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Sun Safety

Wear SPF daily. Period. Regardless of sunny or cloudy skies, the sun still affects your skin when you're outdoors. Adding SPF to your skincare routine is important when you’re a sun worshipper. And even when you’re a sun avoider. Here's everything you need to know about sun protection!

SPF Products

Face

Always incorporate SPF into your skincare routine, before you apply your makeup. You can choose a moisturizer with SPF or try skincare that goes on a step before or after. Keeping your skin hydrated is key, whether you opt for a lightweight or a rich, creamy formula.

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Lips

Sun exposure can take a toll on your lips, which are often overlooked. Defending lips from the sun is simple if you use lipsticks with SPF built in, or balms and glosses that glide smoothly over your existing lipstick. Choose shades that you love in an array of finishes, from sheer and matte to super glossy.

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Makeup

Welcome to the future of sun protection! Makeup is relatively new to the family of SPF products with recent innovations and skincare-like benefits. Always apply traditional sunscreen first, then add extra protection with makeup that adds color for a complete look.

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Body

Allover protection is the most important part of shielding your skin from sun exposure. Full coverage for your body prevents sunburn and resulting damage. Never skimp on the amount of product you use and always reapply at least every two hours. Once you've been in water, immediately reapply after you dry off with your towel.

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Hair & Scalp

Even hair can take a beating from the sun, and there are products that specifically address haircare with built-in protection. Color-treated hair especially should be shielded from the sun to remain vibrant. Sprays are a great way of protecting your hair with complete coverage, including your scalp.

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TIP: Limit exposure when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, around 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cover up with a hat, sunglasses, lightweight clothing and, of course, sunscreen!

Glossary

  • UVA

    Short for ultraviolet A, these rays penetrate deep into the skin and are the largest cause of premature skin aging and wrinkles--also known as photoaging. They can also contribute to skin cancer as well as a suppressed immune system.

  • UVB

    Short for ultraviolet B, these rays are the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn and tend to damage mainly the skin's surface. They are the most significant contributing factor to skin cancer.

  • SPF

    Short for sun protection factor, this abbreviation followed by a number indicates how many times longer it will take for sunscreen-protected skin to burn than unprotected skin. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen means it will take 15 times longer to burn than if you weren't wearing any sun protection.

    TIP: An SPF factor of 15 is the minimum needed to prevent skin damage from UVB.

  • Broad Spectrum

    Broad spectrum is an all-protective form of sunblock which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The sun protection factor, or SPF number, refers only to UVB protection.

    TIP: Wearing broad-spectrum protection every day, even on cloudy days or days you’ll spend inside, is the key to keeping skin healthy and avoiding premature aging.

  • Physical Sunscreen

    Physical sunscreens create an impenetrable shield against the sun's rays and are made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The particles in these ingredients sit on top of the skin and reflect all UV rays.

    TIP: These tend to be less irritating to the skin than chemical sunscreens. This is particularly beneficial for kids and individuals who have sensitive skin.

  • Chemical Sunscreen

    Chemical sunscreens contain organic, carbon-based compounds that create a chemical reaction to convert UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin without burning.

    TIP: Chemical sunscreens can take up to twenty minutes to absorb into the skin, so make sure to give yourself the appropriate amount of time to let it soak in.

  • Water Resistance

    In the USA, the FDA only allows two claims, Water Resistant (40 min) or Water Resistant (80 min). These retain their stated SPF value for the specified time, in water or while sweating.

    TIP: Be vigilant about reapplying approximately every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating or in water, even if the product claims to protect for a longer amount of time.

Common Mistakes

  • Not using enough product.

    To cover your entire body with sunscreen, it takes about one ounce or the size of a shot glass. Most people will under apply by about 50%.

  • Forgetting to reapply.

    Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day because the active ingredients lose their effectiveness over time.

  • Thinking clothing will protect you.

    Even if you believe you're covered, the sun's rays can go through clothing, and you can still get burned.

  • Not rubbing in sprays.

    Spray formulas are quick and easy to apply but you are more likely to miss spots and end up with uneven coverage. For your best protection, continuously spray for about five seconds on a particular area and then rub in thoroughly.

  • Using expired sunscreen.

    The expiration dates printed on your sunscreen aren't just for show. From the moment you open your sunscreen, the clock starts ticking. Exposing it to direct sunlight can decrease its effectiveness, shortening its lifespan even further.

  • Repeatedly missing the same spots.

    The most common areas missed by sunscreen are scalps, ears, eyelids, lips and the tops of your feet. Try using sprays for your scalp and stick format for ears, eyelids and lips.

After-Sun Care

Replenish and repair your skin after sun exposure with treatments that hydrate and sooth. After-sun care can prevent any skin irritation, redness and dryness. Sunburn can have a lasting effect on skin and treating your skin after being in the sun is beneficial.

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