I spent many years working as a lifeguard. Sitting on an elevated chair above the town pool, teenage me cared about even tan lines more than I cared about sun burn.

When I scored one of my first “real jobs” that didn’t involve a whistle and bathing suit, I was invited by one of the large sun care companies to a press event in New York City. I can’t recall the brand, and I only vaguely remember the location (a large theater in midtown, perhaps). What I won’t forget is that I saw the future—of my face.  The activation included access to UV imaging cameras that showed underlying damage not yet visible on my face. 

I was horrified.

This Dicken’s “Christmas Carol” moment made an impact. I became a much more faithful sunscreen user that summer and every summer thereafter. It took Mohs surgery on my ear, however, for me get on board with daily SPF compliance. I’ve thankfully been skin cancer-free since the procedure. I wear SPF every day (higher SPF when skiing and golfing) and remind my college-age daughters, ad nauseam, to do the same. When friends and family ask me what’s the best sunscreen, my answer is always: the one you will wear.

This issue of Happi looks at the sun care market, and how brands are focused on aesthetics that will lead to better compliance. And we’re all anxiously waiting on regulators about that new filter.  As you’ll read in Lianna Albrizio’s cover story, consumers have more options to protect their skin from damage than previous generations.

There’s a similar scenario in the intimate care and sexual wellness space. In short, this isn’t your mother’s menopause market.

Midlife women are rejecting outdated narratives that menopause symptoms must be endured. Likewise, I hope consumers are becoming more disciplined about sun protection as awareness of cumulative UV damage grows. In both markets, education often translates into action.

Be sure to read Melissa Meisel’s color cosmetics update, too. This marketplace is always evolving—the colors, the finishes, the styles. She interviewed makeup artists and execs at beauty brands to get insight about the looks for the coming season.

One last thing… We’ve added something new in this issue: a crossword puzzle. If (when) you complete it, send me a photo of your work. The first person who does (with a correctly completed puzzle) will get a shout out in our next issue and on social media.

Have a comment or a question about something you read in these pages or online on Happi.com? Send me an email or find me on LinkedIn. Let’s talk.

Christine Esposito | Editor-in-Chief
cesposito@rodmanmedia.com