SPF

One of the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer is by slathering on sun block or sunscreen. These days, the many options make it difficult to decide which products pack the best punch, but navigating the shelves is much easier with just a little bit of knowledge. Terms such as "broad spectrum" and "SPF" are no longer reserved exclusively for sunscreens and sun blocks with more and more cosmetics companies including sun defense in their products. Foundations, moisturizers, lipsticks and even blushes now commonly include sun protection making skin cancer even easier to avoid.

SPF Rules of Thumb

• As mentioned above you can get defense for cosmetic products. If your current ones do not contain protection switch to SPF versions of the products you already use. Start off everyday with a facial moisturizer that has UVA and UVB protection, and an SPF of 15 or more.

• Days spent outdoors require more protection than your moisturizers and makeup cansupply. So you will want to choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA and UVB protections. All exposed areas should be covered.

• Just because a product says "all day protection" doesn't mean it's true. So reapply, reapply, reapply. After prolong exposure to the sun, sunscreens will break down. So every couple of hours (2) you should reapply.


When it comes to sunscreen, there seems to be a lot of little places that we often leave out. Here is a list of common missed parts to add sunscreen too:

• Your lips
• The bottoms of your feet (if you're going to be laying on your stomach in the sun)
• Between your toes
• The tops of your feet
• Back of your hands
• Between your fingers
• The area around your eyes
• Your ears and the area around them
• Along your hair part
• The back of your neck

I was recently turned onto "Supergoop" products. I am especially loving SPF 30 Sun, Wind and Saltwater Protection Lip Treatment. It is a highly nourishing lip balm that defends against UV rays. I use this before all my runs, and any time I go outside. It's perfect lip protection. If you value your lips you want to make sure you keep them pampered with protection!

I also love their Face and Body Moisturizing lotion. It keeps your skin soft and hydrated, and protects it from the harsh sun. Perfect!




Finding the proper sunscreen
skin is NOT created equal

For Light Skin
• If you’re dry to normal…Don’t layer sunscreen over moisturizer; that’ll just dilute the SPF protection. Instead, opt for an SPF 50+ that’s labeled “moisturizing” or “hydrating.”

• If you’re combination or oily…Oil-free SPF 50 is good, extremely fair? go higher. Pick a product that’s noncomedogenic; it won’t clog pores.

For Medium Skin

• If you’re dry to normal…Sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 is the best bet for medium complexions. Thirsty skin? Mist with water, blot dry and reapply sunscreen.

• If you’re combination or oily…Nongreasy formulas are great for you. Just don’t skimp on coverage. Don’t go below SPF 30.


Dermalogica oil free matte block is perfect for the face as it doesn't make you break out or leave your skin feeling like you just bathed it in oil.


Love Love this one for the face & body as well... but honestly it doesn't make your skin feel awful and you won't be prune lady in no time flat!


I could make a list of products I love and hate... but I am sure you have your favs and least favs. Sun Protection is important all year round, and should be apart of your daily routine. So let's start with new habits that you can carry through the whole year!


Do you protect your skin? What do you use?

xo