Author: Carrie Chisholm

I’m blending my love of interior design with the brands we carry at Haskill Creek. This series imagines what their ethos might look like as a space.

During my time in interior design school, one lesson stuck with me: pick a concept and stick with it. It sounds simple, but in practice it’s one of the hardest things to do. Every design choice — from the furniture to the art on the walls — needs to support that concept. If it doesn’t, the whole space can lose its story.

That’s why I love starting with a strong source of inspiration. It could be a painting, a city, a memory — or in this case, a skincare brand. So much of what we bring into our homes is about how we want to feel, and brands often do an incredible job of communicating that through their products, their language, and their aesthetic.

The next brand I wanted to translate into a space is Facile.

Why Facile?

The brand’s three guiding pillars — kind, clinical, and easy — offered the perfect starting point for reimagining a living room that feels as thoughtful and approachable as the skincare itself.

Translating Brand to Design

When I started dreaming up this room, I wanted it to feel like stepping into the world of Facile — modern but inviting, bold but never overwhelming, smart but never sterile. The result is a space designed around warmth, clarity, and ease, with moments of playfulness woven throughout.

The Rug: I loved this rug because it’s simple but has just enough personality — kind of like Facile itself. The neutral wool base keeps the space calm, while a bold silk border brings just the right amount of color and energy. It’s inspired by Matisse and GoodWeave certified, so it’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful.
Why it works: It grounds the room and adds a hit of color without overwhelming the space — like skincare packaging for the floor.

The Sofa: This sectional is clean, unfussy, and approachable — exactly the vibe I wanted. Its rounded edges make it feel soft and welcoming, and the neutral cream color allows everything else in the room to shine. HAY’s commitment to sustainability through recycled materials and eco-friendly finishes ties directly back to Facile’s values.
Why it works: It’s the everyday anchor — timeless, comfortable, and quietly confident.

The Armchair: This sculptural armchair is where form meets comfort. The soft leather in a warm rye tone pairs perfectly with the sofa and adds a layer of richness to the palette. Its curved shape keeps the room feeling soft and inviting, while its craftsmanship and quality reflect Facile’s thoughtful approach.
Why it works: It’s a piece you actually want to curl up in — comfortable, timeless, and quietly elegant.

The Coffee Tables: These tables bring depth and warmth to the space with their rich walnut finish — timeless and grounding. I love the way the nested design adds movement and versatility, allowing the layout to evolve as life does.
Why it works: They’re classic yet flexible, a functional foundation that feels effortless and refined.

The Console Table: This marble console is the anchor of the entry moment — stately, timeless, and grounding. Its clean lines and natural veining bring a quiet sophistication to the space, while providing a functional surface for styling books, art, or a sculptural bowl.
Why it works: It’s foundational without being fussy — a piece that gives the room structure and balance while staying beautifully understated.

The Lighting: This chandelier adds texture and soul to the room. It’s bold without being dramatic, and its sculptural form softens the entire space. Handmade with sustainability in mind, it’s a piece you notice without it ever stealing the show.
Why it works: It’s a statement piece, but not a show-off — a perfect example of Facile’s balance between impact and ease.

The Art: Seriously, what’s not to love? Lisa by Jacque Price brings pure joy into the room. Its bold scale and vibrant color make it an instant focal point, while the quirky, playful vibe perfectly matches Facile’s cheerful spirit.
Why it works: It’s art that doesn’t take itself too seriously — happy, colorful, and full of personality.

The Accessories

It’s the little details that pull everything together. A vintage Murano vase adds a pop of red and a touch of glassy texture. A David Hockney coffee table book mirrors the brand’s optimism and color story. Kelly Wearstler’s Little Kiss sculpture nods to Facile’s beloved Lip Jelly with humor and elegance. A chunky wool throw and a leather pillow layer in warmth and texture. Even a fiddle leaf fig in a stone pot — simple and alive — makes the whole space feel more vibrant.

Each piece is intentional. None of them scream for attention, but together they create a space that feels complete.

If you would like links to the exact products, download the full design guide.

Why It Works

Great design doesn’t have to start with a paint color or furniture style. Sometimes the most inspiring spaces grow out of a feeling — the same way a favorite skincare routine isn’t just about products but how they make you feel.

Facile reminded me that easy doesn’t mean boring, clinical doesn’t mean cold, and kind doesn’t mean simple. This living room is designed to reflect all of that — approachable yet elevated, functional yet fun, modern but always human.

Closing Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this design experiment as much as I did. Imagining a space through the lens of a brand pushes creativity in the best way — it forces you to think about story, emotion, and purpose.

If there’s a brand you’d love to see reimagined as a room, or if you want to explore how your own space could better reflect your values and lifestyle, reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

Because just like good skincare, good design should feel effortless.

I’m blending my love of interior design with the brands we carry at Haskill Creek. This series imagines what their ethos might look like as a space.

During my time in interior design school, one lesson stuck with me: pick a concept and stick with it. Sounds simple, but much more difficult in practice. Every design choice needs to support your concept. But the risk of drifting is real and happens often. 

A strong concept makes all the difference, whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, refreshing a kitchen, or just adding a few seasonal touches to your living room. And inspiration can truly come from anywhere, a Monet painting, the mood of Montana in autumn, or even your favorite outfit. 

So I thought it would be fun to use the products we carry at Haskill Creek as my own source of inspiration. Many of our products have a design language all their own. So in this series I’m re-imagining spaces through their brand values and aesthetic. 

The first brand I chose is Doré.

Why Doré?

Doré is a French-inspired skincare line created by Garance Doré. The brand embodies what French beauty is best known for: effortlessness, simplicity, and timelessness. 

Their formulas are clean and pared down, working with your skin instead of against it. They’re sustainable, mindful of people and the planet, and quietly luxurious without over doing it. 

Translating Brand to Design

The Mirror: The first piece that caught my eye was the mirror, soft, feminine curves balanced with just enough edge. It has that romantic-but-rebellious quality, like something you’d imagine hanging in a French girl’s apartment.

The Vanity: From there, the vanity needed to feel timeless and practical. I thought of it as the Levi’s of bathroom design, reliable, grounded, and never trying too hard. It anchors the space while leaving room for personality to shine through.

The Lighting: The lighting added another layer of character. At first glance, it leans industrial with its knurled detailing, but the sleek glass softens the effect. It feels like a nod to 1950s design that has been pared back and elevated, utilitarian at its core, but effortlessly chic.

The Tile: The tile might be my favorite part of the design. The hand-painted circular motifs nod to Parisian roundabouts and even the French pharmacy cross, a subtle echo of Doré’s logo. Paired with handmade brick tile, it has the texture of a lived-in Paris flat, softened and made modern. Beyond looks, Fireclay’s commitment to sustainability makes it a perfect match for Doré, a brand that places values and beauty on equal footing.

The Fixtures: To balance the softness of the tile, I chose fixtures in a brushed copper finish. Clean-lined and modern, yet warm enough to ground the space, they add just the right amount of French sophistication without feeling fussy.

The Palette: For the backdrop, I landed on Benjamin Moore’s White Heron OC-57. It’s crisp but soft, the kind of white that allows natural textures to stand out while keeping the room calm and refined.

The Details: It’s the little details that make the space feel lived in. A woven basket that could have come straight from a French market. A marbled stone tray that echoes the warmth of the copper fixtures. Organic towels that add softness and sustainability in one simple touch. And finally, a smoky French candle that ties everything together with atmosphere.

If you would like links to the exact products, download the full design guide.

Why It Works

Great design doesn’t need to start with a paint swatch, a cabinet finish, or a Pinterest board. Sometimes the most interesting spaces come from less expected places: a brand you love, a scent you can’t stop burning, a city you dream about.

Doré reminded me that effortlessness is powerful, in skincare, in fashion, and interior spaces. 

The bathroom that emerged from this experiment isn’t fussy or over-designed. It’s pared back, thoughtful, and quietly chic. In other words, it feels exactly like Doré.

Closing Thoughts

Hope you enjoyed this little design experiment as much as I did. 

It’s fun to imagine what a space might look like when inspired by the brands we love. If you’d like to see more concepts like this – or you want to see me turn a certain brand into a space, just email us at [email protected].

Because at the end of the day, good design, like good self-care, should feel effortless.

A Vision in the Making

For more than 25 years, NVMS has been shaping the future of music education in Whitefish. From small studios to borrowed classrooms, they’ve steadily grown into a hub for children’s music lessons, adult classes, and community recitals.

Now, they’re dreaming bigger than ever: a brand-new music campus at Smith Fields. Thanks to land donated by Project Whitefish Kids and a 10-a-year sublease with the City of Whitefish, NVMS is building a space designed entirely for learning, playing, and sharing music. The new facility will feature 15 private teaching studios, a recital hall, group classrooms, and space for community programs, creating a true home for music in our Valley.

This isn’t just another building. It’s a campus that ensures music programs in Montana will thrive for generations to come.

Why Music Matters

Sure, there are studies (and there are lots of them) showing how music and wellness go hand in hand. Music training programs help kids do better in school, improves memory, and even lowers stress. But you don’t need data to know what happens when a child rocks out on a guitar for the first time.

I’ve sat in on NVMS recitals before, and I was genuinely inspired by the kids performing in front of their peers and parents, not because they had to, but because they truly love music. You can always tell when a child is doing something they enjoy rather than something they’re told to do. That kind of confidence, joy, and connection is exactly what music creates, and it’s incredible that NVMS gives that opportunity to kids who might not otherwise have it.

How We’re Supporting

All September long, Haskill Creek will donate $1 from every sale to NVMS. On September 25th, we’re doubling it: $2 from every sale during our in-store event.

From 1–5 pm that day, NVMS will be here with raffles, samples, and plenty of good energy. It’s the perfect chance to shop your wellness favorites while supporting local music programs that give back directly to the Flathead Valley.

Join Us

So mark your calendar for September 25th. Come shop, stay for the music, and be part of something that will keep our community thriving for generations.

And honestly? That’s a pretty great sound.

The Backpack Assistance Program, Haskill Creek, and local partners are working to fight food insecurity for kids in Whitefish, and we need your help right now.

We all see the headlines, food insecurity is a real risk for us all moving forward. Here in Montana, organizations like Abundant Montana are working hard statewide to tackle the issue. But right now, there are kids in our own community who are facing it daily.

This month, we’re partnering with the Backpack Assistance Program (BAP) to make sure no child in Whitefish, Olney-Bissell, Trego, or West Glacier goes hungry when school isn’t in session.

Here’s the reality: 140 local kids rely on these weekend food bags. Many are in the same classrooms as our own children. They sit next to them at lunch, play on the same sports teams, and ride the same bus home.

A friend recently joined a reading hour in her son’s class at Muldown Elementary. She was floored when 6 of the 22 kids received weekend bags—that’s 27 percent of the class. It’s a powerful reminder that food insecurity isn’t always visible. If that surprised you, you’re not alone—I was too. I’m willing to bet there are even more children in need who aren’t yet being reached by the program. For those who are, these bags give them peace of mind heading into the weekend.

Each weekend and extended break bag is filled with kid-friendly, nutritious basics—easy breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and fresh fruit or vegetables—designed to bridge the gap when school meals aren’t available.

Last year’s impact:

In 2024 the Backpack Assistance Program helped send:

Come shop at Haskill and support the BAP:

It takes $900 a week to fill those bags. This month we’re aiming to raise $1,800. That is enough to feed 280 kids for two full weekends.

• $1 from every sale this month goes directly to the Backpack Assistance Program
• On August 21, that doubles to $2 per sale

August 21 is also a community day: Stop by, meet the BAP team, try product samples, enter our raffle, and support a great cause!

Food insecurity might sound distant, but it’s happening right here in our valley. And while it’s hard to face, the good news is we can change this together. When we give, we’re not just filling plates, we’re telling these kids they are valued, supported, and seen by their community.

Let’s do this, Whitefish. Shop, donate, spread the word, and help us hit our $1,800 goal. Every child deserves to start the weekend with a full stomach and a bit more hope.

Want To Volunteer or Donate?

Lend a hand and make an immediate difference for local kids.

🎒 Wednesday Afternoon Open Volunteer Hours
Assemble weekend food bags from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at the pantry space in downtown Whitefish, 311 E 1st St (next to Whitefish Thrift Haus, entrance in the alley). Bring a friend, kids are welcome too!

🛻 Thursday Morning School Delivery
Help deliver crates of food bags to Whitefish schools so staff can get them to students before the weekend.

💸 Donate Directly
You can also donate directly to the program: $60 feeds one child for a summer, $240 feeds one child for a school year, $900 feeds every child in our program for one week.

Seed oils — the so-called “hateful eight” that get slammed on podcasts and social media feeds — have become public enemy number one in some corners of the wellness world. If you’ve heard that seed oils are “toxic,” “inflammatory,” or “destroying your health,” you’re not alone.

But is the problem really the seed oils themselves? Or is it the way they show up in our modern food system?

At Haskill Creek, we like to cut through the fearmongering. So let’s get right to what we found in our research and discuss what the issues really are. 

What Are Seed Oils, Anyway?

Seed oils — like canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower, corn, and grapeseed — are vegetable oils made by extracting oil from seeds rather than fruit (like olive or avocado oils). They’re rich in unsaturated fats, especially omega-6 fatty acids, which your body needs but cannot make on its own. 🔗

You’ll often see them listed as “vegetable oil” on ingredient labels. They’re everywhere because they’re affordable, have a high smoke point for frying, and a neutral flavor that works in everything from salad dressings to roasted vegetables.

The Omega-6 Confusion

So why the controversy? It’s mostly about omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-6s, like linoleic acid, are essential for health — they help build cell membranes, support brain function, and play a role in managing inflammation. But here’s where things get twisted: some people argue that omega-6s cause inflammation.

Technically, omega-6s can be turned into arachidonic acid, a building block for inflammatory compounds. But only about 0.2% of dietary linoleic acid actually converts to these compounds — and your body uses arachidonic acid to resolve inflammation, too, not just to create it.

In other words, omega-6s are part of the healing process, not the enemy.

One additional note: lab studies have found that an aggressive breast cancer subtype (triple-negative) may use omega-6 fats as fuel, but large human studies haven’t shown that eating omega-6 increases cancer risk overall. These fats are still considered essential and beneficial in a balanced diet. 🔗

If you’d like to dig deeper into how omega-3s and omega-6s work together, you might also check out our Essential Fatty Acids 101 guide.

Seed Oils and Processed Foods

Here’s the part that often gets lost: seed oils by themselves aren’t the problem. It’s the processed foods they show up in.

Think deep-fried fast food, packaged snacks, and ultra-processed frozen dinners. These foods aren’t just high in seed oils — they’re overloaded with sodium, refined carbs, added sugar, and industrial additives. Of course eating tons of that will raise inflammation, blood pressure, and chronic disease risk. 🔗

If you stop eating these processed foods, you’ll feel better. But that’s not proof that seed oils alone are to blame — it’s everything else in those foods, too.

Personal note: I’m not trying to pretend I don’t eat any processed foods — far from it. But after researching all of this over the past couple of months, I’ve made a real effort to cut way back. It’s not easy. Saying “just stop eating processed foods” is simple in theory, but in practice it can feel almost impossible. Processed foods are everywhere, and often they’re the most affordable and convenient options we have.

Home Cooking? Seed Oils Are a Solid Choice

If you’re cooking at home, using organic or minimally processed seed oils — especially for high-heat cooking — is completely reasonable and healthy. In fact, decades of research (including from Stanford and Johns Hopkins) show that unsaturated fats from plant-based oils can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can also:

• Choose cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils to avoid chemical extraction. 🔗
• Store seed oils in a cool, dark place (or even refrigerate them) to prevent them from going rancid. 🔗
• Balance your omega-6 intake by making sure you get enough omega-3s from fatty fish, walnuts, flax, or algae oil.🔗

The Bottom Line

From everything I have researched, seed oils aren’t poisonous. They aren’t inherently “bad” or “toxic.” They’re just one piece of your overall diet — and when used in a balanced, minimally processed way, they can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle.

If you really want to level up your health? Start with small, realistic changes. Cook at home with real ingredients a bit more often. And if you like the occasional seed oil in your stir fry or salad dressing? Go right ahead.

After all, wellness isn’t about demonizing one ingredient — it’s about keeping the whole picture in balance, and finding what works for you.

You’ve probably heard of omega-3s. But what about omega-6s—or C15:0? If you’re not sure what these fatty acids do, where to get them, or whether you need a supplement, you’re not alone.

Honestly, I struggle to keep it all straight. And social media doesn’t help—especially with all the fearmongering about seed oils. So I did some research and here’s what I found.

Right up front: You need omega-3s, omega-6s, and likely C15:0 to help your body function at its best. Getting the right mix can impact everything from inflammation to brain clarity to how well you age.

This article is your quick-start guide: what each fatty acid does, why the balance matters, how to tell if you need a supplement—and how Haskill can help.

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What Are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)?

Essential fatty acids are just what they sound like—essential. Your body can’t make them, so you have to get them from food (or smart supplementation). The three main ones are Omega-3s, Omega-6s and C:15:0.  They play a huge role in everything from how your brain functions to how your joints feel, how your skin looks, and how well your body keeps inflammation in check.

Omega-3 (DHA, EPA, and ALA) 🔗

“Research shows that some 95% of kids and 68% of adults don’t meet recommended levels of omega-3s. That’s a big gap for something so important to heart, brain, and joint health.” 

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats found in cell membranes throughout your body—especially in your brain, eyes, and heart—and are responsible for supporting anti-inflammatory pathways, brain function, and cardiovascular health.

They do this by:

• Keeping brain cell membranes fluid and flexible
• Reducing triglycerides (which helps maintain flexible, healthy blood vessels)
• Balancing immune responses to help calm chronic inflammation.

The Three Omega-3s You Should Know:

• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid – This is a major building block of your brain and retina. It’s found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and also in algae oil (a vegan source).
• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – This is the anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It’s found in the same fatty fish and algae, and plays a key role in mood, joint health, and heart function.
• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) – A plant-based omega-3 found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp hearts. Your body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is low (often less than 10%).
  • That’s why getting EPA and DHA directly from fish or algae is so important.

Recommended Daily Intake:

• 500–1000 mg EPA + DHA per day for general health
• Up to 2000–3000 mg for targeted support (inflammation, heart health, etc.)
• For ALA: around 1.1 g/day for women and 1.6 g/day for men

Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid) 🔗

“The problem isn’t omega-6 itself—it’s how much of it we’re eating without even realizing it.” 

Omega-6s are also polyunsaturated fats built into your cell membranes and start the inflammation process when needed (like after an injury).

• Linoleic Acid (LA) – The primary omega-6 fat found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Your body uses it to produce arachidonic acid (AA), which can lead to inflammatory or anti-inflammatory compounds depending on your overall fatty acid balance.

So What Is the Controversy?  

The problem isn’t omega-6 itself—it’s how much we get from fried and processed foods cooked in seed oils combined with the inadequate amount of Omega-3s we need to help regulate the inflammatory response.

Recommended Ratio (Not Amount) 🔗:

Instead of a hard number, most experts suggest aiming for a 4:1 or even 2:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. But thanks to processed foods, most people are closer to 15:1 or 20:1.🥴

That means for every 4 mg of omega-6, you want at least 1 mg of omega-3. It’s not the other way around—because with today’s food system, getting more omega-3 than omega-6 is nearly impossible.

Let’s provide a realistic example swap that, while it isn’t perfect, you are definitely moving in the right direction.

Swap Fried chicken and a side of fries (20:0) ———> Blackened Salmon and a side of fries. (4:1)

Obviously not ordering the fries is ideal, but at least you are getting a great source of DHA/EPA to balance out the omega-6s in the seed oil the fries were cooked in.

Just a reminder: the goal isn’t to pile omega-3s on top of a high omega-6 diet—it’s to bring both into a better balance.

C15:0 (Pentadecanoic Acid) 🔗

“C15:0, I’m almost confident, is just going to be the first of a whole new age of essential nutrients that we never knew about but are able to find now.” –Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, founder of Fatty-15

C15:0 is a newer contender in the world of essential fats. While it hasn’t officially earned the “essential” title (yet), research is quickly building. Found in trace amounts in full-fat dairy and some fish, C15:0 is showing promise as a key nutrient for cell strength, mitochondrial health, and graceful aging.

How it works:

• Strengthens and stabilizes cell membranes
• Improves mitochondrial function (aka your cells’ energy production)
• May reduce chronic, low-grade inflammation
• Has potential links to mood support, metabolic health, and healthy aging

Why it’s on the radar:
Modern diets are lower in C15:0 than ever—largely because we’ve cut back on whole-fat dairy. Some researchers now think this may be part of why chronic conditions tied to aging are on the rise.

Recommended Daily Intake:

• 100 mg per day to support baseline cellular and mitochondrial health.
• From food alone, this would be 4–5 tablespoons of butter or 4 cups of whole milk daily.
• If you are dairy free, you need to supplement.

Supplementation 

Here are a few signs your body might need to consider supplementation:

• You don’t eat fatty fish at least twice a week (7–10 oz total).
• You follow a plant-based diet without algae oil.
• You consume a lot of processed foods and seed oils.
• You’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or over 50.
• You follow a dairy-free or low-fat diet, which may limit your C15:0 intake.

What to Look for in a Supplement

Omega-3 supplements should:

• Clearly list EPA and DHA amounts
• Come from clean, traceable fish or algae sources
• Be 3rd-party tested for purity (no fishy burps or sketchy fillers)

C15:0 supplements should:

• 3rd party tested for purity and freshness
• Low-dose formulas (~100 mg/day) so you can manage your intake levels
• Honestly, Fatty-15 is the only product currently available on the market.

Omega-6:  Because our diets are more than likely overwhelmed with too much omega-6, supplementation is generally not necessary.

See Below for the Supplements we stand behind and offer at Haskill Creek

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A Closing Analogy To Sum Up EFAs:

EFAs can be a lot to wrap your head around, so I thought a good analogy—especially one that fits our area—might help make it all click.

Think of essential fatty acids like managing a forest:

• Omega-6 is the controlled burn—it starts inflammation on purpose, like fire does in nature, to clear out damage or fight infection. But left unchecked, that fire can spread.
• Omega-3s are the firefighters—they step in to cool things down, resolve inflammation, and make sure the fire doesn’t burn out of control.
• C15:0 is the forest ranger—quietly maintaining long-term health behind the scenes. It strengthens the trees (your cells), supports the ecosystem (your mitochondria), and helps the whole system stay resilient over time.

Without all three working together—and in the right amounts—the system can get out of balance. Too much fire (omega-6), not enough firefighters (omega-3), or no long-term upkeep (C15:0), and things start to break down.

It’s not about cutting one out—it’s about keeping the whole forest healthy.

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Here are some of our favorite Omega-3 Supplements at Haskill Creek

General Wellness

• Thorne Super EPA: A balanced EPA/DHA formula ideal for daily use and foundational omega-3 support.
• Momentous Omega-3: NSF Certified for Sport and known for exceptional purity and high-dose EPA/DHA.

Heart & Brain Support

• Thorne Advanced DHA: Delivers a high DHA-to-EPA ratio, supporting brain aging and cardiovascular function.

Pregnancy & Fetal Development

• Thorne Prenatal DHA: Specifically formulated for pregnancy with higher DHA and added vitamin D.
• Fresh Field Prenatal Vegan Omega: A vegan-friendly option for expecting mothers, sourced from algae.

Plant-Based Diets

• Fresh Field Ocean Saving Vegan Omega:  Sustainably sourced, high-quality vegan DHA/EPA for daily plant-based omega support.

Athletic Performance

• Momentous Omega-3: Trusted by elite athletes for inflammation recovery, performance, and NSF certification.

C:15:0 

Fatty-15:  Offers a 99% pure, vegan-friendly C15:0 capsule—patented and science-backed—with typical dosing at 100 mg/day, allowing users to conveniently reach a level that’s otherwise tough to hit through food alone

This might not be the most “on-brand” way to kick off a pro-sunscreen article, but here goes: I love a good tan. I know I probably shouldn't say that—but there's just something about a little sun-kissed glow that makes me feel better. Maybe it’s a bit vain, maybe it’s partially science (vitamin D, endorphins, etc.), but honestly… even after all the research I’ve done, I’m probably not going to totally swear off a little summer color.

But what I am going to do… Get way more intentional about how I protect my skin—and my kids’. Just walking around town comes with more sun exposure than I ever thought about. I didn’t realize this:

UV exposure increases 6–10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Here in Whitefish, Montana (elevation just over 3,000 ft), that means we’re getting up to 33% more UV radiation than folks at sea level. 🔗

There are so many sunscreen options out there and they definitely are not all the same. So what should my go-tos be? How do I use it properly? Are there some key things I should be looking for?

To help set us all up on the most effective path to daily sunscreen use, we spoke with Richard Welch, sunscreen expert and founder of Utu Sunscreen, to give us his pro-tips on which sunscreens to pick, when to wear them and how to safely enjoy life in the sun. Because as Richard believes, "sunscreen is actually the most important skincare you can ever own”.

The 5 Pro-Tips

Pro-Tip #1: Wear Broad Spectrum SPF 30–50 Sunscreen Every Day

“People think sunscreen is just for summer or when you’re on the beach. But UVA is hitting you through your windshield in the middle of January.”
  – Richard Welch, Utu founder

Even on cloudy days or during winter, UV rays still reach your skin. In fact, up to 80% of UVA rays can penetrate clouds, and snow reflects up to 80% of UV light back onto your face. That’s why wearing sunscreen year-round in Whitefish is essential.🔗 There are two types of UV rays, UVA rays which cause long-term skin aging and penetrate glass and UVB rays which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. Broad spectrum means you're covered against both.🔗

Why 30-50 SPF?  SPF—short for Sun Protection Factor—measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. Studies show that🔗:

•  SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UVB rays

• SPF 50 blocks ~98%

• Anything below (SPF 15) isn’t really enough and above (SPF100) only adds incremental ( ~1%) protection and may create a false sense of security. This is because reapplication is critical.

Worth Noting: You can still get vitamin D while wearing sunscreen—studies show that incidental sun exposure provides sufficient vitamin D for most people. 🔗

Pro-Tip #2: Match Your Sunscreen to Your Day

“We built Utu to be something you’d actually want to wear hiking, surfing, or just walking the dog. It’s about function meeting lifestyle.” – Richard Welch

Sunscreen should fit your *real* life. That lightweight, sheer facial sunscreen might be great for errands—but won’t cut it if you're skiing, sweating, or swimming. Choose a water-resistant balm for active outdoor days, a hydrating mineral cream for daily wear, and keep a stick in your bag or glovebox for on-the-go reapplication (hands, ears, neck!).

The right sunscreen makes you more likely to use it. Pick a few that match your routine—like shoes, you probably need more than one pair.

 **Scroll to the bottom** for our curated recs based on activity and skin type.

Pro-Tip #3: Choose Non-Nano Zinc Oxide When You Can

“Non-nano zinc’s been tested the most. It’s stable, effective, and you’re not dealing with systemic absorption or disruption like with some of the chemical filters.”

– Richard Welch

A good mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide are our go-to because they:

•  Sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays

  • Vs. absorbing into your skin and ultimately bloodstream, like some chemical filters do.

• They're proven to be gentle, effective and non-irritating

• Have a strong safety record.

• Are considered “reef safe”

Some sunscreens also contain titanium dioxide, which is also generally considered safe when used topically in non-nano form.

Scroll to the P.S. for our thoughts on why we pick minerals over sunscreens that contain chemical filters like oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene.
  

Pro-Tip #4: Pick Lotions and Balms Over Sprays (Usually)

"Aerosols have their place, especially for getting wiggly kids covered, but creams and balms just give you better control and coverage. You’re not losing half the product to the air."

– Richard Welch

Lotions and balms provide more coverage and better skin adhesion, making them ideal for everyday use. Sticks are great for precision—think noses, cheeks, and hands-on-kids.

What’s wrong with sprays? Sprays are convenient—especially if your kid is mid-sprint or covered in sand—but they come with some noteworthy trade-offs:

• Spotty Protection: Apply unevenly and don’t provide enough SPF unless heavily saturated. 🔗

• Inhalation Risk: Spraying chemical filters—or even zinc and titanium dioxide—can introduce them into your lungs. Not ideal. 🔗

• Environmental Impact: The mist can drift, settle into soil or oceans, and harm marine ecosystems. 🔗

• Not cost effective: Watch next time you see 80% of that spray float into the air 😐

Pro-Tip #5: Reapply Often (Even With Makeup) -Every 2 Hours Is Ideal

“Reapplying is key—especially if you’re sweating, in water, or touching your face a lot. Most people just forget, and that’s where sunscreen fails.”
  – Richard Welch

Every 2 hours sounds unrealistic and maybe it is, but the point is, you need to reapply way more often than you think. SPF wears off—whether from sweat, swimming, toweling off, rubbing your face, or simply just time.

Wearing makeup? Look for SPF setting powders, mists, or gentle reapplication balms designed to go on top of cosmetics.

I keep a small tube of sunscreen in my car. A quick swipe on the hands or cheeks before errands or driving makes a difference.

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So next time you're not able to get to Haskill Creek and need to grab a sunscreen—or you're wondering if it’s time to reapply—think back to these pro-tips. Because protecting your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. And as Utu puts it best: “Sunshine looks great on you.” Just make sure you’re wearing it wisely.

P.S Our Favorite Sunscreens (and Why We Like Them)

We’ve curated a sunscreen collection at Haskill Creek that reflects our values—ingredient transparency, effectiveness, safety, and versatility. Here are a few standout brands we carry and why we love them:

1. Utu Sunscreen: Developed by founder Richard Welch with a performance-first mindset. 100% non-nano zinc oxide, functional textures, no fragrance, and designed to be worn all day. It's our go-to for outdoor adventures.

2. Suntegrity: Mineral-based formulas that combine skincare benefits and clean ingredients. Many tinted options, and a top pick for makeup wearers.

3. OneSkin: Science-backed and developed to both protect from UV rays and improve skin health. Their topical longevity approach is unique.

4. ThinkSport / ThinkBaby: Affordable, effective, and EWG-verified mineral sunscreens that are easy to apply and great for sensitive skin and kids.

5. Kinfield: A newer brand we love for its fun, functional, and sustainable twist on outdoor skin care—plus it’s safe for sensitive skin.

6. Attitude: Canadian brand with non-nano zinc-based formulas and eco-friendly packaging. Broad spectrum and budget-friendly.

7. Augustinus Bader: A luxury pick—yes, pricey, but loved for its skincare-meets-sunscreen benefits and premium ingredients. Contains titanium dioxide.

 Want a handy reference? Download our Quick Sunscreen Guide to find the right product for your skin type, lifestyle, and preferences.

P.S.S. – A Word on Chemical Ingredients, the Reef, and Labels

Any attempt by a brand to minimize its impact on our health and the environment is worth giving credit to—because, frankly, many don’t even try.

Chemical Ingredients

We all know there are chemicals in products that probably shouldn’t go on our skin or in our bodies. When it comes to chemical sunscreen ingredients, here are five of the most commonly flagged UV filters🔗—either for potential health or environmental concerns:

• Oxybenzone – Linked to endocrine disruption (in animals); found in blood; banned in Hawaii

• Octinoxate – Hormone-disrupting effects (animal studies); banned in Hawaii

•  Homosalate – Accumulates in the body; under FDA review

• Octocrylene – Can degrade into benzophenone; potential irritant

•  Avobenzone – Unstable alone; needs stabilizers to prevent breakdown in sunlight

To be fully transparent:

•  These concerns are based mostly on animal studies or cell-based lab tests, often at much higher concentrations than you’d find in normal sunscreen use.

• In humans, these ingredients are absorbed systemically—they’ve been found in blood, urine, breast milk, and even amniotic fluid.🔗

• However, there’s no conclusive evidence that they disrupt hormones in humans at real-world doses.🔗

That’s why the FDA hasn’t banned them outright—but has called for more long-term safety data.

“There’s animal data that shows some of these chemical filters can cause endocrine disruption, but that’s not the same as seeing those effects in humans. The problem is we just don’t have long-term human studies. So when you’ve got ingredients that are systemically absorbed, and we don’t fully understand the long-term impact, I think it makes sense to be cautious.”
  — Richard Welch, UTU Founder

“Reef Safe” &  “Hawaii 104 Compliant”: What Do They Really Mean?

Sunscreen bottles often shout out terms like “reef-safe” or “Hawaii 104 compliant.” But what are these labels actually telling you—and what are they not?

“Reef Safe”

 Pros:

• Usually means the sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate—two UV filters shown to contribute to coral bleaching. 

• A signal that the brand is at least attempting to be environmentally conscious.

 Cons:

• Not a regulated term—there’s no official standard for what qualifies. 

• Products can still contain other ingredients harmful to marine life, like octocrylene, homosalate, or certain preservatives.

• Doesn’t mean the product is safe for you—just that it avoids a couple of marine-damaging ingredients. 

“Hawaii Act 104 Compliant”

Pros:

•  Means the sunscreen complies with Hawaii’s legal ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate (effective Jan 1, 2021).🔗

• Based on scientific evidence showing these two ingredients harm coral reef systems.

Cons:

• Still allows other chemical UV filters with questionable environmental and health impacts.

• Only addresses two ingredients, so the overall formula may not be reef- or body-friendly.

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At Haskill Creek, we’re not here to scare you—any sunscreen is better than none. But when there are mineral sunscreens that are proven effective, safe for your body, and better for the planet?

That’s the kind of upgrade we’re here to help you make.

Collagen is having a moment, and for good reason. As our body’s most abundant protein it’s not just about looking younger (frozen face is so 2024 😉). From skin elasticity, to joint strength, to gut health, collagen plays a key role in how we age and feel. But with all the noise out there surrounding collagen, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s what this article is all about. Think of it like your collagen 101 primer. What is it, why do we lose it, and can we really get it back? 

Let’s dive in… 

Want to dive right into product selection? Save this for reference for the next time you're shopping in Haskill Creek

The Science-y Stuff (painless I promise) 

Every part of your body is made up of cells. And inside those cells is a powerful combination of components that keep your body functioning properly. One of the most important parts of this cellular magic is protein.

Proteins provide the tools and “glue” that help build cells, repair cells and hold them together. Each protein is a custom built chain from precise combinations of 20 amino acids. And the amino acid sequence determines the function, from enzymes and hormones, to hair and muscle fibers. 

Of the 20 amino acids your body uses to build proteins, nine are called essential, and the remaining eleven are called non-essential. 

1. Essential proteins: you must get them with food

2. Non-essential proteins: your body can (usually) make them on its own

Sometimes though – especially during times of stress, injury, or aging – your body may not be able to produce enough non-essential amino acids. When this happens you need to get them through food or supplementation to stay strong, heal properly and keep your body running at its peak.

So, What is Collagen & Why Do We Lose It?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about 30% of your total protein content! It’s built primarily from the non-essential amino acids glycine, proline, and the essential amino acid, lysine.

Quick Note: Vitamin C is also critical to the collagen production process. While it doesn’t make up the collagen protein itself, it’s essential for helping your body build it and hold the protein together properly.

Collagen's job is to provide structure, strength, and flexibility throughout the body. Its fiber-like structure is a major component of your body’s connective tissue, the scaffolding that holds your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage together. It’s what helps tissues stay strong, stretchable, and resilient. 

Collagen is found in:

●      Skin: A major component of the skin, providing its strength and elasticity.

●      Bones: Provides the framework for bone strength and structure.

●      Muscles: Helps connect and support muscle tissue.

●      Tendons and Ligaments: Provides flexibility and strength, for movement and stability.

●      Joints: A key component of cartilage, which cushions the joints to allow for smooth movement.

●      Blood Vessels: Collagen provides structure and support to blood vessels.

●      Digestive System: Collagen plays a role in the integrity and structure of the digestive tract. 

There are five main collagen types, with type I & III being the most common. This will be important to remember when we talk about supplementation later. 

●      Type I: Makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. Found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

●      Type II: Found in elastic cartilage (joints).

●      Type III: Found in arteries, organs, and muscles.

●      Type IV: Found in the layers of your skin.

●      Type V: Found in your eyes, hair, and placenta.

Up until your late 20s, your body generally produces enough collagen to meet its needs. But as part of the natural aging process, your collagen production slows by about 1% per year (and even faster post-menopause for women 😭). That’s when your non-essential collagen-building amino acids become “conditionally essential”. In other words,  your body still makes them, just not in the amounts you need to maintain smooth joints, bouncy skin, and strong connective tissues.

Enter diet and supplementation. 

By providing your body with collagen-rich foods, collagen peptides, and key nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and copper, you give it the tools to keep building (and maintaining) collagen. While you can’t fully recover lost collagen, this approach slows down collagen loss, and in many cases, can even stimulate new collagen production in the skin, joints and gut.

Quick Note: There’s also the FDA-approved injectable path, like Sculptra. This might be able to get you closer to full recovery, but cost, comfort and safety are major factors to consider.  

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Top Three Factors to Slow Collagen Loss

Diet and supplementation are two critical factors that can slow, and even reverse some collagen loss. But your habits also play a major role. Let's take a deeper look at all three.

1) Watch Your Daily Habits

Here are the key habits to watch out for. aging any help in its natural progression towards reduced collagen, try to avoid or minimize the following:

1. Smoking:  Damages collagen and elastin, slows wound healing, and reduces blood flow to the skin. (🔗)

2.  Too much sugar:  Sugar binds to collagen, making it weak and brittle — leading to wrinkles and stiffness. (🔗)

3. UV exposure:  Too much sunlight reduces collagen production and causes collagen to break down more rapidly. (🔗)

4. Poor sleep & stress:  Raise cortisol levels, which break down collagen and slow repair. (🔗, 🔗)

5. Alcohol & inflammation:  Dehydrate skin, trigger oxidative stress, and reduce collagen synthesis.

6. Nutrient deficiencies:  Lack of vitamin C, zinc, or copper makes it harder for your body to build and maintain collagen. (🔗)

7. Dehydration – Reduces cell function and nutrient delivery, making it harder for your body to build or repair collagen. (🔗)

While it's hard to eliminate all seven habits, all the time, you can work on minimizing them to slow your collagen loss.  Avoid smoking, limit sugar and processed food, wear sunscreen (SPF 30+)… you get it. 

Quick Note: Unfortunately, Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus as well as genetic mutations such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can also damage collagen production. 

#2) Eat Collagen Rich Foods

Can you eat your way to more collagen? Sort of. Collagen-rich foods (like bone broth and chicken skin) won’t directly increase collagen levels, but they give your body the amino acids (remember glycine, proline, and lysine) it needs to make collagen! Here’s a list of collagen rich foods to consider adding to your diet: 

• Bone Broth (Type I, II, III): Simmered animal bones and connective tissue; rich in easily absorbed gelatin and amino acids.

  • Try at Haskill: Kroma’s selection of amazing broths

• Fish & Shellfish (Type I): Wild-caught white fish like cod and halibut; sardines with skin and bones for a practical boost.

• Chicken (Type II): Chicken skin, thighs, wings, and cartilage—great for joints.

• Beef (Type I & III): Cuts with connective tissue like short ribs or slow-cooked stew meat.

• Egg Whites: High in proline to support collagen production; enjoy scrambled, boiled, or poached.

• Citrus Fruits: Packed with vitamin C to help build collagen; think oranges and grapefruit.

• Berries: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that protect and stimulate collagen production.

• Garlic: Contains sulfur and taurine to support and preserve collagen structure.

• Dairy (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt): Provides proline and glycine, key collagen-building amino acids.

• Cashews: Deliver copper and zinc—two essential minerals for collagen development.

• Pork Rinds (Type I): Natural collagen source from pig skin; opt for baked versions when possible.

• Oysters: High in zinc and amino acids (glycine & proline); support collagen creation and skin healing.

#3: Increase Three Key Nutrients

Your probably noticing a trend by now. These three nutrients play a key role in collagen production in your body. Optimizing for them through diet, and possible supplementation (see below) are a good way to boost collagen production. 

1. Vitamin C – Enables your body to convert amino acids (proline and lysine) into their active forms, which are needed to build and stabilize collagen (🔗).

2. Zinc – Supports the enzymes that help build collagen and plays a role in cell repair and regeneration. (🔗)

3. Copper – Activates enzymes involved in forming strong, cross-linked collagen fibers for durable connective tissue. (🔗)

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How Haskill Creek Can Help Through Supplementation

While whole foods can be an excellent way to support your body’s natural collagen production, you might choose to add supplementation to your routine. This is especially true if you want to better monitor your nutrient intake or aren’t confident you’re getting enough through food alone to meet your body’s needs. 

But not all supplements are created equal. Here’s what we look for when choosing the best collagen support at our Haskill Creek store in downtown Whitefish: 

What to Look For in a Quality Collagen Supplement:

• Hydrolyzed Collagen (Collagen Peptides):  The collagen has been broken down into smaller amino acid chains for easier digestion and absorption.

• Type-Specific Collagen:  Look for Type I & III for skin and hair, Type II for joint support, and multi-type blends for full-body benefits.

• Testing (Third Party and Certificates of Analysis (COAs):  Supplements should be tested for purity, potency, and heavy metals — (e.g. NSF Certified for Sport, Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP) verified, Independent Lab Tests)

• Clean Ingredients:  No added sugar, artificial flavors, or unnecessary fillers, especially if you’re mixing into drinks or taking daily.

• Sourcing Transparency:  Look for brands that disclose whether their collagen comes from grass-fed bovine, wild-caught fish, or cage-free chicken.

• Added Support Nutrients: Bonus points for vitamin C, zinc, copper, hyaluronic acid, or other ingredients that support collagen synthesis and skin hydration.

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The Haskill Difference:  We’ve Done the Work for You

It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when searching for a high quality supplement, especially collagen! But don’t worry, the team at Haskill Creek has already done the hard work for you. After countless hours of researching, testing, and evaluating, we’ve handpicked the best collagen supplements on the market. 

Every collagen brand we carry at Haskill is tested for quality, made with thoughtful sourcing practices, and selected to support a range of needs, whether you're an athlete, aging gracefully, or simply looking to improve skin, joints, and overall vitality.

Collagen Supplements 

• Thorne Collagen Plus: Great for skin and aging support (includes nicotinamide riboside + ceramides)

• Thorne Collagen Fit: Formulated for athletic recovery, joints, and performance Momentous Collagen Peptides: Highly bioavailable, performance-focused

• Truvani Collagen Peptides: Organic, clean label, minimal ingredients

• Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein: Includes five collagen types from four food sources, with vitamin C + probiotics

Collagen Support Supplements:

• Thorne Lysine: Plays a key role in collagen formation by helping your body absorb calcium and form the cross-links that stabilize collagen structure.

• Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids: Supports collagen production and protects it from damage with added antioxidant power.

• Thorne Zinc Picolinate/Bisgyclinate:  supports general wellness, promotes healthy connective tissue, and helps maintain healthy eye and reproductive health

• Moon Juice Collagen Protect: A vegan creamer formulated with hyaluronic acid, silver ear mushroom, and tocos to hydrate skin and preserve natural collagen.

• Moon Juice Super Beauty: A high-potency antioxidant formula that supports collagen production, skin elasticity, and cellular protection from aging.

Need Help Choosing? Download our quick charts to match your goals with the right supplement and/or skincare product.

What about skincare?

Skincare products can also be beneficial in helping to minimize collagen loss. I plan to write more about this very topic in a later post, but in the meantime, here are a few ingredients to look for: 

• Peptides – Signal your skin to produce more collagen, improving firmness and elasticity.

• Retinoids (like Retinol) – Stimulate collagen synthesis and accelerate cell turnover.

• Vitamin C – Essential for collagen formation and helps protect existing collagen from free radical damage.

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Final Note

You can’t stop the aging process. But, with the right knowledge and support you can make it a lot more tolerable, even empowering. Collagen especially can help you feel better, move more freely, and even glow a little more. 

If you ever have questions about Collagen and supplementation, we encourage you to stop by the Haskill Creek store in Whitefish, Montana and talk to our amazing team. We’re here to help you make confident, well-informed choices for your health and wellness.

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Looking for a collagen-boosting wellness boost? Stop by our partner, BusyBee IV Therapy and Wellness and ask for the QueenBee IV – It delivers targeted cellular support and deep nourishment to promote collagen production, enhance radiance, and combat the effects of stress, aging, and fatigue. With key nutrients like biotin, vitamin C, B complex, and glutathione, this formula is designed to strengthen hair, skin, and nails while supporting detoxification and overall vitality.

Curious about what’s in your everyday products? Decoding labels isn’t always easy, so we’re breaking it down—spotlighting ingredients, what they do, and whether they’re friend or foe. I’ll be your guide, with research-backed insights from the Haskill Creek team. Got an ingredient you’re wondering about? Email us at hello@haskillcreek, and I’ll dig into it!

Master Ingredient List

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc Oxide is a naturally occurring mineral compound (ZnO) used in everything from diaper cream to SPF. In skincare and cosmetics, it acts as a physical UV blocker and mild skin soother. (🔗)

• On ingredient lists, you’ll usually see it labeled simply as: Zinc Oxide

• In sunscreens, it will be listed in the “Active Ingredients” section (in the U.S.), along with a percentage.

Why It’s Used:

• UV Protection: Zinc Oxide provides broad-spectrum sun protection—blocking both UVA and UVB rays. It's one of the few SPF actives recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. (The other is Titanium Dioxide)

• Gentle on Skin: It’s non-irritating, making it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, or post-procedure skin.

• Anti-inflammatory: Often found in balms and ointments for its calming properties (think diaper rash cream or spot treatments).

Why Safe with Caution?

Like Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide is safest when used topically and in non-nano form. Here's what to keep an eye on:

👍Non-nano Zinc Oxide molecules are too large to penetrate skin and are considered safer and more stable. (🔗)

🛑 Inhalation Risk (Loose Powders & Sprays):

• The biggest concern with Zinc Oxide comes from loose powders and aerosols, where ultra-fine particles (especially nano-sized) can be inhaled into the lungs.(🔗)

• While it's not classified as a carcinogen like inhaled Titanium Dioxide, chronic inhalation of zinc oxide dust or fumes (e.g., in manufacturing or in high exposure) has been linked to respiratory irritation and a condition called "metal fume fever."(🔗)

🛑  Nano Particles

• Nano Zinc Oxide has better cosmetic aesthetics (less white cast) but may raise concerns about particle absorption and oxidative stress. The research is ongoing, but clean brands tend to avoid nano forms.(🔗)

Haskill’s Position

Even trusted clean beauty platforms like Beauty Heroes and Credo carry makeup and sunscreen products that use Zinc Oxide—and for good reason. It’s one of the most effective, broad-spectrum SPF ingredients available and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

As with Titanium Dioxide, the format matters. If you're using Zinc Oxide in your daily routine, choose creams, balms, sticks, or pressed powders over sprays or loose powder formulas. And always look for “non-nano” on the label when possible.

Zinc Oxide earns our Safe with Caution rating(🔗):

• Safe in lotions, tinted SPFs, pressed compacts

• Avoid with aerosol sprays and loose powders

• When in doubt, go with a product format that keeps the mineral on your skin—not in your lungs.

Companion Ingredient in Mineral Sunscreen: Titanium Dioxide

Master Ingredient List

Curious about what’s in your everyday products? Decoding labels isn’t always easy, so we’re breaking it down—spotlighting ingredients, what they do, and whether they’re friend or foe. I’ll be your guide, with research-backed insights from the Haskill Creek team. Got an ingredient you’re wondering about? Email us at Hello@haskillcreek, and I’ll dig into it!

Master Ingredient List

What is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) is a naturally occurring, white and odorless mineral used in skincare and cosmetics for two main purposes:

• As a UV filter in mineral sunscreens

• As a white pigment or brightener in makeup and toothpaste

You’ll most commonly see it labeled as either:

• Titanium Dioxide

• CI 77891 (especially in color cosmetics)

Why It’s Used:

• Sun Protection: It acts as a physical sunscreen, sitting on the skin and reflecting UVA/UVB rays. It’s one of just a few SPF ingredients approved by the FDA for broad-spectrum protection. (The other is Zinc Oxide)

• Brightening + Coverage: In makeup, it helps achieve that smooth, even-toned finish. It also enhances opacity and vibrancy in foundations and powders.

It’s one of the safer options for sun protection—especially for sensitive skin or children. But we recommend reading the label and being aware of the product format.

Why Safe with Caution?

Titanium Dioxide is not inherently toxic, but concerns arise around inhalation and particle size:

👍 Topical Use (Creams & Pressed Powders):

• In creams, lotions, sunscreens, or pressed powders, it’s considered safe.

• Pressed formats significantly reduce airborne particles, and most clean brands use non-nano Titanium Dioxide, which doesn’t absorb into the bloodstream and stays on the skin’s surface.

🛑Loose Powders & Sprays (Inhalation Risk):

• When inhaled, especially in its nano-particle form, it’s classified as a possible carcinogen by the European Chemicals Agency.

• This is mainly a concern in loose mineral makeup, setting powders, or aerosolized products that can be breathed in during application.

Haskill’s Position

Even brands on trusted clean platforms like Beauty Heroes or Credo use Titanium Dioxide in some pressed blushes and powders. That’s because it’s effective, stable, and offers light protection—and because the format matters.

If you love a powder product that contains Titanium Dioxide, choose a pressed compact over loose powder, and apply it with care to avoid dust inhalation.

Companion ingredient in mineral sunscreen: Zinc Oxide

Master Ingredient List

Insights from Mel Robbins’ podcast with Dr. Stacy Sims that might just change your routine (and your stress levels).

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Let’s be honest—most of us don’t have time to waste on wellness trends that don’t actually work. As a working woman (and mom), I’m not chasing extremes—I’m chasing efficiency. I want to feel strong, healthy, and energized, but I also want to know that what I’m doing is actually worth the time and effort.

Fasting, cold plunges, cardio, lifting… it’s a lot. And honestly, I just want someone to tell me what works—especially for a woman in her 40s.

Enter Dr. Stacy Sims, PhD. She popped up in my feed at just the right time, and I’m so glad she did. Her approach is grounded, science-backed, and specifically tailored to women—hallelujah. After listening to her on Mel Robbins’ podcast episode, “The Body Reset: How Women Should Eat & Exercise for Health, Fat Loss, & Energy,” I couldn’t stop talking about it. I shared it with my friends, gave Scot a full debrief 😂, and now I’m sharing it here. Below are some of the biggest trends in wellness right now—and how to apply them in ways that actually work for a woman’s body.

A Quick Note Before We Dive In:

These takeaways are based on Dr. Stacy Sims’ research and the insights she shared during her interview with Mel Robbins. I’m essentially sharing my notes—what stood out to me, what felt doable, and what I found eye-opening.

There are so many incredible women in the fitness and wellness space, each with their own approach to what health looks like. Some align closely with Dr. Sims, others take a different path—and that’s the beauty of it. This is just one perspective, and it happens to be one that really resonated with me.

Who is Dr. Stacy Sims?

Dr. Stacy Sims is an exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who’s spent her career focused on one essential truth: women are not small men. Most fitness and nutrition research is based on male bodies, yet women have different hormones, stress responses, and physiological needs. Her work breaks down the science of how our bodies actually function—through every life stage—and gives women practical, research-backed strategies to train, eat, and recover in ways that work for us. She also collaborates with Momentous on a few supplement formulations—including creatine and protein—so if her approach resonates with you, there are practical ways to try it out (we carry Momentous at Haskill Creek!).

Trend 1: Why Women Shouldn’t Work Out on an Empty Stomach

You’ve probably heard that working out fasted helps burn fat. But for women, especially post-35, Dr. Sims says that can backfire. Why? Because without fuel, your body spikes cortisol—your main stress hormone—which can increase fat storage, break down muscle, and leave you more fatigued than energized.

 Here’s the fix: eat something light 30–60 minutes before working out. You don’t need a full breakfast—just a few bites to signal to your body that it's supported.

 Quick pre-workout options:

• Protein coffee (espresso + protein powder + milk)

• Half a banana

• A few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt

• Small portion of overnight oats

 And don’t skip the post-workout fuel. Within 30–60 minutes, get in 20–30g of protein and some carbs. This helps lower cortisol, build muscle, and speed up recovery. Think: a protein smoothie, eggs + toast, or a yogurt + fruit bowl.

Trend 2: The Problem with Skipping Breakfast

Intermittent fasting can work—but most women are doing it in a way that works against them. Skipping breakfast and waiting until noon to eat? Dr. Sims says that pattern stresses your system, increases fatigue, and may slow your metabolism.

 Here’s how to do it in a more female-friendly way:

• Eat your first meal within 60 minutes of waking

• Wrap up meals within a 10-hour window, ideally 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Front-load your carbs in the morning and early afternoon when your body can burn them efficiently

• Center protein at every meal—aim for 30–40g per meal to support muscle and hormone health

 Daily protein needs (🔗):

• Aged: 20-35: 0.6–1.0g of protein per pound of body weight 

• Age 35+ or peri/post menopause: 1.0-1.2g of protein per pound of body weight

• For a 150 lb woman, that’s about 90–150g per day or 150- 180g!  🤯

Set yourself up with a simple framework:

• Breakfast: Eggs or Greek yogurt + fruit + toast or oats

• Lunch: Protein (chicken, fish, lentils) + veggies + complex carbs

• Dinner: Protein + fiber-rich veggies, fewer starchy carbs

• Snacks: 1-2 high protein snacks (think cottage cheese, eggs, protein shake or bar, etc..)

Trend 3: You Don’t Need a Freezing Cold Plunge to Benefit

You don’t have to go full Wim Hof to get benefits from cold exposure. (Wim Hof is that guy who meditates shirtless on snowy mountaintops and sits in ice baths for fun.) For the rest of us, Dr. Sims says 55–60°F is plenty cold.

 What matters is that you shiver—this activates brown fat, a type of fat that helps regulate body temperature, burn calories, and support blood sugar balance.

 Cold plunge how-to:

• Temperature: 55–60°F (Whitefish Lake in winter is 37°F, just for perspective!)

• Duration: 3–5 minutes

• Frequency: 2–3x per week

 You’re not trying to suffer—you’re training your body to adapt to stress in a healthy, controlled way.

Trend 4: Cardio Isn’t Enough—Why Women Need to Lift Heavy

Let’s set the record straight: cardio has a place—especially for mental health. A long walk, a bike ride with a friend, anything that raises your heart rate while still letting you chat? That’s golden for mood and stress resilience.

 But if you want to build strength, bone density, and lean muscle (which all decline with age), lifting heavy is non-negotiable. The Tracy Anderson-style low-resistance, high-rep workouts just won’t get you there.

 Here’s how to make your strength training count:

• Choose a weight you can lift 6 times, with 2 reps in reserve (that’s your sweet spot)

• Move through sets with minimal rest to maximize efficiency

• Keep your sessions short and effective

 And when it comes to cardio, think sprints—not marathons:

• 30 seconds max effort (run, bike, row, kettlebell swings, etc.)

• Rest 2 minutes

• Repeat up to 5 times

• Do 2–3x per week

 Sprints build power, improve metabolic flexibility, and give you way more bang for your time.

Trend 5: Creatine Isn’t Just for Bulking—It’s Essential

Creatine has a reputation as a “bro” supplement, but Dr. Sims makes it clear: it’s one of the most well-researched, beneficial supplements for women—especially as we age.

 Here’s what creatine supports:

• Muscle strength and lean mass

• Brain function, cognition, and memory

• Recovery and energy production

• Hormonal support, including during menopause

• Bone health and cellular hydration

 How to use it:

• Dose: 3–5g per day

• Timing: Anytime—just be consistent

• Pro tip: Stir it into your morning coffee, smoothie, or protein shake (it’s tasteless)

 It’s not about bulking—it’s about building strength, sharpness, and resilience.

Trend 6: Saunas Do More Than Detox

Sure, saunas make you sweat. But Dr. Sims wants you to think beyond 'detox.' Regular sauna sessions can improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, support hormone balance, and aid in muscle recovery. 

Whether you’re into infrared or traditional dry saunas, both are beneficial. The key is consistency.

 Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Infrared sauna: 125–140°F for 20–30 minutes

• Traditional sauna: 175–195°F for 15–20 minutes

• Frequency: 3–4x per week

 Think of it as a passive workout for your heart, hormones, and mood.

Final Thoughts: Training Your Body to Handle Stress

If there’s one thing Dr. Sims makes crystal clear, it’s this: everything we do—from lifting to cold plunges to nutrition—is about helping our bodies become better at handling stress. Whether it’s a tough workout, a stressful meeting, or a chaotic household, your body adapts through intentional effort.

 Cold plunges help train your nervous system. Lifting weights helps build muscle and strength that protect you as you age. Protein intake and recovery lower inflammation and rebuild your system. Even long walks with a friend—those count. All of it is resilience training.

 And here’s the most important reminder she shares: you don’t have to do everything, especially all at once. Change is hard. It happens gradually. Start with one thing. Be consistent. Build from there.

This isn’t about perfect. It’s about progress—tailored to you.

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Mention this blog post in the store to get 15% off your next Momentous purchase!

Don’t live in Whitefish, but want to continue to support Haskill Creek?  

If you are interested in any of the Momentous products that Dr. Sims recommends, but can’t come into Haskill Creek (I personally have started taking the Peri & Post Menopause Support Stack), you can still shop online while supporting small business by entering the code HASKILLCREEK at checkout for 15% off your order! 

A not-so-doomy Earth Day reflection on how one tiny bin and one local hero are helping me sleep better at night.

Let’s be honest: trying to “do better for the planet” can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Compost this, reuse that, meal plan like a minimalist chef, and oh yeah—don’t buy plastic, ever. It’s enough to make you give up and just eat cereal straight from the box.

Here’s what I’ve learned: I can’t do everything. You probably can’t either. But we can each do one thing—and do it really well.

For me, that one thing is food waste.

A couple years ago, I realized how much food we threw away—half-eaten kid plates, leftovers we never got to, hosting overflow from dinners with friends and family. It started to feel…gross. And wasteful. So I picked one lane: keeping food out of the landfill.

Meet Chicken Little 🐔

That's the name of my Mill, a sleek, smart kitchen bin that dries and grinds your food scraps overnight—no smells, no mess, just a quiet whirring reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. Since January 2024, Chicken Little has helped me keep over 800 pounds of food out of landfills.

And here’s the cool part: you can put almost anything in it. Meat? Yup. Dairy? Yes. Moldy takeout sushi? Also yes. It turns everything into tidy “food grounds”—which aren’t technically compost yet, but can be spread on your garden, fed to chickens (as we do), or mailed back to Mill, where they partner with farms to turn it into real soil goodness.

Not sure if you’re ready to buy one? You can rent a Mill for a few months and try it out. No long-term commitment, just fewer trips to the trash can and a guilt-free conscience.

Interested in purchasing or renting a Mill for your home or business?  Click the link below to order.  When you order through this link you continue supporting Haskill Creek!

And then there’s Dirt Rich Composting—Flathead’s own food waste superheroes.

If you’re here in the Flathead Valley, Dirt Rich Composting makes composting just as easy—with a little hometown flair. Based in Columbia Falls, they offer curbside pickup for homes and businesses. Just toss your scraps in the bin, and they’ll come collect it and turn it into nutrient-rich compost for local use.

And when I say you can toss everything in their bins, I mean it:

• All food scraps—meat, dairy, produce, leftovers, you name it.

• Non-bleached paper (like napkins or paper towels)

• BPI Certified compostable containers

If it came from a kitchen or a plate, it’s probably welcome. That kind of flexibility makes it so much more doable for busy households who just want to do the right thing without needing a science degree or a backyard tumbler.

They’ve already diverted nearly 1 million pounds of food waste from landfills and they’re just getting started.

Why does food waste matter?

Because it’s a sneaky climate culprit(🔗):

• The U.S. wastes 30–40% of its food supply every year.

• That’s over 130 billion pounds of food.

• When food ends up in a landfill, it breaks down without oxygen, producing methane, a greenhouse gas more than 25x more potent than carbon dioxide.

So no, the forgotten casserole at the back of the fridge isn’t just sad—it’s part of a much bigger issue.

A Few Chill Tips (No Overwhelm Required):

• Start with scraps: Whether you go high-tech with a Mill or local with Dirt Rich, just do something with your food waste.

• Meal-ish plan: Think “rough outline” not “militant spreadsheet.”

• Rebrand leftovers: Call it “DIY tapas night” and suddenly you’re fancy.

• Use your freezer like a time capsule: Perfect for bread ends, banana bits, or veggie scraps for stock.

So no, I’m not doing everything. But I’m doing this one thing—and it’s working.

This Earth Day, if you’re wondering where to start, I’d say: start with your scraps. Composting—whether with Chicken Little or Dirt Rich—feels like a win that actually sticks.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s all it takes to make a difference.