Practice Safe Sun: Don’t Forget the SPF

My daughters are on spring break, and so are most other college kids right now.  Many of them in a sun-kissed location doing things their parents are trying not to think about.  But the whole point there is not about the rites of spring break, but how important sunscreen is.  Most of the sun damage we acquire is by age 18.  So the diligent use of sunscreen can prevent  wrinkles and skin cancer. I’ve been spreading the stuff on my kids since they were babies.  Sunscreen is right up there with hygeine — brush your teeth, wash your face, apply sunscreen.  Spring break is no time to throw good sensibilities out the window.  Maybe sunscreen isn’t up there on the top of a parent’s list of sensible behaviors, but it certainly can’t hurt.

And don’t think that just because you have a touch of melanin in your skin that you can avoid wearing an SPF.  No, everyone, including us brown girls need a healthy dose of sunscreen on a daily basis.

The American Academy of Dermatology reports:

Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn caused mostly by UVB rays, but this does not increase the length of time for sun exposure. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun including photo damage, photodermatitis, and rashes from the sun.

Sunscreen tips:

• Use broad spectrum SPF, at least 15 for everyday, higher if you plan on soaking up sun.
• If  you are sensitive to chemicals, look for a zinc or titanium oxide sunscreen.
• Try waterproof if you plan on water activity.
• Apply a full 1 1/4 ounce, to your body a half hour prior to sun exposure.  Reapply often.
• For more information on what to look for in sunscreens and how to use them, click here.

My new favorite daily sunscreen is CellCeuticals Photo Defense SPF 55 an ultra-light hydrating daily use formula for the face that helps combat premature skin aging and reverse the signs of aging while providing broad spectrum protection against the sun’s rays.  For a sunscreen with a 55 SPF, it is amazingly light and doesn’t interfere with my makeup. I was in love after my first application. Then I read that Paul Scott Premo, whom I learned so much from when he was working with Dr. Murad, that I just knew I had my hands on a good thing.  $55 2oz.

I love Peter Thomas Roth sunscreens too,   they are innovative and they work.  For everyday face protection Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 is ideal.  It’s a  matte, talc-free mineral powder with brush included! It finishes makeup perfectly, so don’t worry about mussing your makeup.

For body, check out Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30. Provides maximum full spectrum face and body protection for active lifestyles by resisting water for long lasting defense and shielding against premature fine lines and wrinkle formation.

Practicing safe sun, it’s a good thing.