Summer is here, and most of us are looking forward to some vacation time. However, high summer temperatures and increased sun exposure also come with additional demands on our skincare regime. In order to maintain healthy and youthful skin, it is crucial to wear an effective sunscreen to prevent sunburn, skin damage, and premature aging. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a water resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or higher, not only when you are directly exposed to the sun but also throughout the day.
The Lowdown on Rays and Sunscreens
UBV rays that cause sunburn are strongest in summer, UVA rays that cause wrinkles remain constant throughout the year. Sunscreens can be either chemical or physical and they work differently. But both types equally prevent UV radiation from reaching cells. Chemical sunscreen absorbs or neutralizes UV radiation before it penetrates the skin, and physical sunscreen reflects UV radiation away from the skin.
Here are some of our favorite sunscreens and tips on how to keep your skin protected and healthy during the summer months.
The Golden Rules
1. Choose a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UBV rays).
2. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or as indicated on the label. Reapply after swimming.
3. Avoid long sun exposure especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
4. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses; this will prevent your eyes from squinting due to the strong sunlight.
5. If you go to the beach, stay under an umbrella.
6. Stay hydrated, both inside and out, by drinking lots of water and by using a hydrating mist throughout the day.
Don’t Forget the Eyes
UV rays are one of the main causes for skin aging, and the first signs of skin aging usually show around the eyes. Protect the delicate eye area against damaging UV rays by using a targeted cream with broad-spectrum SPF.
- La Prairie Anti-Aging Eye Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $170, laprairie.com
- Murad’s Essential-C Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 PA++ ($69, murad.com)
- Supergoop’s SPF 37 Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($45, supergoop.com)
- Shiseido’s Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 34 ($32.50, shiseido.com).
For the Face
- Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Anti-Aging Sunscreen, $48, katesomerville.com
- Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant, Broad Spectrum SPF 33, Water Resistant, $49 (untinted)/ $54 (tinted) via www.janmarini.com
- Clé de Peau UV Protection Cream SPF 50+, $120, neimanmarcus.com
- La Prairie Anti-aging Emulsion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $220, laprairie.com
- Amore Pacific Natural Protector SPF 30 PA+++, $65, amorepacific.com
- Boscia Daily Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA+++, $36, Sephora or boscia.com
- Josie Maran (new) Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47, $32, Sephora
- LaVanila Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 for Face (100% natural ingredients), $28, lavanila.com
For the Body
- Brazilian Bombshell skin perfecting body lotion with broad spectrum SPF 30 helps protect skin and hide little imperfections, $48, Sephora.
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+, $36, shiseido.com.
- Jan Marini Physical Protectant Broad Spectrum SPF 45, Water Resistant (80 minutes), $49, janmarini.com
- Vichy’s new Capital Soleil SPF 50 Lightweight Foaming Lotion, $28.50, vichyusa.com.
- Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF 50 (for face and body), $32, dermalogica.com.
- Supergoop’s practical Antioxidant-infused Mist with Vitamin C (in SPF 30 or 50) also comes in two
Sizes: 3 or 6 FL OZ $13–$19 at Supergoop.com
