SPF Skin Protection, and what products you’ll need this summer
Summer is here, the sun is out, and sun protection needs to be a priority!
Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate your skin.
You need to apply sunscreen everyday, throughout the day. Going to the beach? Water and sand increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays. Driving in a car? UV rays can penetrate glass. Almost everywhere you go, UV rays are present.
Not so fun fact: One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime? I am one of the ones. I’ve had skin cancer three times on my face. This has meant three surgeries and three long recoveries. I’m still recovering from the last surgery, which involved a portion of my nose. I’ve also had multiple spots frozen and removed.
Sunscreen is my go-to anti-aging weapon! The main culprit for aging skin is photoaging, which is skin damage caused by exposure to sunlight and UV light. Photoaging is responsible for 90 percent of visible changes to our skin. Sunscreen can help to minimize the adverse effects of photoaging. I wear sunscreen 365 days a year.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use sunscreen that offers the following:
Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
SPF 30 or higher
Water resistance
It is recommended to use at least one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) to fully cover your body.
It’s also so important to apply to the tops of feet, lips, and the top of your head. Don’t forget those ears! I’ve had multiple spots frozen off of my ears (ouch!)
There are generally 2 different types of sunscreens (physical and chemical).
Physical sunscreens work like a shield. They sit on the surface of your skin and deflect the sun’s rays. These sunscreens contain active ingredients such as zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Opt for this sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.
Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge. They absorb the sun’s rays. These sunscreens contain one or more of the following active ingredients: avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, and/or octocrylene.
If you are unsure which sunscreen might be right for you, I would recommend speaking with your dermatologist.
Now the fun part! I have used many different sunscreens and I’m going to share my favorites with you!
Chemical Sunscreens for The Face
EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This sunscreen is very moisturizing and great for sensitive skin.
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This product is totally invisible, weightless, and scentless. It leaves a velvety finish. This one will work like a primer under makeup!
Physical Sunscreens for The Face:
ISDIN Facial Sunscreen
Winner Mineral broad-spectrum
sun
protection.
Recommended by my Dermatologist.
This innovative formula is clinically proven to repair existing sun damage!! Eryfotona Actinica is one of my everyday go-to Sunscreens.
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50
This award winner is hydrating with an antioxidant-rich mineral formula that provides complete protection from environmental aggressors in a weightless texture that blends in sheer, for a natural bare-faced finish.
Sunforgettable also comes in a glow for an extra glowy look, i’ll link it here and a bronze for that sunkissed look, which I will also link for you here.
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush on Shield SPF 50
Another award winner and one of my all-time favorites! It comes in a powder formula. I keep one in my bag and my car. It can be applied easily over makeup and will cover your ears!
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
If you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen, this is the one for you! It is a 100% mineral-tinted sunscreen that instantly leaves skin with a healthy glow without any white cast. CeraVe helps restore the protective skin barrier with ceramides and attract moisture to the skin with hyaluronic acid. This product can be used on its own or as a primer.
Sunscreen Products for The Body:
Sun Bum Summer of Love Sunscreen Lotion
For moisturizing body protection this non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with Vitamin E. Oil-free, water-resistant, and reef friendly, this SPF 70 lotion is great for all skin types.
Neutrogena Clear Body Lotion
This sunscreen has a water-light texture that leaves a weightless, breathable matte finish.
If you’re looking to simplify and want one product for the body and the face, these are my recommendations:
I like using a stick on my nose and ears.
If you’re looking for a stick, I highly recommend this one.
Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick
Powerful and convenient for active use, with
SPF 50
Don’t forget those lips! They need to be protected and hydrated. I also put a little on my cheeks for some color! Here are some of my favs:
Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm
Protect and hydrate lips and cheeks with a pop of color and SPF 50
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm
The formula of this hydrating lip treatment includes Ion2Complex, which adds moisture with SPF 20
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Lip Cream
Packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that moisturize, and condition lips. Leaving them soft, with sun protectant of SPF 15.
Remember SPF is your BFF!
These are just some of the great products out there and I hope these recommendations help. The bottom line is that I wear a broad-spectrum SPF everyday and I hope that you do (or will) as well!
Please leave a comment below and reach out to me if you have any questions about these products. I will be reading and responding to them.