By founder, Mette Skjærbæk
For the first time, Mette has had photos taken with both her daughters for Karmameju – for a campaign that means something very special to her. SUN 2.0 isn’t just about sun cream. It’s about family, skincare traditions and conscious choices that we pass on to the next generation. In this blog post, Mette shares the thoughts behind the campaign, her reflections on the body, skin and lifestyle – and why sun protection has always been a cause close to her heart.
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Partly because they were little, and I wanted them to be old enough to choose for themselves. But also because, since they’ve grown up, there hasn’t been a campaign where it made as much sense as with SUN 2.0.
Because sun cream is a family affair.
A choice we make for our children.
An inspiration we pass on to them – for the rest of their lives.
Choosing sun cream has meant a lot to me ever since I was in my 20s and living in New York, where my ‘green’ journey really began. Or – that’s not quite right, because it actually began in my parents’ garden and kitchen. My ‘adult, green’ journey began in New York, where, from a holistic perspective, the human being became my personal path in life.
Ever since I became aware of the ingredients in skincare, there’s only ever been one choice for me when it comes to sun cream: those with physical filters, derived from the earth’s minerals. Mineral sun filters.
Which sun filters to use is an important topic that has been on the lips of skincare enthusiasts for many years. I believe it is a crucial choice, and I’d like to inspire people to learn more about it. The choice is between mineral sun filters – which is my preference – chemical or nano sun filters. I avoid the latter two, and always have, just to be on the safe side.
Read more in Mette’s article “That’s why I’ll only use mineral sunscreens”.
I think this is the first time I’ve been photographed in a swimsuit since, well, back in the 90s, when I worked in the fashion industry. I agreed to be in the SUN photos when Signe Vilstrup agreed to take them. Because Signe takes such beautiful photos, a bit like paintings. She sees your best features and captures them. Her way of working is enchanting – a whirlwind of creativity with sheer fabrics, nylon stockings as camera filters, photo lights and a zest for life. My girls agreed too, and I’m just so grateful for the day we had – and the photos that now exist of Mila, Felina and me. Of my little ones. For later in life. A time, a place, in history.
I’m having issues with my body ‘on the inside’. I’m hypermobile and my joints are worn, so I need to build muscle around them to provide support. My bones also really need help dealing with impacts, extra weight and pressure. My hormones are a bit all over the place. I need to take vitamin D, calcium and other beneficial supplements to help bring everything into better balance. My body is both strong and fragile at the same time. All the exercise I do is done with respect for my body. For example, I do miss running a bit, but it’s not something my knees are keen on, so I don’t do it. On the other hand, both my body and mind love heat and cold, so that’s what I do. I train in the way that wise people have told me is what’s needed. I eat lots of fruit, veg, seeds, grains, protein, oils and so on – because all my cells love that. And then a bit of everything else that the body and mind enjoy…
Well, that was a bit of a digression – and not actually what I’d intended to write about.
A reflection on the fact that what really matters is our inner self.
… when, as a family, we were going to take photos focusing on the message: ‘It’s really good to apply the first layer of sun cream before you leave home’. That good, thorough application – where you can stand with not much clothing on and pay attention to your face, ears, neck, body, the soles of your feet… everything. The sun is wonderful, but also a bit wild – so it’s so good to protect our skin, our largest organ. So vibrant and vital.
As we got closer to the launch date, the weather forecast went from grey skies to increasingly beautiful weather that Thursday – and just think, we had what felt almost like the first summer’s day of the year. We could even be outside in our swimwear – without getting chills. I felt like squealing with gratitude, because sunshine simply makes the day and the photos so much lovelier. And at a time when so much in the world is difficult, it was just so lovely to have a bit of a tailwind on the cycle path.
… that I could apply SPF 30 to my skin again and again – and just watch it melt in, invisible on my skin. Not just one layer, but layer upon layer – so invisible that it couldn’t be seen through the camera lens. Mineral filters are usually the ones that leave you looking white or blue and a bit greasy!
Or… no – not anymore.
We’ve come this far. With SUN 1.0, we got 90 per cent of the way there – whereas with SUN 2.0, I think we’ve reached the finish line. I’m genuinely delighted to be able to offer you sun protection and protective skincare in one product that meets all the criteria I have for sun cream for the family. And which contains the elements needed to look after the skin in terms of longevity and long-term health.
Read more in the article Skin health – essential for your longevity
I hope you all have a truly lovely summer.
Warm regards,
Mette
Even if you don’t use aromatherapeutic skincare or products for the home, nature still ensures that aromatherapy is all around us. Trees and plants release invisible plant compounds, phytoncides, which research links to lower stress levels and increased activity in the body’s natural defence cells. This is a beautiful account of forest bathing, nature’s aromatherapy and the scientific evidence behind it.
