Tried and Tested by Yours Truly
If you think you only need to worry about sun exposure and damage during summer…Then you’re completely mistaken! You need SPF, no excuses!
FACT: The majority of the UV damage we receive isn’t always from spending an entire day at the beach. It’s from your day-to-day activities—driving in a car or walking around the city during daylight hours. This includes the winter months when sun protection is the last thing on your mind.
To keep your skin protected, experts advise using sunscreen all year round. Ensure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, higher if you’re at the beach or the mountains. And remember, no matter how high the SPF, the FDA recommends reapplying sunscreen every few hours for maximum protection. Truth be told…I forget to apply and reapply too.
I know it doesn’t seem like summer yet given the way the weather has been lately here in NYC, but summer is here, and it’s time to up your SPF game.
Fortunately, long gone are the days when applying sunscreen meant you had to look like a white, violet-tinted, greasy masked mess with a side of ashiness and obvious white smears.
The next generation of sunscreens that I’ve tried and tested not only get rids of all those issues but some next-level formulas even include other benefits — luminosity, moisture, and a faux glow, just to name a few. Personally, I like simple, clean formulas to avoid breakouts. Whether you choose a formula with bells and whistles or stick to an improvement on the classics, one thing is for certain: There’s no excuse not to give your skin the protection it needs.
Ingredients Note: A few of the main ingredients you will see on SPF products are Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate or Titanium Dioxide.
Here are some of my tried and true SPF favorites:
Cyberderm Every Morning Sun Whip SPF 25
A sunscreen with a cashmere matte finish that’s meant for the face, neck, chest, and hands. Zinc oxide provides consistent and photo-stable protection against UVB and UVA rays. It’s soothing and calming to the skin, which is why mothers apply zinc oxide to their babies’ bottoms. specially formulated Encapsulated Octinoxate ensures it sits on the surface of the skin, reduces any chance of photo-allergy which blends transparently and smoothly on all skin types and tones. Also good for oily or acne-prone skin. Good for all ages!
EltaMD UV ClearBroad-Spectrum SPF 46
First things first, what is with this odd SPF number?? 46? Why not 45 or 50, where did this 46 come from, I must know! Despite the weird numbering system used by EltaMD, this is a fantastic broad spectrum SPF that is perfect for all skin types.
This SPF helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to breakouts, rosacea and discoloration. It contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin. Very lightweight and silky, it may be worn with makeup or alone.
BONUS: Choose from tinted and untinted formulas for use every day. Personally, the untinted version works the best for me.
Olay Complete Lotion Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sensitive
Protect against the #1 cause of aging skin—damage from the
sun. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 and UVA/UVB protection provides long-lasting hydration for sensitive skin. This gentle, lightweight lotion is fragrance-free and features zinc oxide, a gentle mineral sunscreen. It also includes Vitamin E and aloe to help maintain healthy-looking skin. Unlike many moisturizers with sunscreen, this one is non-greasy and lightweight.
ANTHELIOS Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50
ULTRA LIGHT SUNSCREEN FLUID: 100% mineral UV filters in a lightweight, matte finish fluid developed for sensitive skin. This zinc oxide sunscreen, also with titanium dioxide, is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield® technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants
Let’s not forget I had 2 rounds of FRAXEL treatment done this year and I’m super cautious this time around making sure I protect myself. I’m currently using Olay & Elta MD this summer. I first apply the Olay, then wait 10mins. Then apply a thin layer of the Elta MD for extra protection.
Hope this was helpful ladies!
Until Next Time!
xoxo
KC