If your week has been anything like it’s been here in California, you know that it’s that time of the year when the sun’s out and about. As the summer months begin, we naturally flock to the outdoors, taking advantage of the amazing hiking trails, beaches, and nature that our cities have to offer. In this beautiful weather, I myself will be spending today surfing in Northern California with some friends and of course, working on my tan. But in the midst of all the excitement that comes with warmer weather, it’s easy to forget the danger that sun rays can have on our skin and the importance of protecting ourselves from them. After all, the sun emits UV rays that break down the collagen in our skin and with repeated exposure, can lead to more serious health issues.

But first, let’s rewind. Take a look at the bigger picture. What exactly is collagen, why is it good for us, and why have we, as a natural beauty brand, made it our mission to advocate for it? Collagen is extremely beneficial to the health of our skin. Think of it like a building block; in order to have a healthy and strong structure, the individual building blocks need to be healthy and strong too. It acts as the foundation of our tissues, working as the glue that holds our skin together and allows for strength, elasticity, and general well-being. In fact, it is, by far, the most abundant protein in our body. And to give you a better idea of the incredibly important role of collagen, our skin is made up of over 97.5% collagen! Yes, you read that right!

So how exactly does sun exposure cause damage to collagen? Well, continuous exposure to the sun’s rays causes the collagen in our skin to break down at a much faster rate than normal. When you’re spending time kayaking or swimming, the UVA rays from the sun are actually penetrating a layer of your skin called the dermis. As a result, this causes damage to the enzymes usually used to rebuild collagen, and as a result, these enzymes begin to degrade it instead. As collagen degradation continues over time, your skin can become subject to “photo-aging;” wrinkles or fine lines start to appear, and you may notice spots of hyperpigmentation appearing on your hands, arms, and face. And in extreme scenarios, repeated exposure to UVA rays can alter the genetic makeup of your skin cells and contribute to skin cells.

But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to prevent and reverse the damage of UV rays, allowing you to spend time doing your favorite outdoor activities while simultaneously keeping your skin healthy and strong. I’m sure you’ve heard some of them a million times; wear your favorite hat or incorporate a new sunscreen of SPF 15+ into your daily morning routine to keep those sunspots and wrinkles away. And I personally give you permission to buy those pair of trendy sunglasses you’ve been eyeing at the store. But there’s also one more method that’s both easy and effective. You guessed it: marine collagen!

Girl & The Sea Marine Collagen is derived from the skin of deep sea fish and is absorbed over 1.5 times more efficiently than any other type of collagen. If you’re curious to find out more, click here to read more about the exact ways in which our collagen works to restore and maintain your skin’s health! And the best part about it is that it’s super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Put a spoonful into your latte or blend it up into a smoothie bowl. My favorite method? Mix it into my breakfast acai bowl. Throw some berries and chia seeds on top, and voila: a not only delicious, but healthy start to my day. It’ll take just 8 weeks for the collagen in your skin to start becoming strengthened and restored. Just 8 weeks, and your skin will have more strength, more elasticity, more hydration, and more overall health. And, of course, we can’t forget about that smooth summer glow.

So if you’re planning to take advantage of this sunny weather and spend some time outside, don’t forget to take care of your skin too! With our marine collagen, you look after your body in a way that’s also sustainable and eco-friendly to our oceans. Whether you’re having a family picnic at the beach or simply reading a book in the backyard, protecting your skin will leave you not only looking, but feeling amazing. Spending time in the sun in a way that maintains your skin’s and your environment’s health at the same time? Sounds like a win to me!

Alexandra Blanter