Summer is upon us and before you rush out for that fun in the sun, grab your SPF. SPF is vital for your skin health; with your skin being your largest organ it’s imperative to your overall health.
Ever wondered what the letters of SPF mean, Sun Protection Factor!
SPF measures the sunscreens ability to protect against UVB rays, which are the sun rays that cause sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays are damaging as well but are not included in the measurement of effectiveness that you see on all SPF products ranging from SPF 15 – 60 or even higher.
Dermatologist generally suggests opting for an SPF in the range of 15 to 30. Also note that sunscreen, when it interacts with water and sweat, loses effectiveness after 60 -90mins depending on the formula, so always be sure to reapply when engaged in water activities.
Speaking of the SPF number/rating you see on the packaging of each product, that number directly correlates to the exponential increase in the time a person is able to stay in the sun before burning. For example: If a person skin would normally start to sunburn after 20 minutes in the sun after applying an SPF 20 that person would be able to stay out in the sun for 400 minutes (20x longer) before starting to become sunburned.
It is also worth noting that after you pass the SPF 50’s and 60’s the FDA has concerns about increased effectiveness, chemicals used to make up high SPF formulations and overall benefits so be mindful when shopping for your SPF.
Now that you know a few things that you needed to know as it relates to sunscreen here are a few suggestions we think you should keep in mind while you are shopping around and preparing for your summer fun in the sun.
FOR MEN
Jack Black – Double-Duty Face Moisturizer – $48.00
Jack Black provides options that promote the streamlining of the grooming process. This moisturizer and sunscreen all in one is clutch because it combines two very important steps into one phenomenal product. Apply after washing your face in the morning. With an SPF of 20, this is a great option for protection for a wide variety of skin types.
Anthony – Day Cream SPF 30 – $34.00
Anthony is also a great option for moisturizer and SPF all in one. This formula is perfect for dehydrated and dry skin using youthful skin promoting ingredients like vitamin E and soy to nourish as you protect your skin from harmful sun rays. BUY HERE
Clinique for Men Broad-Spectrum SPF 21 Moisturizer – $28.00
This gentle moisturizer goes on like a lotion and has a good level of SPF to protect you all day without feeling heavy, greasy or simply uncomfortable on the skin. BUY HERE
Dermalogica – Pure Light SPF 50 – $68.00
This broad spectrum SPF/moisturizer combo is going to protect even the fairest skin tones from the suns searing rays. In addition to the high SPF protection, this sunscreen is packed full of anti-aging ingredients for an added boost to your skin. We would suggest that you still opt to use a light moisturizer underneath this application as the high SPF leans the formula more to the side of sunscreen versus moisturizers and those with dry skin might still find their skin in a state of thirst. BUY HERE
FOR FAMILY
Clinique Skin Tone Correcting Lotion SPF 20 – $42.00
This lotion is an all-around stunner providing great sun protection and moisture while treating dark and discolored spots on your face, which usually are the results of too much sun exposure. Perfect for prevention and treatment.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 – $29.00
This is 100% a moisturizer that also provides sunscreen. It is great for normal skin types, as in not too dry and not too oily. Perfect for daily wear and protection.
Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay SPF 20 – $70.00
This is perfect for anyone focused on anti-aging. It firms and brightens dull looking skin while providing SPF protection needed on a daily basis.
Coola Face SPF 30 Unscented Moisturizer
This sunscreen has a slightly different texture then the typical SPF’s on the market as it is a light as whipped cream. Being unscented and a mattifying moisturizer is one of the few reasons why this sunscreen is good for the whole family. Delivering Omegas 3, 6, and 9 as well as vitamins B, C, and E to the skin, you will enjoy how your skin looks and feels with this SPF.
FOR KIDS
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby SPF 30 – $18.00
This broad spectrum sunscreen has a wonderful SPF of 30 and is free of potentially irritating parabens and fragrances. The bottle turns pink when harmful UV rays are present, so you a visual reminder of when to apply more and/or get the kids under the beach umbrella.
CeraVe Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 45 – $14.00
A mineral sunscreen for kids contains both zinc oxide and titanium oxide but no potentially irritating fragrances, parabens, or sulfates. It is also formulated with hydrating ceramides (natural fats in the skin) and soothing aloe vera to moisturize while it protects the skin.