When Dave was diagnosed, I felt like we ‘got caught’. The reality of the damage caused by all the carefree, unprotected days in the sun during youth was right in front of us. We took the dermatologist’s declaration to wear mineral sunscreen every day seriously. When I later received my diagnosis, surgery was not a good option. I underwent a month of radiation. This experience really sobered me to the need for daily protection. Many of our friends were diagnosed also.

For context, I have a business background. I was a business consultant for many years and had operated a small business that modified vans to accommodate disabled drivers and passengers. Parallel to my professional work, has been my non-profit work. I have served on boards of organizations that help older kids find stable homes. For many years I had a desire to operate a business that would share its revenues with non-profit organizations. After many disappointing products, it dawned on me that the sunscreen industry may have some white space opportunity. Realizing the potential of a sunscreen brand that could support my for-profit/non-profit business model, I began the two-year journey to launch the business.

I realized that an ideal sunscreen formula is one that both prevents sun damage to the skin and does not itself cause harm to the skin. I wanted to avoid chemical UV filters, silicones, PEGs, and any ingredient that was listed as a ‘3’ or higher on EWG’s Skin Deep scale.     

Additionally, I have aging skin. I sought ingredients that would not only protect but enhance the performance and appearance of my skin and my customers’ skin. I selected plant-based ingredients rich in antioxidants. These include: carrot extract; mango butter, green tea; pomegranate extract; sunflower oil; aloe; watermelon extract; shea butter; Vitamin E.  

 Our customers have provided feedback on the impact that our products have had on their skin. One longtime customer said her dermatologist during an annual checkup asked her what she was doing to her skin because it looked so healthy. Several customers have told us that their friends or family ask them what they have done differently to their skin. One customer said a colleague had asked her about her skin products during a video call for work. She mentioned our Tinted Drops. I attribute these comments to our formulas’ ingredient set.   

For context, sunscreen is an OTC. The regulations for sunscreen products are much more rigorous than the regulations for cosmetics. As a result, I concentrated on learning about the FDA requirements for sunscreens during the period preceding the brand launch. Attending three biennial Florida Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ Sunscreen Symposiums has greatly contributed to my knowledge in this field.   

It took two years to find partners and suppliers. The key partners for my brand have been the formulator and the manufacturer. The biggest challenge was supplier lead times, especially since I launched during COVID-19. Obtaining the components and materials when businesses during this timeframe were not at full capacity was difficult. Since I only use components made from recycled materials, my options were further limited. Arranging for the 3rd party testing on the formulas required patience and persistence. For example, labs had difficulty finding participants for the in vivo sunscreen tests during lockdowns. The labs were understaffed for the in vitro testing as well. It just took more time than I anticipated.  

My persistence paid off. I completed all the required testing and obtained all my packaging and products by my launch in October 2020.  

My formulas must contain mineral UV filters: zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These are the only two UV filters that are deemed ‘Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective’ (GRASE) by the FDA. No chemical UV filter has earned that rating. Mineral UV filters sit on top of the skin and reflect solar radiation. Chemical UV filters must penetrate the skin and warm in order to perform. Using only mineral filters means that I am delivering a formula that is known to be safe and healthy to use. 

I also use plant derived inactive ingredients to the fullest extent possible. While some of the ingredient names in our formulas may appear to be synthetic, in actuality, they are plant derived. For example, Decyl Glucoside and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride may sound like synthetic ingredients yet they are made from palm oil.  

Ingredients that provide blue light defense are also non-negotiable for our blue light line (Tinted Drops and Tinted Body Screen). How do I know that these ingredients reduce blue light exposure? I sent the formulas to 3rd party labs to conduct HEV testing. I have data that demonstrates our tinted formulas reduce the transmittance of blue light to the skin. 

While spray sunscreens are convenient, we have avoided introducing these delivery systems. Most, if not all, of the sunscreens that were recalled due to benzene contamination were spray sunscreens. Also, spray sunscreens are not as effective in delivering consistent coverage to the skin’s surface. Again, I want to offer safe and effective skin cancer prevention solutions.  

I am adopted and two of our daughters are adopted. I have served on boards of and provided financial support to non-profit organizations that serve older children who do not have a stable home situation. I believe every child deserves to have a stable home life. As a result, I built one of my brand pillars around giving back. From October 2020 to present (February 2025), Make2Give (our company name) has donated over $64,000 to Kidsave International and Stand Up for Kids. As our company grows, we will continue to donate to non-profit organizations (the organizations may change). The giving aspect of our brand aligns with our mission: Elevate and protect your skin; Elevate and protect a life.

I am a runner and enjoy running – although I almost always run before sunrise. I enjoy swimming and walking on sunny days. Of course, I am always accompanied by My Day Screen® products.