited to learn about this one. These guys will come and pick up sealed boxes of items including clothing and clothing scraps, pairs of shoes, socks, bags, sheets, curtains and more. They then donate what they can to charity (which ends up being about 65 per cent of what they receive) and recycle what they can't donate. Clothing that isn't wearable is shredded and turned into new items (including the socks and underwear they sell on their website), while the rubber from shoes can be turned into new shoes or sporting courts. It costs from $25 to have your goods collected and the first time you use Upparel, you'll get a $25 credit for their online store. Pretty cool, hey?
2. Second-hand mattresses and bed bases can be collected by a mattress recycling company
Melbourne's Mattress Recycling tell us that Australians dump 1.25 million mattresses per year into landfill. But it doesn't have to be! Mattress Recycling are able to recycle 97 per cent of mattresses by repurposing the mattress components (springs, foam, fabric, timber and so on can be turned into various new products) — and for a very reasonable price, too. Other companies include Soft Landing (which services Melbourne, Sydney and Perth) and Mattress Recycling Australia (which is Australia-wide).
3. Wetsuits can be sent to Rip Curl
A couple of years ago, Rip Curl trialled a system where they received old wetsuits and recycled or up-cycled them. It must have been a hit because they're keeping it going indefinitely! If you have an old wetsuit that you've outgrown or that's riddled with holes, you can post it to Rip Curl in Torquay, who will either break it down into a material that can be used in bitumen, or, if it's still in good enough condition, donate it to Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Program. You can send them rubber thongs, too. You can send your wetsuits to Wettiebags for upcycling — they're based in WA but say to email them if you're interstate.
4. Washed-up phones can be given to Mobile Muster
This is a biggie, considering electronic waste (or "e-waste") is growing three times faster than general waste in Australia (yikes!). It's no wonder, considering that many electronic products aren't designed to last more than a couple of years and that tech companies are forever dangling new (and "improved") products in front of our faces. You might have even heard that there are three times as many mobile phones in Australia as people, which beggars belief when you consider the population groups in this country that don't even own phones. Ideally, we wouldn't be buying so many of these products. Yet if you do need to dispose of an old phone, Mobile Muster can help you out. They'll dismantle the phone and use elements like plastic, glass, metal and lithium to create new products (which uses far less energy that creating these items from scratch). There are 3,500 Mobile Muster drop-off points around the country.
5. Broken electrical cables and accessories can be taken to Suez drop-off points
Suez, a company that operates across Australia and New Zealand, has established drop-off spots around the country to hand in not just your electrical cables but also TVs, old computer monitors, laptops, iPads and other tablets (but not mobile phones), speakers, headphones, computer mice, printers, scanners and more. All of these items contain materials that are potentially hazardous to the natural environment if dumped in landfill, and that can be recycled to make new products. You can view their locations and get more info here.
6. Batteries and light globes can be dropped off at some supermarkets, hardware stores and council offices
Another tricky one, especially since batteries and globes contain potentially toxic elements. Fear not: dead batteries are accepted at Aldi supermarkets, IKEA stores and certain council drop-off points, while blown globes can be handed in at local councils, IKEA stores and Bunnings stores. Once again, these items contain valuable materials that can be reused to make new products.
If you live in Sydney, there's also RecycleSmart for e-waste and other random articles of problem waste.
]]>Yet seaweed — by which we mean countless species of marine algae — boasts a pretty impressive resume. So impressive, in fact, that we’ve included seaweed in our forthcoming skincare range (more on that soon). Let’s dive into some of the benefits of seaweed... excuse the pun!
Eaten in Japan for around 1500 years, many scientists now attribute the longevity of Japanese people to their consumption of seaweed (think nori rolls and miso soup).
Seaweed is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It’s also one of the best sources of iodine — a chemical element found in soil and oceans that many people in the modern world are lacking in their diets (leading to iodine deficiency and a host of other problems).
Environmentalist Tim Flannery, who wrote Sunlight and Seaweed: An Argument for how to Feed, Power and Clean Up the World, says that seaweed is a “future food” in a world scrambling for resources. According to Tim, if we invest in seaweed farms there’ll be enough seaweed in the world to provide a nutritional food source for everyone.
Seaweed can grow a whole metre in one day! It also doesn’t require soil or fresh water as land crops do, and it can be harvested by cutting off the upper part of the plant while allowing the base to continue growing.
As you might know, our oceans help sequester blue carbon from the atmosphere via their plant life. Tim Flannery says that because oceans cover 70 per cent of the planet, it makes a lot of sense to focus our attention on growing more seaweed as opposed to just planting more trees. If we could cover 9 per cent of the world’s oceans with seaweed farms, he says, we could drawdown a year’s worth of greenhouse gases. Seaweed also helps to de-acidify the ocean.
Yep. Not only does seaweed have the capacity to feed the world, researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Seaweed Research Group have been experimenting with mixing it into the food of cows.
In recent years, CSIRO researchers found that when cows consume a certain pink seaweed called Asparagopsis (which grows on the coast of Queensland), it decreases the microbes in their stomach that cause them to burp methane. The USC is working out how to grow enough to feed every cow in Australia, which would reduce our gas emissions by 10 per cent!
We know that overfishing is a problem, but many of the people who actually catch our fish are fishermen in small villages in countries such as Indonesia whose meagre income would be further reduced if fishing were restricted. Instead, these fishing people could derive an income from the much more sustainable practice of seaweed harvesting — an idea that’s already been successfully trialled in the South Sulawesi region of Indonesia.
The serious seaweed advocates at Milkwood tell us that because of its rich nutrients, seaweed can be thrown into your compost or used as mulch on your garden. Next time you come across some seaweed hanging out on your local beach, drag it home and chuck it in your compost instead (but check the rules and regulations in your local area first to make sure it’s legal, and only take as much as you need!).
If “seaweed beauty” sounds like some kind of mermaid trend, think again. Seaweed has actually been used in cosmetic products for years — including by high-end companies such as La Mer and Repêchage. The beta-carotene, potassium, zinc and iodine in seaweed means that it’s super hydrating, anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants. It can also be used as a natural emollient and emulsifier in place of nasty chemicals.
Given all of the above and our already-deep love for all things ocean-related, it only makes sense that seaweed would feature as a hero ingredient in our skincare collection, which we’ll be unveiling over the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
]]>It has always been our dream to bring Australia its first cruelty-free, plastic-free sunscreen, so while this recent development is devastating, we will continue to pursue this dream and do everything to rectify the situation so that we can once again proudly call SunButter “palm oil free”. Finding transparency when it comes to supply chains is hard (and this might partly explain why no Australian company is currently able to say that their sunscreen is certified as free of palm oil), but we won’t stop until we’ve got a product we can stand behind 100 per cent.
We’re also taking this opportunity to explain why palm oil is such a massive worldwide problem. You may be aware that there are issues around the palm oil industry and that it poses a threat to orangutan, in particular, but what exactly is palm oil and why is it such a problem? Let’s take a deeper look together.
What is palm oil?
Palm oil is the oil extracted from the fruits of the oil palm tree — a tree that’s indigenous to West Africa but was transplanted in large numbers to East Asia around 200 years ago. The tree itself is very sustainable and produces a high amount of fruit. It also requires a large amount of space around itself to grow and thrive.
This oil is used in a staggering array of foods, cosmetics and more — in fact, according to the Palm Oil Investigations, around 50 per cent of the items we regularly consume contain ingredients derived from palm oil. Companies use palm oil because it’s cheap and tasteless, and the food industry is responsible for 72 per cent of palm oil usage. To read which of your favourite foods contain palm oil, head here.
What’s the issue?
Because of our worldwide dependency on palm oil, more and more trees are being cleared to make way for oil palm tree plantations. Oil palm trees can only be grown within 10 degrees of the equator, so certain countries shoulder the heavy burden of providing the rest of the world with its excessive need for palm oil. Indonesia is currently the largest site of deforestation for this reason.
As tropical forests are destroyed (often through burning the trees), local ecosystems are being decimated. And as if the burning of the trees isn’t enough, peat soils are being disrupted, leading to the mass release of carbon emissions. Oil palm trees are less able to capture carbon than the trees they’re replacing, and deforestation is currently responsible for around one fifth of the world’s carbon emissions.
And then there’s the orangutans. Because orangutans “spoil” the oil palm trees when searching for food, they’re seen as pests and systemically poached in cruel and horrific ways. They also starve to death as their food sources are taken away. Baby orangutans are often separated from their mothers and sold as pets on the black market. Elephants are poisoned so they don’t trample across the crops, and tigers and rhinos are rapidly losing habitat. In total, there are 193 species of animals classified as endangered or vulnerable because of the palm oil industry.
There are also issues involving human rights abuses, child labour and dangerous chemicals being released into the water supply of local communities. In summary, it’s a terrible and heartbreaking situation from a variety of angles.
How do we avoid it?
This is a complex question. As is often the case when big corporations are involved, palm oil is not always called palm oil: in fact, ingredients derived from palm oil are disguised under about 200 different names (see the list here).
To complicate things further, the body that’s been established to help point consumers and companies in the right direction, Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), is frequently accused of greenwashing. Because of lack of transparency in the industry and its supply chains, critics of the RSPO say that the very idea of sustainable palm oil is a farce and that the RSPO also has remarkably lax rules around palm oil extraction (many of its own members continue to destroy forests, for starters).
As consumers, it’s a good idea to look for items with a “palm oil free” sticker from the Orangutan Alliance, Go Palm Oil Free or POI Approved, which means they’re certified (rather than just labelled as “palm oil free” by the company, which can be inaccurate and misleading). Do your research and buy as many products as you can from websites such as the Orangutan Alliance and Palm Oil Investigations, which both have excellent palm oil free online stores.
While the palm oil issue is a big one, there is a string of organisations doing really good work to get us back on the right path. It’s also super important that we take personal responsibility and become more conscious in our buying habits. The less demand there is for products containing palm oil, the fewer products containing palm oil there’ll be on the market.
Once again, we’re working incredibly hard to clear this up and as soon as we do, we’ll let you our SunButter community know! In the meantime we still have tins of stock that claim "palm oil free". We will continue to use these until the stock has been sold before we reprint. We thank you all so much for your understanding.
]]>At SunButter HQ (aka our cosy bungalow near the beach), we’re all about looking after your skin in the most natural ways possible.
If you read our recent blog on the basics of Ayurveda, then you might have a sense of your dominant dosha/s, or constitution — and this includes your skin type (if you haven’t had a read, head over there now and check it out. It’s full of all kinds of juicy info. We’ll wait!).
The lovely Jemima Kerr, Ayurvedic practitioner extraordinaire, has kindly put together a guide to some beautiful Ayurvedic skincare practices and recipes that you can make yourself at home from ingredients that won’t harm you or the earth (our favourite kind of ingredients!).
Vata skin
If you have a high percentage of vata in your constitution, your complexion is probably a little darker, or it tans easily. Your skin tends to be thin, dry and rough with small pores and potentially flaky patches. You’re very sensitive to the climate, and your skin is generally cold to touch — especially your hands and feet.
When vata is out of balance (which happens more easily in vata-dominant people), you might find your skin is chapped, cracking or especially rough; breaks out in dry rashes or dry eczema; lacks lustre or tone and is prone to callouses or corns.
DIY facial for vata
The aim here is to balance the dryness of vata and nourish the skin.
Start by steaming/cleansing the skin by pouring boiling water into a bowl and adding a drop of essential oil (Jemima recommends lavender, bergamont, cinnamon, eucalyptus, sandalwood, rose or jasmine). Soak a facewasher in the water and press it against your face.
Then, make a face scrub. Combine one teaspoon or chickpea or oat flour (literally just blended-up oats!) with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of milk (replace with aloe vera juice or gel if vegan). Mix together and rub face in a circular motion to gentle exfoliate.
Next, it’s face mask time. Mix ½ a soft and ripe avocado or ½ a ripe banana (or a mix of both) with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera and 1 teaspoon of sesame or almond oil. Add a small amount of oat flour for a thicker consistency. Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off with a hot face washer or warm water.
Optional: apply rosewater for toning.
To finish, moisturise with sesame oil or almond oil as these have warming qualities that are beneficial for vata.
Pitta skin
For those with pitta dominance, you tend to have combination-type skin. It’s usually fair with a coppery or red-brown complexion — potentially with freckles and/or moles. When balanced, your skin is soft, radiant and warm to touch. It’s particularly sensitive to both chemicals and the sun (hello, SunButter!).
If pitta is out of balance, this will manifest in the skin as inflammation, rashes, itching, premature wrinkling, an oily t-zone, acne, blackheads, whiteheads and pigment discolouration.
DIY pitta facial
The aim with pitta types is to cool the skin and reduce any inflammation or blemishes.
To begin, fill a bowl with boiling water and add a drop of essential oil (your best options are sandalwood, rose, peppermint, lemon, ylang ylang or frankincense). Use a face washer to steam and cleanse your face.
Next, make a face scrub. Combine 1 teaspoon of chickpea or oat flour, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel/juice or lemon juice. Mix together and rub your face in a circular motion to gently exfoliate. Rinse off with warm water.
To make your face mask, mix 1 tablespoon of oatmeal flour with 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger powder and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder. Mix together with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Add a little more or less warm water until you reach the desired consistency. Apply to your face and leave for around 15mins. Remove with warm water or face washer.
Optional: apply rosewater for toning (rosewater is tridoshic, but particularly good for balancing pitta as it is cooling and calming).
Finally, moisturise using coconut oil as it has cooling qualities that are beneficial for pitta.
Kapha skin
Kapha types tend to have skin that’s thick, oily, moist or clammy and pale. It usually feels soft, supple and cool to touch. Generally, kapha-dominant skin is toned and ages well with fewer wrinkles.
When out of balance, kapha shows up as excessive oiliness in the skin, large pores that may become blocked, large blackheads and boils or cystic pimples with large whiteheads.
DIY kapha facial
For kapha skin, we want to deeply cleanse the pores, warm the skin and balance oiliness.
Start by steaming/cleansing. Fill a bowl with boiling water and add a drop of essential oil (your best choices are grapefruit, cinnamon, lavender, rosemary, thyme, ginger or eucalyptus). Use a face washer to steam and cleanse your face.
Make a face scrub by combining 1 teaspoon of chickpea flour (or french green clay) with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel/ juice or lemon juice. Rub your face in circular motion to gently exfoliate. Rinse off with warm water.
To make a face mask, mix 1 tablespoon of french green clay with 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera and 1 tablespoon of manuka or raw honey. Leave for approx 15mins and remove with warm water or a face washer.
Optional: apply rosewater as a toner.
Finish by moisturising with a small amount of jojoba, almond or hazelnut oil. Do not over apply oils, as kapha skin usually generates enough oil on its own!
Of course, an essential component of any skincare regime is to apply your daily dose of plant-based zinc sun protection (for more info on why you should wear sunscreen on your face every day, read this). Check out our reef safe, vegan, chemical-free SPF50 here.
]]>Last month we were singing the praises of Pranayama — a series of breath control techniques that form part of yoga — and this month we're focusing on the 5,000-year-old Indian medicine system known as Ayurveda.
We'll be coming at you soon with some scrumptious Ayurvedic skincare recipes, but first we thought we'd better give a bit of a background on what Ayurveda's all about.
We spoke to our legendary friend Jemima Kerr, Ayurvedic practitioner, to get a bit more of an insight into this ancient modality.
Ayurveda is often referred to as a "sister science" of yoga, but it's not just a science — it's a life philosophy. Jemima says she fell in love with Ayurveda through yoga.
"The more I learnt about it, the more it resonated with me. The more I heard, it felt like coming home. It made sense of the world for me."
Ayurveda has been practiced in India for millennia, despite being banned during colonisation. These days it's making a comeback — partly because people resonate with the idea of preventative healthcare.
"All over the world and in Australia we’re going to see people turning more to alternative ways of caring for their health because we’re realising we can’t just look at symptoms, but need to look at the root causes of disease," says Jemima.
One of the most useful aspects of Ayurveda is the concept of the doshas. Basically, the way Ayurveda sees it is that there are three doshas, or constitution types. These types influence not just our physical attributes, but everything from our emotional responses and mental strengths to what kinds of food and exercise agree with us. Each of us is a unique combination of the three doshas, but most of us have one or two dominant doshas.
Vata, made up of air and ether, is characterised by dryness, coolness, mobility, lightness and roughness. It governs the nervous system, breathing, muscles and blood vessels. People with a vata dominance tend to be thin with dry skin and hair and small eyes. Their characteristics are flighty, creative, fast-moving and fast-talking. If you have a vata imbalance, you might become nervous, anxious or unable to sit still.
Pitta is comprised of fire and water, and pitta-dominant people often have fair hair, skin and eyes, plus reasonable muscle development and an athletic build. Pitta looks after the digestive system. The defining attributes are ambitiousness, competitiveness and sharp logic. Pittas have a penetrating gaze. If your pitta is out of balance, you might find yourself becoming fiery, aggressive and jealous.
Jemima Kerr
Kapha is a combination of earth and water. Kapha types tend to have good muscle development, large eyes with thick eyelashes, thick and oily hair, and supple skin. Their natural tendency is towards being overweight. They move slowly. Personality-wise, kaphas are patient, peace-loving and calm. Kapha is responsible for lubrication, energy and stability in the body. Unbalanced kapha could involve sluggishness, greed and attachment.
While each of us could experience an imbalance in any of the three doshas, we're more likely to go out of balance in our dominant dosha/s.
"As humans we’re constantly going in and out of balance – the aim in Ayurveda is to achieve balance, or homeostasis, through understanding the doshas and our own constitution," says Jemima.
The doshas apply not just to human types but also to the seasons and times of the day. Mid-winter to early spring is the season of kapha, while late spring to early autumn is pitta season. Autumn to early winter is vata. 6am - 10am in the morning is kapha time; 10am - 2pm is pitta time and 2pm - 6pm is vata time — then the cycle begins again!
The guiding principles of Ayurveda are that like increases like and that opposites balance.
"If you're someone who has a lot of vata in your constitution, you’ll already have a lot of those qualities… and say in autumn you go outside and it’s really windy and the weather is getting dry… and then you’re eating salads all the time… Like is going to increase like. Your vata is going to increase to the point where it goes out of balance," says Jemima."
Similarly, if a pitta-dominant person went out into the sun at the hottest part of the day, in the middle of summer, consuming fried foods, meat and alcohol, they'd probably find their pitta going out of balance. If a kapha type spent an entire winter's day eating heavy, oily foods and not moving from the couch... Well, you get the idea.
In terms of the doshic cycles of the day, the same principles apply. Jemima says it's best to get out of bed before 6am, as sleeping too far into the kapha phase of the day might lead to sluggishness. To balance the heaviness of kapha, the morning is a great time to exercise. The middle of the day is pitta time, meaning it's a good time to rest and not over-exert yourself (it's also when we should consume our larges meal, according to Ayurveda, because our digestion is at its strongest). When vata time rolls around, it's a good idea to practice grounding activities such as meditation, pranayama and Abhyanga (self massage).
The Ayurvedic approach to illness and disease is to notice and correct imbalances before they get too out of control.
"Understanding Ayurveda and incorporating it into your everyday life will mean that the state of imbalance is less extreme and that we can recognise when we’re going out of balance and do small corrections. And those imbalances won’t progress into disease. Disease is a progression of an imbalance."
At the same time, Ayurveda recognises that we shouldn't become too fixated on getting it right all the time.
“In Ayurveda we say that ‘Too good is not good’ – especially for the pittas. They want to do everything perfectly!" says Jemima.
And while this might sound like a lot of information to take in, Jemima is quick to point out that a lot of Ayurvedic wisdom is actually just common sense.
"We live Ayurveda," she says. "When it’s cold, we crave warm food. In summer we want more of that cooling watermelon or coconut water, or we crave salads more. Our body does, to a certain degree, know how to bring itself back into balance."
Ultimately, Ayurveda is an empowering system that can give us the tools to know ourselves better.
Want to know your dosha and not yet ready to visit an Ayurvedic practitioner? Jemima recommends taking this quiz.
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