After I started beauty blogging and learning more about skincare, I started taking sun protection more seriously. One of the things I learned was that sun exposure can be harmful to skin and sometimes sunscreen isn’t enough. When Sundotsreached out to me about their product, edible sun protection in the form of a daily gummy, I was immediately intrigued. I first heard of Sundots when they launched their Indiegogo campaign a while back and thought it was such an interesting concept. I’ve been testing out the gummies for a few weeks now and it has become a part of my daily routine. Curious about how it works? Read more below!

SUN PROTECTION 101

Typically we think of sunscreen when we go to the beach or the pool, but the majority of harmful sun exposure occurs on days we don’t usually think about. Beyond just that, sometimes sunscreen’s not enough on its own. Some common mistakes that we all typically make (myself included) involve things such as not applying enough sunscreen or not reapplying the way we should. I’ll admit it’s definitely something I struggle with.

One of the reasons I started taking sun protection more seriously was because I read that the CDC and WHO both estimate that 80-90% of avoidable skin aging is due to UV exposure. That means that the serums and creams we use are treating the damage that’s already been done but aren’t addressing the root cause. Sun protection is important every single day, which is why I’m a big fan of this gummy.

It’s important to note that Sundots isn’t meant to replace your sunscreen, it’s meant to complement it as an added layer of protection. The best protection is a trio of sunscreen, UPF-rated clothing and Sundots.

THE STORY OF SUNDOTS

Sundots was started by Dr. Emilia Javorksy, a Harvard-trained dermatology researcher and a Forbes 30 under 30 member! While at Harvard Medical School as a photomedicine researcher, she discovered the body of evidence behind polypodiumand its broad use within the insider dermatology community. What is polypodium, exactly? It’s a tropical fern. I’m always blown away by the power of plants.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUNDOTS

Essentially, Sundots gummies are comprised of polypodium leucotomos extract, which has been studied for over 30 years for its sun protection properties. Learnings from human studies on polypodium show that when taken every day like a vitamin, this antioxidant-dense fern helps to provide all-over protection from sun damage by strengthening your skin cell’s ability to resist UV harm. Fascinating, right? (For further reading, you can go here.) You only need to take one gummy a day to help with everyday harmful UV radiation.

THE PRODUCT

The gummy itself is a yummy citrus flavor and is made with organic ingredients. In fact, it is vegan, non-GMO, plant-based and manufactured in an FDA-certified facility in the USA.

The gummies also contain 100% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin D3, which 40-50% of adults are chronically deficient in. The Vitamin D3 is made from lichen! More natural plant power for the win.

I take one every morning before I rush out the door and it has just given me added peace of mind knowing that I am doing more to protect my skin. I love that it’s in a gummy form versus a pill that you have to swallow. Gummy vitamins are the only vitamins I’m able to take consistently, haha, and this is no different!

I actually plan on ordering a few more bottles for my family because I know they aren’t always the best with sun safety. I seriously think Sundots should be a staple in every household because *everyone* could use some added protection.

Where to purchase: sundots.com, $50/bottle or $29/bottle with a monthly delivery