Stay safe in the sun: my favorite Summer sunscreens and tips for sun protection
Summer is right around the corner which means more days spent enjoying the sun’s warmth. Because Summer & sun…they just go together right?!
One thing I hope you don’t dare forget is your sun protection! TRUTH - You CAN be warm and enjoy the sun without being *directly* in the sun. Believe it or not, the light spectrum can be sneaky and ultimately you don't want your skin to be harmed!
Remember: At the end of the day prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to skin cancer!
So let’s dive a little deeper on how to practically incorporate sunscare into your daily routine.
Sunscreen + Makeup
Pro Tip: In case you didn’t know, you can mix your sunscreen with your makeup!
Mixing sunscreens and foundation may seem scary but ⭐️ IT WORKS ⭐️ and it’s easier than you think. Watch this video to see just how easy it is!
There are plenty of reasons behind why you should invest in SPF products for everyday use. So never fear, you don’t have to be concerned about wasting your hard earned money for nothing.
I promise- There’s still plenty of fun to be had *safely* in the sun! I am all for fun days spent with your friends and family. But, there’s a way to do it smartly! For all my best tips for preparing for a fun day in the rays, watch the video below.
Looking for a Non-tinted option? EltaMD UV Clear is a great place to start for all skin types, and especially for teenagers or those with oily skin or are breakout-prone.
EltaMD UV Lotion is also nontinted and is wonderful for the face and body. It doesn't have niacinamide and extra ingredients, but it's about the same price as UV Clear and is 4x the size. It's a literal lotion meaning very lightweight. EltaMD UV Physical Broad is 100% and also my answer to what's the best sunscreen for anyone in general.
Best Tinted Sunscreens:
Most all of these have one color option, which is common for medical grade tinted sunscreens that aren't makeup but give some coverage.
EltaMD UV Clear is best for oily skin, breakout-prone skin, and generally a good place to start for anyone looking for a tinted sunscreen; drier skin will most likely enjoy a moisturizer before this product.
EltaMD UV Physical Broad is 100% mineral and has a little more coverage than the UV Clear.
MDSolarSciences BB Creme is best for dry and/or sensitive skin. It gives a sheer tint and is packed with calming and anti-aging ingredients.
Alastin Hydratint is best tinted option overall in my personal opinion. It has the most coverage and is hydrating. It’s also great for those with melasma due to botanical technology that protects skin from heat, which is just as much a cause of melasma as direct sun; if you love Revision Intellishade try this one.
MDSolar Sciences Gleam and Glow gives you a dewy glow. Use alone or mix with another product.
Best Body Sunscreens:
In my opinion, you need a lotion, spray, and stick in your sunscreen arsenal.
EltaMD UV AOX Mist is my new holy grail. I can’t believe they found a way to elegantly bottle a 100% mineral sunscreen in a spray format.
MDSS Spray is not 100% mineral, but also a favorite great option.
Remember, a lot of concern about sunscreen safety was with spray sunscreens at the drugstore so sprays are a place to pay extra for peace of mind.
MDSS SPF stick is great for reapplication, ears, and golfers!
Best Lip SPF:
One of my all-time favorite products because it efficiently moisturizes, protects with SPF, and adds subtle color. Subtle enough to apply without a mirror which is preferable to me!
Best Drugstore SPF & More:
The La Roche-Posay and CeraVe products can be used on the face and neck (some are tinted). The other products are for the face and body! We try to stick to 100% mineral around here!
When Should I Apply Sunscreen? You likely put on sunscreen before you leave the house, but you also need to reapply while you're out. Sunscreen must be reapplied regularly throughout the day—every 2 hours typically, and every 40 minutes for when you're sweating or swimming.
Here are my favorite way to reapply sunscreen over makeup:
You always need a shade plan that includes a hat.
Eric Javits is by far the best UPF hat I've ever tried (and I've tried a lot) in BOTH function and style. The other trick is to have UPF cothing. I'm a fan of pullover shirts and dresssed instead of buying a completely new long sleeve swimsuit- unless you're in the market for a new swimsuit of course. IT'S SO MUCH EASIER AND MORE EFFECTIVE TO COVER YOUR SKIN+FACE AND FIND SHADE THAN TO CONSTANTLY REAPPLY SUNCREEN EVERY 2 HOURS.
The Importance of Sunscreen
When it comes down to it, you should be wearing sunscreen every day. If you’re planning on extended hours in the sun, SPF 30-50 is my recommended sunscreen to use. I’ll always (try to) stick to mineral SPF. If you don’t know what that is, then you can learn more here.
Most of the time, when people think of sunscreen they think of the body or the face. But you cannot forget your lips! There are plenty of SPF options when it comes to your lips!
At the end of the day, you should find a sunscreen you will actually wear AND reapply every 2 hours!