As it starts to warm up, the call of patios, swimming pools, and weekends at the beach starts to become irresistible. After spending months indoors hiding from the seemingly relentless winter we had this year, there is something so exciting about digging out some tried-and-true summer favourites.
Here are some of my top picks:
Along with the fun times that come with a sun allergy, my skin is generally just very sensitive. So far, when it comes to facial sunscreen, I've found two options that work well.
Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50/+++ is not the cheapest but protects amazingly and it very non-irritating. It is liquid-y but dries to a powder finish. Because it is a physical sunscreen (rather than chemical), it is a great match for sensitive skin.
Also for the face, Coppertone Faces Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 has been working well for me. I typically hate the feel of most sunscreens on my face but this absorbs somewhat quickly and feels more like a moisturizer than a greasy mess. Coppertone sunscreens are primarily chemical which means it absorbs more easily but is more likely to react with sensitive skin. Another downside to chemical sunscreen is that you typically have to leave more time in between application and sun exposure (about 30 minutes is recommended).
You can read more about physical versus chemical sun protection
here.
It may seem funny given how picky I am when it comes to facial sunscreen, but when it comes to SPF for the body, I don't have too many requirements. I like Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration with Hydrating Ribbons SPF 30 because it smells fantastic (probably childhood memories of family vacations or something) and is moisturizing. I'm sure you've heard this all before but I don't want to leave any ground uncovered so make sure you apply liberally and often. If you've been swimming or sweating (regardless of waterproof claims), you need to reapply after. I know it sounds excessive but it's pretty important. Of course, some are lucky enough to tan rather than burn and while you may not need to apply as often or as much, sunscreen is still a great idea to prevent aging and skin cancer.
Now, there are probably going to be days where you aren't as diligent with the sunscreen as you maybe should have been (somehow it's already happened to me twice this year and it's only May). If you do end up burnt, there is nothing better than pure aloe. I picked up some 100% aloe vera gel that has no colour added (to minimize risk of sensitivity) and it's a great soothing, moisturizing solution to burns of all sorts.
Don't forget: your lips, eyes, and even your hair all need protection too. The sunglasses pictured are from Aldo Accessories and I think they're adorable, but to prevent eye damage you want to look for a polarized lens with full UVA/UVB protection. For my lips, I love
California Mango Lip Balm 100% Natural with Sunscreen. Lip Balms with SPF are extremely easy to find and if you've ever woken up feeling like one of the "real housewives" because of puffy, painful, sunburnt lips, you'll remember to look out for them. When it comes to protecting hair from UV rays I'm not as strict, especially because my hair is already quite light and one of the main effects the sun has on hair is colour fading. If you do have darker coloured hair, you may want to check out one of
these products. When spending a lot of time in the sun and water, it's good idea to keep your hair well-conditioned. When I hit the beach, I bring along a hair mask* and put it in after I've been swimming. The sun's heat helps it melt into your hair and when you hop back in the water you can rinse it out.
For fairly obvious reasons, it's a good idea to keep a mini body spray with you when you're out and about in the summer heat. I like Secret Scent Expressions Body Spray in Cocoa Butter Kiss. Finally, if you've been stuck in doors because of work, school, or other obligations (or if you've been super-dilligent with the sunscreen) you may want a little help with getting that 'glow'. I'm not super into the whole fake tan deal but for a quick fix, it's hard to beat Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Instant Bronze Body Spray. Just spray it on and work it into the skin, a little goes a long way to making you a bronze goddess in the most natural, un-orange way possible. For a slightly longer lasting tan, I'm a big fan of gradual tanning moisturizers such as Jergens because it's not a catastrophe if you're like me and aren't the best with application.
I'm really sorry if this has felt like a bit of a lecture on sun protection but years of fair, sensitive skin combined with a family history of skin cancer has made me pretty conscious of it. If you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to ask in the comments- I'm always happy to help.
I hope you all have a great Friday!
Kendall
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*When using a hair mask, if you're going to rinse it out in the water (i.e. lake, river or the ocean), try to only use a small amount and pick a natural option without sulphates. It's better for your hair and the environment.
