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“When you look at the evidence, especially in science, it’s showing what you put inside your body is as important as what you’re putting on it,” said the 20-year-old Dean. “I genuinely want to help people protect against these rays and give them a useable product that can give them a benefit for their skin and still be energetic while staying outside.”
After many years of playing tennis in Florida and surrounding states, Dean was diagnosed with a precursor to skin cancer at 16 years old. While he did not have melanoma, the traumatic event made him focus on helping to prevent others from experiencing a similar situation.
His plan did not come to fruition until he met Smithline on the NYU tennis team, and the two started working to make it official in June 2012. Dean said Smithline, a sophomore economics major, offered a financial mind to the venture.
Having completed months of online research, Smithline paid a chemist to manufacture Sunergetic, and it debuted online and in several dermatological offices at midnight Monday. The Woodbury, Long Island, native taught tennis in order to pay for the manufacturing and marketing.
Sunergetic costs $39.95 for 60 capsules. Dean and Smithline recommend their customers take two capsules per day year round, and it is only for those older than 18.
“It works internally to help protect against UVA and UVB sun rays, support skin health and promote natural energy,” said Dean.
They were quick to point out that it is not a replacement for sunscreen and that both should be used for an effective defense against the sun’s rays.
When it comes to the future of their company, Sunergized LLC, the two look to expand to child-friendly products and sunscreen, but will take it slow for now, Dean said. The junior marketing major added he is hopeful his company’s success will help him pay off student loans and inspire others to dream big while in college.
Smithline and Dean are excited to see the possible Sunergetic impact. “We’re going to try build it out as much as possible,” said Smithline. “It’s a tremendous opportunity. Barely untapped market, so we’re just going to give it our best shot.”
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