The dog days of summer are upon us. For most of us that means beach days, relaxing by the pool, or just being outside more than usual. When the weather heats up, the layers of clothes come off.
When you’re outside wearing shorts, tank tops, or just a bathing suit, your skin is exposed to the damaging rays of the sun. Although you should be taking care of your skin year round, in the summer, your sun care needs to take it up a notch.
Not only are you at risk of getting a painful sunburn, but no matter how fair or dark your skin naturally is, any change of your skin from the sun is damaging. Without the proper sun care products, you can burn, wrinkle, show signs of premature aging, develop sun spots, and of course, increase your risk of skin cancer.
What should your summer sun care routine include? To start with, SPF is essential. You should be wearing an SPF of at least 30, even on low-activity days. There are a wide variety of sunscreen options on the market, from sprays to lotions and even powders. Despite the multitude of formulations, sunscreens can be grouped into two main types: chemical and mineral sunscreens.
- Normally, chemical sunscreen will be easier to blend into the skin and doesn’t leave that streaky white cast, but it’s known to cause acne, harm coral reefs, and contain irritating chemicals that are potentially carcinogenic.
- For a long time, mineral sunscreen got a bad rap for leaving white residue and being difficult to apply, but newer sun care innovations have made safe and gentle mineral sunscreen just as convenient as it is effective.
For a classic SPF that is vegan, reef-friendly, hydrating and non-greasy, the State Of Sun Sunscreen is a perfect choice (Click here). This lightweight lotion is ideal for kids or adults and can be used on the face as well as the body. The pack has an SPF of 30-50 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
If you want the protection of a mineral sunscreen but the convenience of a no-mess spray, Pacifica Mineral Sunscreen Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 (click here) is the ‘screen for you. Another cruelty-free and vegan brand, Pacifica provides hydration and safety to your skin no matter the setting. This bottle of heavenly-smelling goodness sprays with a non-aerosol continuous mist.
Sun care’s major player is SPF, but it is important to remember that your skin needs aftercare. After a long day in the sun, even with proper applications of sunscreen, your skin will likely be dehydrated and in need of some TLC. To help with the feeling of dry skin and to prevent flaking or peeling, Maui Babe After Browning Lotion Tan Enhancer and Healer (click here) moisturizes while locking in that golden tan you’re after. With ingredients like aloe and macadamia nut oil, your parched skin will drink up this glow-getting lotion.
We know it isn’t realistic to load up on the SPF when you are working most of the day in an air-conditioned environment, but it is still important to take precautions. UV rays come through windows and just a few minutes of sun can cause irreversible damage to your skin. The sun care you need on indoor days may just be for your face, hands, neck and chest, (the first places to show signs of aging). An easy way to get some protection into your daily skincare routine is to use a moisturizer with SPF. Look no further than Paula’s Choice Essential Glow Moisturizer with SPF 30 (click here). Not only does this have a subtle tint of color, which helps it blend into the skin seamlessly, it also leaves your skin looking supple and glowy.
So we’ve got our sun protection covered, but we’re still pining for a safe but summery golden glow. Instead of putting yourself at risk, dip your toe into the world of sunless tanner. One of the most user-friendly formulas is the St. Moriz Instant Self-Tanning Mousse (click here). This lightweight mousse blends in evenly with a tanning mitt and has a guide color on the bottle, so you don’t leave any bare patches. It has a light tropical scent and none of that fake tan Cheeto-like smell. It fades evenly after five to seven days, depending on your exfoliating habits, and gives you a no-mess application with a natural-looking olive color. No orange palms or streaky legs with this next level self-tanner.