Celebrating 4 Years of Verdant Lyfe: A Journey from Skincare to Plants
As some of you may know, I’ve proudly owned Verdant Lyfe, located in Coral Springs, South Florida, for the past four years. In this time, we’ve grown a wonderful community of almost 30,000 customers across the United States, with some incredible loyalty from many of you. For instance, Anthony from Fremont, Ohio, has shopped with us nine times; Marilyn from Reno, Nevada, has placed 11 orders, and Sara from right here in Coral Springs has ordered from us an amazing 25 times!
Our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop at shipping live plants with a 30-day live arrival guarantee—it’s about creating a trusted, reputable business that ships high-quality greenery to plant lovers all over the USA.
Before launching Verdant Lyfe, I spent many years as a licensed specialist owning and operating spas in South Africa, Australia, and here in South Florida. As an aesthetician, I performed facials for thousands of clients and was deeply involved in cosmetic manufacturing. In 2020, with the onset of the pandemic, I took my passion for plants and turned it into the thriving business Verdant Lyfe is today. My experience in skincare has influenced my approach to plant care, as both focus on nurturing and promoting health—whether it’s your skin or the environment around you.
Now that we're in the heat of summer, I want to share some insights about sun exposure, both the good and the bad, particularly for those of us who love spending time outdoors.
We all need Vitamin D—it’s crucial for our bodies. Some of its key benefits include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting immune health
- Boosting mood and energy levels
- Enhancing brain cell activity
Sunlight helps your brain produce serotonin, which makes you feel calm, focused, and energized. Aim for 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight several times a week to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels, though those with darker skin may need a bit more exposure.
The Dangers of Overexposure to UV Rays
While some sun exposure is beneficial, too much UV radiation can cause damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin, damaging deeper layers and leading to sunburn, skin aging, and even skin cancer over time. If you're planning a beach or pool day, try to enjoy the sun before 10:00 am or after 5:00 pm to avoid the most harmful rays.
I’ve seen firsthand the damage sun can do. When I lived in Australia, despite my precautions, I often got burned on the back of my neck while walking to the beach. The depletion of the ozone layer in Sydney made sun exposure even more intense. That’s why I always recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, like Banana Boat Sunspray, which I personally use. It's effective and has a cooling effect upon application.
Even with protection, sunburns can happen. If you do get burned, it’s important to treat your skin immediately. Here are my top tips for sunburn relief:
- Cool showers: Take cool showers several times a day to help reduce skin temperature.
- Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer with aloe vera or soy while your skin is still damp from the shower.
- Cool compresses: Use a towel soaked in icy water and gently press it against your sunburned skin to soothe irritation.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal from within.
At Verdant Lyfe, we sell Aloe Vera plants, which are fantastic for soothing minor burns and skin irritations. Simply break off a leaf and apply the gel directly to the affected area. Aloe Vera is known for reducing inflammation and promoting healing—perfect for first and second-degree burns.
It's easy to forget that even everyday activities, like driving, can expose you to harmful UV rays. In the U.S., drivers tend to experience more sun damage on the left side of their face and arm, so it’s important to protect yourself even while on the road. Many foundations and moisturizers now include basic SPF protection, but you can always layer with an SPF spray or cream for extra coverage.
If you’re in South Florida, I’d love for you to visit our indoor nursery and greenhouse. We’re passionate about helping people discover the joy of plants while maintaining a healthy balance with sun exposure.
To learn more about us, don’t forget to check out our Google reviews!