True confession time: My daily routine does not include sunblock. I only ever use it when spending a long day outside in the garden or on the boat. I like vitamin D.

So I found out the hard way how different the sun is in North Carolina than back in Massachusetts. Different meaning intense. One summer here and my face, hands and forearms became covered in sunspots. It was really noticeable and a little embarrassing.

Luckily, I'd just discovered Buriti (pronounced bur-ree-chee) oil, highly touted as able to lighten dark spots caused by the sun as well as help protect skin from photo-damage.

Buriti oil's naturally vibrant orange color is due to its high concentration of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, making it a plant-based alternative to retinoids. It’s also high in vitamin E.

The oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the Moriche (Mauritia flexuosa) palm tree native to tropical South America. Brown and scaly on the outside, the fruit inside is sweet and delicious.

It worked well to fade the brown patches and amazingly has evened out the more damaged-looking, shockingly-white spots on my hands. I was so impressed, I made Buriti oil the star of a pressed serum designed for photoaging skin.

Adding to this skin rescue magic, Buriti oil's anti-inflammatory properties soothe the rash, redness, irritation, and sensitivity skin gets from over-exposure to the elements.

The Solid Serum made with Buriti oil feels light and sinks in quickly but is very emollient, giving lasting moisturization and rehydrating skin. Regular use restores elasticity which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

As I go sailing off into my double-nickle year (I'm turning 55), you can bet I'll be keeping Buriti oil at my side. I plan on spending alot more time on the water this season but you'll never guess from looking at me ;)