If today’s temperature is any indication, this summer is going to be sweltering and filled with beach days, festivals, barbecues, and any other excuse to get out and enjoy the sunshine. But while most know the dangers of UV rays, they only slather on suncare when they slip into their swimwear. It also doesn’t help as a recent Consumer Reports study found that many sunscreen formulas aren’t protecting us as efficiently as we think. The report noted that many of the factors include not using enough (remember, you’re supposed to use a shot-glass amount on the body and a nickel-sized dollop on the face), not rubbing it in properly (there shouldn’t be a gray cast on the skin), or just not reapplying at all (seriously, you should know better by now!). Regardless of the excuses, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Prevention comes from daily protection and every inch of skin counts. In honor of “Don’t Fry Day” and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I scoured my stash of suncare solutions to serve up an easy regimen to ensure your skin’s health and safety is a priority, no matter what’s on your agenda.
Hair: it may be unexpected for some, but for those who have ever experienced a sunburn on your scalp, you know it’s no joke. Most skincare formulas are much too heavy for your strands, and the formula can mess with y0ur styling products. Hair veils like Alterna’s Bamboo Beach Summer Sun Shine Spray and Macadamia Professional’s Endless Summer Sun Shield Dry Oil Veil not only nourish your scalp, which can dry out in the sun, boost shine, fight frizz, and protect color with UV filters. All it takes is a small spritz post-styling, after your hairspray, and you’re ready to head out!
Face: While older generations focus on skincare to repair the damage they did in their youth, many millennials are concentrating on preventing wrinkles so there’s not as much heavy lifting to do later on. While SPF has been infused into many skin care and makeup musts, using a sunscreen helps prep the skin for whatever you have in store and adds another layer of protection to prevent skin aging, spots, and skin cancer. But the type of sunscreen used is what really makes the difference for women of color especially.
- Physical Sunscreens — This type uses minerals like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or a combination of the two to reflect the UV rays away from the skin. This is an amazing option for those with sensitive skin who may experience irritation or reactions with chemical formulas, but those bits that block can create an ashy finish for those with darker complexions. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins’ Mega-Defense Advanced Daily UV Defender does better than most of its type to prevent that gray cast on the skin, easily blending into most skin tones, while protecting the moisture barrier with a dose of Opuntia Cactus Extract.
- Chemical Sunscreens —This kind is usually formulated with oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate usually by transforming UV rays into heat. Most may be turned off at the possibility of an allergic reaction, but the type is perfect for women of color who don’t want to wash out their skin. Murad’s Oil Control Mattifier is a personal fave of mine. It keeps excess sebum at bay for hours while safeguarding skin with a blend of chemical and physical actives that apply clearly. Plus it’s formulated with tea tree oil and willow bark extract to banish breakouts.
Body: We’re the first to whips out a bottle of sunscreen at the beach or any other body of water, but this is where most drop off when it comes to suncare. I understand the gripes about the sticky factor and smell of certain formulas that can put people off, but brands have taken notice and have made efforts to make suncare as seamless as lotion to add to your routine—it all depends on how much time you have. For those who have a little time before they have to head out, Hawaiian Tropic’s new Weightless Lotion Sunscreen delivers the hydration of your favorite moisturizers (and sinks in super fast!) but retains its iconic summery scent. If you’re in a rush (like I usually am), Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Eventone Suncare Spray blends cocoa and shea butter to keep skin silky smooth and provides an even layer of sun protection that dries quickly so you can chase after the bus, train, or carpool in seconds.
Enjoy the holiday everyone!