There’s more to sun protection than sun screen! Here’s how to protect your body from top to toe this summer
Photo: Pexels/ Maciej Serafinowicz
If slathering on sunscreen every morning sounds like a chore we’ve got bad news and good news.
The bad news: Considering how much of your body is exposed to the sun daily, sunscreen on your face is likely not enough. Depending on what you wear, your arms, legs, lips and hair need protection too.
The good news: There are plenty of ways to protect yourself from the harsh UV rays that would fit seamlessly into your morning routine.
Here are a few products to protect you from top to toe this summer.
Before we get started, here are six facts to know while shopping for sun care products:
1. UVA and UVB are both harmful rays of sunlight that reach the Earth’s surface. Products that offer broad spectrum protection indicates protection from both rays.
2. SPF (sun protection factor) indicates the level of protection from UVB rays. For example, SPF 30 means you can be in the sun 30 times longer without burning than you would with no sunscreen.
3. That doesn’t mean you can slap on sunscreen in the morning and be protected all day. Ideally, you should reapply it after two to three hours especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
4. Sunscreen should be worn every day, regardless if it’s sunny or cloudy - UV rays are still present!
5. Sunscreen should be applied about 30 minutes before you’re going out to let the ingredients absorb into the skin.
6. Yes, sunscreen products do have an expiration date! Make sure you check it before applying as the active ingredient in it loses effectiveness after expiration.
Before sun exposure:
Face
In a rush and don’t have time to apply sunscreen on your face? Look for makeup with a SPF level to keep your skin safe throughout the day. Don’t forget your lips too! Apply a few coats of SPF lip balm before you leave the house.These products have amazing sun care and anti-sweat benefits:
Nars Pro-Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30, $47, nordstrom.com, Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $50, smashbox.com, Clinique Almost Powder SPF 15, $34, sephora.com, Nivea A Kiss Of Protection Sun Protection Lip Care SPF 30, $8, amazon.com
Body
Some sort of SPF should be worn every day, even on cloudy ones. For those with skin that burns easily, it can become tedious to reapply sunscreen. Try out an everyday body lotion with SPF so you’re always moisturized and covered.
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 with Sunboost ATB, $41, josiemarancosmetics.com, Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, $29, amazon.ca, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15, $8, neutrogena.com
Hair
Sun exposure is known to dull and dehydrate your hair. Protect it against frizz, dead ends and fly-aways with these hydrating products:
Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $47, sephora.com, Matrix Biolage Colorlast Shine Shake, $21, ulta.com, Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $36, aveda.com
After sun exposure:
Sun protection doesn’t end when you get home. If you’ve had a long day at the beach, the sun and saltwater can dehydrate your skin. Take a cool shower when you get home to remove any excess dehydrating salt water from your skin, then dry off and moisturize immediately! If you have sunburn, aloe vera gel and cucumbers are great natural soothers. Alternatively, you can try these products that will rejuvenate your hair and skin and repair sun damage.
Burts Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother, $15, burtsbees.ca, Korres Greek Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel, $34, korresusa.com, Aveda sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque, $35, aveda.com
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