Sunscreen and You

Hi beauty lovers! Since we are smack-dab in the middle of summer, I thought it might be a good idea to post a sunscreen education refresher. Here is a list of things you may not know about sunscreen that I've compiled.

FACTS

1. Makeup with SPF isn't enough to protect your skin. 

While it's great that you chose a foundation with SPF 15, that's no where near enough to protect your skin. Consider it a supplement; you still need the real deal underneath. You would need at least a teaspoon of your foundation on your face (way too much) for the SPF to actually work. Pick an oil-free SPF formulated for the face at around SPF 35 or higher. Slather this on, apply a face primer to keep it from sliding, then end with your foundation or powder. 

2. Reapply every two hours

While it's difficult to do this on the face after you have applied makeup, this rule of thumb still applies to your body. How many times have you gone to Vegas, applied sunblock once at noon and sat at the pool til 6:00pm? Think your SPF was working that whole time? Think again. Oh, and please stick to high SPF. Trust me, you will still get a tan.

3. Sunscreen is a must even if you don't work outside.

If you notice more freckles on the left side of your face, it's because UV rays are penetrating your driver's side window. Just because it's cloudy (UV rays are still out and about), or you are technically "indoors" doesn't mean you are protected. Sunscreen please! 

4. The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s UV rays; mineral sunscreens block those rays. Both are FDA-approved. I prefer chemical because it stays on better under makeup, but it's really up to each and every one of you.

5. Sunscreens do expire.

According to many dermatologists, sunscreens should be tossed after one year. If you have left your sunscreen out in your hot car, drawer etc, it can lose its effectiveness, and even worse, grow bacteria and fungus (sick!) A skin expert also informed me that the FDA now requires the expiration date to be on every container of sunscreen, so check your bottle for the date!

6. Even the darkest skin needs to wear sunscreen daily.

Dark skin contains more melanin which acts as a natural sunscreen, but it only provides the same protection as an SPF 15, which is basically useless. Skin cancer doesn't discriminate, so make sure you protect yourself with an SPF 35 or higher.

Lady C's Picks

Face

Water resistant, paraben free with both UVA & UVB protection, this Alba sunblock is my daily go-to.

This dry-touch sheer sunblock gives you heavy duty protection at SPF 70, great for outdoor activities and poolside.

Body

Hawaiian Tropic is well-known and fantastic. They even have a line for sensitive skin!  Trust me, even with an SPF 50, you will still tan.

DO NOT USE

Spray SPF cans are TERRIBLE for the environment! Half the bottle gets wasted spraying into the air and ruining our  ozone. The other half gets ingested into your lungs as you try to spray yourself or your kids. Just don't do it people.