Most of the time I do my best to hide from the sun. Don’t get me wrong! I love going for walks on sunny days and getting tons of fresh air, but I make sure that I’m protected with sunscreen, a big hat, sunglasses, and a thin outer layer for my back and arms.
It’s a fact that approximately one in five Americans will end up with skin cancer at some time in their lives—a scary thought, but there are many things you can do to protect yourself. The first is wearing sunscreen. Not only will sunscreen help prevent skin cancer, but it will also help prevent signs of aging, leaving your skin smoother, hydrated, and younger looking.
Choosing and Applying Sunscreen
When I select a sunscreen, I look for products that contain protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA, long-wave) and ultraviolet B (UVB, short-wave) rays with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Similar to my moisturizing regimen, I have a sunscreen that I use for my face, one for neck and hands, one for lips, and another for my body.
There are loads of choices out there as you well know if you have perused the drugstore aisle lately. You’ll find a variety of lotions, sticks, sprays, and oils, as well as both chemical and physical-based SPF. Choose what you think you’re most likely to use and follow the directions for application and reapplication.
When applying to your face, use about a quarter-sized amount and apply it last, on top of your makeup. Most people don’t use nearly enough sunscreen. You should use about an ounce on the rest of your body—the equivalent of a shot glass. For lips, carry an SPF 30 lip balm in your bag and reapply often.
We spend so much time trying to keep our faces looking young and glowing, but we forget about our hands. Don’t neglect this area—they can show telltale signs of aging.
More Skin-Soothing Benefits
It’s no secret that sun exposure ages skin. Many sunscreens are now incorporating potent antioxidants and luxurious natural moisturizers to protect and rejuvenate hot, dry skin.
The new product I can’t leave home without is the Sun Protection Cushion from AMOREPACIFIC’s Resort Collection. This nifty little cushion comes in its own compact, and you simply press it against the sheer sunscreen inside and apply by blotting over your face—just like you would apply powder. In addition to UVA/UVB protection, the sunscreen contains hydrating bamboo sap and purslane extract, which is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the skin’s barrier and make it smoother.
Sun Protective Clothing
You’ve probably seen t-shirts and hats with a UPF (or ultraviolet protective factor) label in stores. I swear by my wide-brimmed sun hat that protects my face, neck, and shoulders for a relaxing day at the beach or pool.
Add a UPF sarong or cover-up, grab a book, and relax knowing that you’re doing what’s good for your skin.
Disclosure: I received a sample of AMOREPACIFIC’s Resort Collection Sun Trio for review purposes, but I was not financially compensated. Opinions are based on my own experience.