Every time I apply sunscreen to my daughter I cringe as I know what a horrible experience it can feel like. I have self-diagnosed PTSD from the 80s, from being slathered up by my mother, as I fly by on the beach. The sand then adhering to my sticky piña colada scented skin while I try to keep up with my friends. As if feeling like I was just tarred and feathered wasn’t enough, the intrusive greasy substance never stayed put, always dripping into my eyes, rendering me with foggy vision and a painful sting that I was unable to relieve due to my sand stuck hands. For all of my teen years, I was convinced I didn’t like the beach, but as it turns out, I just didn’t like the sunscreen.
While my daughter is not yet totally in the clear from a traumatic sunscreen application experience, due to the fact I need to either sit on her or chase her to get any sort of coverage, there are so many amazing products to help us survive the sunny season, physically, mentally and emotionally.
A suntan is the body's natural defense mechanism kicking in against damaging ultraviolet rays. When the defenses are overwhelmed, a toxic reaction occurs, resulting in sunburn. We all have something called melanin in our skin. This is what gives our skin its pigment. People who have darker skin have more melanin. People who have light skin have less. Melanin works like natural sunscreen, darkening our skin when exposed to sun, protecting us from the harmful rays. When our body senses destruction of the skin, it sends blood to that area to help heal. Symptoms that this took place are red, inflamed and irritated skin, what we know better as a sunburn. Peeling after a sunburn is your body’s way of getting rid of the damaged skin cells. This is helpful because you don’t want damaged skin to “lose control” and become skin cancer. Don’t hang onto that dead peeling skin to keep your tan by piling on extra lotion. The sun is also responsible for 90% of visible signs of aging. Wrinkles, pigment, elasticity, spots, dehydration. I can’t go on. Just pitch me a tent! Or just cover me in SPF.
It is important to incorporate SPF into your daily routine. I personally don’t like SPF in most lotions because it can leave a shine. I opt for a primer with protection. This way, it allows my skin care products to do what I intended them to do when I purchased them.
Coola Dawn Patrol Classic Makeup Primer
In summer, I enjoy using Coola Suncare Dawn Patrol Classic Makeup Primer SPF 30. A primer for every type of skin, the Dawn Patrol is a light transparent primer that leaves no sign of greasy sunscreen residue. It blurs away fine lines and pores, preparing a matte canvas ready for makeup, or sans makeup, for a fresh look. Dawn Patrol also includes iris stem cells, so while holding your makeup in place and protecting you from dangerous rays it’s also helping with firming, anti-wrinkle, and restoring your skin.
Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45
Another favorite SPF makeup product of mine is the Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45. As the sun shines stronger, so does my t-zone. To keep a long lasting look, I like to apply a powder under my eyes and down the center of my face. Using the Supergoop! SPF powder is the best way to keep that shine where it belongs, up in the sky. It’s also a great way to replenish a little SPF while out and about in spots it may have worn away. It works so well to cover and fix that I even take it out into the moonlight with me to freshen up my evening look at dinner.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 70
Now if you are heading to the beach for a full afternoon of fun in the sun, you need to get serious. It said that you should never wear less than 30 SPF and at least 50 if you plan on being active like playing tennis or golf, where you might sweat more. Dermatologist usually recommend a lotion over a spray because it is a thicker coverage. For body, I’m a fan of Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 70. Skin Cancer Foundation recommended, Aveeno is oil-free so it can easily be used on body and face, not to mention every family member. Enriched with oatmeal making it extremely hydrating and protective. Aveeno is easy to find, which helps when I forget to pack it. And I must add fast absorbing, no more sand monsters staggering across the beach clutching their eyes in agony.
Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream Brad Spectrum SPF 34 Sunscreen
Have you ever come home from a day at the beach feeling that tightness in your skin, knowing you got a solid tan, and when you look in the mirror there are literally tan lines in your crows feet. This does not amuse me. Many of us work tirelessly to keep the fine lines around our eyes far away, no way am I tattooing them to my face for summer with my squinty tan lines. Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream Brad Spectrum SPF 34 Sunscreen is formulated just for that delicate skin around your eyes. It is light enough to wear daily and strong enough to pack in your beach bag. Fighting off UVA/UVB rays and also fighting off dehydration and wrinkles.
Heritage Rose Petals Rosewater with Atomizer
Whether I’m laying out or just have extra shine I’m always paranoid that my pores are getting clogged. In summer, my VIP cosmetic bag is always stocked with 5 to 7 lip colors and 1 bottle of rose water spray. Hands-down my favorite long time love rose spray belongs to Heritage Rose Petals Rosewater with Atomizer. This investment product weighs in under $10 and makes me feel my most luxurious. Rosewater has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin it also breaks down dirt and oils that have settled into your pores. Making rosewater my summer must have.
Korres Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel
No doubt that many of us will have that moment this summer where we get lazy about sun production or don’t want to admit it when your perfectly tanned friend next to you says you are starting to look a little red. Or maybe that sunny boat ride was no match for your fair skin or it was the rose all day.
Of course this is super bad for you but there are a few things to help you suffer less, as I’m sure the thought of your new found wrinkle is punishment enough. Korres Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel. This is an ultra-cooling gel that delivers hydration and immediately relieves redness, heat and stinging while prolonging your tan. This has a long lasting effect on toasty skin which is great for fast beach to evening turnarounds. You can also keep an aloe plant for summer. For extra satisfaction keep in the refrigerator.