Lessons Burned Into my Skincare Journey
The Story Behind Bee Wild Outside
If you don't know me yet, I'm Alexandra Merlino, founder of Bee Wild Outside. Bee Wild's focus on reusability is fueled by my passion for planet protection and climate activism, but might wonder... why sunscreen?
Sun care is possibly the most overlooked and misunderstood part of skincare, and the one that has the most damaging effects when neglected. While sun protection is an essential part of a healthy routine, it's shocking how often it's ignored, even among people who otherwise care for their skin.
As someone who loves the outdoors, and spends abundant time adventuring in the natural world, I had to come to terms with my relationship with the sun. Sun protection isn't just a good idea, it's absolutely crucial.
This is where my sun care journey begins...
Childhood Sun Damage
I didn't realize what damage the sun was doing to my skin as a child. This wasn't just true of me, but for millions of people growing up around the same time. In fact, scientists estimate about 80% of lifetime sun exposure is experienced before the age of 18.
SPF 15 sunscreen products were first introduced in 1986, the same year I stopped playing competitive tennis and graduated high school. Growing up in sunny southern California, and playing competitive tennis, I soaked in UV rays for hours on end.
Looking back, it's startling to think... sun protection was on no one's radar. Even the hats that we wore only served to keep the sun out of our eyes as we watched the ball!
We can't go back and change the sun damage we experienced as kids, much as we wish we could, but it DOES lend perspective to how our habits need to change and how we can better guide our own children. In fact, the lessons I learned (or burned) during the early years of my life have inspired a lot of the tips I give to my own daughter.
Modeling and Skincare
After graduating high school, I moved to New York City where I began fashion modeling. As you can imagine, I quickly became aware of skincare, good skincare habits, and the damaging effects of the sun.
Alex Merlino
The great thing about living in a large city is just how easy it is to dodge the sun. When you're walking in NYC, you can avoid direct sunlight simply by hopping to whatever side of the road is shaded by enormous buildings.
Even though I was becoming more aware of the sun in my daily life at this point, I still hadn't made SPF protection a habit. My real sun exposure during this time was while on vacation! My primary sun protection was a hat. I learned one sunburn at a time that the hat was not enough to keep me safe.
The Move to Santa Fe
I was 38 years old when I moved with my family to Santa Fe, NM, where my relationship with the sun changed overnight. There is no escaping the sun's rays in Santa Fe (at 7250 ft., we are exposed to 15% more UV rays). I tried to lessen sun exposure by moving my outdoor exercise to early mornings and by wearing hats any time I was outside, but it wasn't enough.
The crazy thing about UV rays is the true level of impact they have even when you don't notice. The long-term damage created by UVA and UVB rays can be subtle, but reveal harm years down the road.
Still, sunscreen was a hard commitment to hold on to. I hated the way natural formulas felt on my skin and didn’t want the chemical load that pervades traditional sunscreens. Until an eye-opening event blindsided me...
...In 2019 I was diagnosed with skin cancer. My new dermatologist asked, “how old are you? You have beautiful skin!” as he proceeded to take a biopsy of what turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma that had subtly found purchase under my skin's surface. UV exposure (especially with added factors like ozone damage and climate change) can greatly increase your cancer risk.
It became even more obvious at this point that I couldn't treat the sun lightly. I had always treated my skin well, but it was clear I needed to do more to keep my skin safe.
Changing My Sun Care Mindset
I still wear a hat and lay low in midday sun, but I’ve now fully embraced wearing sunscreen daily with religious reapplication.
My personal routine for great skincare is:
Applying sunscreen 365 (rain or shine).
Adding an extra layer of sun protection with a hat and shades.
Drinking plenty of water.
Prioritizing fruits and veggies in my diet, and reducing sugar.
Hydrating my skin on the outside with a moisturizer that’s right for my skin type.
Sleeping (quality sleep does wonders for your skin).
Moving my body!
Fortifying your body with a healthy lifestyle is at the core of healthy looking skin, so a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants, regular hydration, exercise, and sleep are all important. But they aren't a replacement for sunscreen. Regular SPF application is now a consistent part of my day.
Finding the Right Sun Care Product
Next came the hard part: finding the right sunscreen for me!
I’ve tested over 100 sunscreens – chemical, mineral, stick, cream, putty, paste, lotion, spray, powders – and I've never found the perfect fit. Even when you avoid sunscreens filled with damaging chemicals that hurt wildlife, it's still difficult to find natural sunscreens that don't leave your skin feeling greasy or uncomfortable.
That’s why I’ve developed Bee Wild Outside, a new sun care brand created for people who love to be outdoors. It’s a mineral lotion formula in a compact container, convenient for reapplying. Not only have we created a sunscreen that's soothing and comfortable for your skin, but we've designed a packaging system that’s waste free, so the product is good for you and the environment.
Keep your eyes peeled; we’re launching in late Spring of 2022!
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