Summer Fun in the Sun

When the sun is finally appearing for more than 12 hours a day, it’s time to enjoy the beauties of summer. We girls love to wear skimpy, spaghetti strap dresses now, not only for keeping cool, but also to feel sexy. But now that you’re showing more skin, do you know how to protect it from the sun?

 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is vital to our skin’s health and should be worn every day, even if you’re not planning to spend time outside. This may seem strange to you since most people want to be bronzed and beautiful but let’s be honest: wearing sunscreen is not just for sun protection but also for age protection. Just in case you’re not aware, UV rays are the biggest killer of healthy skin. Although you should apply sunscreen all year long, you definitely need more in the summer.

Are you thinking differently about sunscreen now?

If you don’t know how to choose the right one, I can help. There are some wonderful sunscreens on the market and you should know the difference depending on whether you’re staying home or getting ready to travel.

For lazy days at home:

We all have days when we don’t feel like doing anything and just want to stay home. This provides an opportunity to minimize your skincare routine and give your skin a rest. In this case, you might think that you don’t need sunscreen. But the fact is that many things in your home reflect UV rays. Something with light SPF would be perfect so I recommend using a moisturizer with SPF protection. Most moisturizers offer an SPF from 15 to 30 which is fine.

–Shiseido IBUKI Protective Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 18 ($45 for 2.5 oz.)

 

Personally, I love this IBUKI collection, both the day and night moisturizer. IBUKI fits all skin types except extremely oily skin and the moment you try it, it will feel like your skin is drinking water. It will be perfectly hydrated, and with an SPF 18 it’s just what you need.

For the office:

Most workplaces are comfortably air conditioned and we enjoy the coolness. But for girls with combination skin like me, a situation different from pure oily or pure dry, we need sunscreen that gives skin immediate hydration and improves its own moisturizing power. Since we’re not exposed to strong UV rays, SPF 30-40 is enough.

–Ultrasun UV Family Lotion H SPF 30 ($32 for 100ml)

Ultrasun is a Swiss brand focused only on sunscreen with a line-up for all the situations you can imagine. I have tried three of them and love them. What makes this brand special is that you can actually feel your skin’s own moisture being locked in by the product’s thin layer. Plus, all the ingredients are very safe, even for sensitive skin.

For a sunny weekend:

On weekends we all like to relax and have fun. Whether you’re planning a picnic or just want to sit in the park, the chance of exposure to UV rays is increased, so an SPF from 40 to 50 with light texture is ideal.

– Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46, 48-Gram  ($29.99 for 1.7 oz.)

Elta MD is a brand offering amazing sunscreens and the greatest thing about their products is that they offer texture along with moisturizing and oil control. Personally, I love UV Clear (shown here) the most because it’s light enough for all skin types in summer. It’s also very safe for problem skin or anyone prone to a breakout as it won’t burden the skin one bit.

For gorgeous beach time:

Clear blue skies, a soft breeze, warm sand and the crashing surf … all these make beach time precious. But while slipping into your bikini remember you need a sunscreen that’s easy to apply and is tough enough to prevent harm from UV rays, meaning SPF 50 to 100. The product formulated specifically for this purpose is a sunscreen spray.

-Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Body Mist, SPF 70 ($10.82 for 5 oz.)

Actually, the best selling product in this category is Banana Boat but I’ll be honest. The texture of Banana Boat’s sunscreen spray is just too thick and sticky. I found this Neutrogena body mist collection this summer offering products in SPF 45, 70 and 100 which sprays so fine that it feels invisible and it really cools down the skin. I chose SPF 70 because it protects without burdening your skin like the SPF 100. You need to apply every 2 hours while in the sun and every time you come out of the water.

 

No Frills Skincare & Repairing

Guys love sunshine and often neglect to protect themselves from UV rays. So, after a long day outside, they may discover redness, oil or even breakouts. These are signs of skin needing to be repaired.

The most affordable repair product: Aloe Gel

Every time a boyfriend asks me what to do about a sunburn, I’ll always say: go to the pharmacy or supermarket and pick up a bottle of aloe gel. If you’re on a limited budget or you just don’t like putting things on your skin, aloe gel is your #1 choice to repair the damage. It’s natural and gentle especially for sunburn plus the texture is cool and absorbs instantly no matter the skin type. HINT:  apply a thick layer (more than 0.5 centimeters) and leave it on your skin for at least 20 minutes before removing.

-Aloe Vera Gel by Earth’s Daughter ($19.99 for 12 oz.)

After Sun mid-price:  Peter Thomas Roth Gel Mask

 

After a day in the sun or even a few minutes sunbathing, impurities in your skin will be drawn to the surface. Once you get home think about applying a mask to purify and replenish.  There are two fabulous masks from Peter Thomas Roth: the cucumber gel mask and the rose stem cell bio-repair gel mask. People have loved the cucumber mask for years because it really refreshes, hydrates and calms the skin. Then the rose mask launched last year and it became the new hit. Personally, I prefer it to the cucumber because the rose gives your skin deeper hydration lasting all day long. I love to apply a small amount, the size of a grape, after cleansing, smelling the scent and rinsing after 15 minutes. It’s a pleasure to use this pink gel and your skin will instantly feel better.

-Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask ($45 for 5 oz.)

After Sun High-end:  La Mer The Lifting And Firming Mask

The big selling point of La Mer is its repairing power and this lifting and firming mask launched last year is no exception. This very light green product has a unique texture and is almost like a light moisturizer. It absorbs completely into the skin so it’s great as a night mask before going to bed. Every time I use it my skin appears smoother and any redness or irritation I have disappears. It’s costly but worth every penny.

-La Mer The Lifting And Firming Mask ($230 for 1.7 oz.)

Sure, summertime is fun time and we’re happy to love every minute of the heat no matter whether we’re in the Caribbean or Colorado.  But taking care of our skin is serious business and hopefully you’ll find sooner rather than later that your skin will thank you in return.