Come Out and Play With Our Favorite Sunscreens
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fter months of quarantine and “safer at home” mandates, many of us are bursting at the bikini seams to get outdoors and bask in the sunshine. Even if you feel safer at inside at home, summer sun and its damaging UV rays are a threat regardless of personal choices.
Indoors or out, ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer and premature phot-ageing. While not a national mandate, the American Academy of Dermatology is launching its own safety campaign as we head outdoors amid relaxing shelter-in-place guidelines – #PracticeSafeSun, Part of this nationwide promotion is letting you in on a few simple, but sobering facts.
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
- Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer daily.
- Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day.
- A survey also found that even though most Americans know sun protection is an important healthy habit (76%), only two in five say they regularly use sun protection.
- Exposure to ultraviolet light — from the sun and indoor tanning devices — is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can reach your skin.
- Everyone is at risk of skin cancer — regardless of age, gender or race.
Now that you know the risk, here is what you need to do. Apply an SPF 30 or higher anywhere not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. And if that is not reason enough to apply your SPF, the desire to maintain wrinkle-free skin should peak your concern. In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of skin aging is due to the effects of the sun. Solar exposure causes proteins in our skin to deteriorate, leading to the loss of a youthful appearance over time.
A World of Choice
Choosing the right sunscreen can be challenging with a seemingly endless array of options, particularly the quandary between chemical and non-chemical sunscreens. Chemical formulations have been traditionally more effective and cosmetically appealing, however, the demand for clean and eco-conscious products has resulted in more effective organic options.
Protecting your skin and health does not mean sacrificing advanced anti-aging properties. Many current releases offer complete skin care benefits plus solar protection. End of lecture.
Below are our picks of the best cutting-edge sun care products to keep you safer outdoors.
Shisedo Ultimate Sun Protector SPF 50+
The Japanese premium brand has long been regarded as a leader in sun protection innovation. Their latest release even has the endorsement of top professional surfers Lakey Peterson and Sage Erickson. Powered by Shiseido‘s WetForce Technology with the new addition of HeatForce – together they create a protective veil that becomes more effective in heat, water, and sweat. Plus, the new formula is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, and goes on clear on all skin tones. Ocean-friendly and Hawaii-compliant, Shiseido continues to improve the planet and the people who dwell on it.
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Ultra-light and packed with antioxidants, this mineral facial protector comes with a universal tint that absorbs quickly and evenly. Vitamins and a unique botanical blend boost skin health, while zinc oxide keeps UV damage on hold.
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60
Water-resistant with a sheer finish free of white residue. For both body and face, Capital Soleil includes the addition of Vitamin E and White Grape extract to protect the skin on a cellular level. A powerful SPF 60 offers maximum sun protection.
Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30
A bonafide bestseller thanks to its skincare-first ingredients like probiotics, pineapple & papaya. Non-greasy smells sweet and reef-safe. Protects from dangers indoors and out while leaving a luminous glow. Wild Butterfly Ginger Root: helps protect skin against invisible blue light. This one tops every must-have list.
No B.S Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 20
Clean beauty with unlimited benefits. No B.S was founded and formulated with transparency and honesty. Free of 1,500 plus toxic ingredients, with added doses of the good-for-you stuff like hyaluronic acid, green tea, and shea butter. Protects against UVA, UVB, and blue light rays.
La Roche Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum SPF 50
If you dream of facial sunscreen in the form of a serum, here is your holy grail. A few drops of this lightweight serum can be worn under your favorite daily moisturizer or directly under makeup. Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield® Technology, an antioxidant complex to fight free radicals, and thermal spring water. Clinically tested for safety on the most sensitive skin.
Salt & Stone Premium Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 50
Retractable and portable sticks are a super convenient and vacation-friendly alternative. Salt & Stone is a unisex skin and body care brand with a mission to create safe formulas that are exceptional, effective, and superior to what you have come to expect from natural skincare. Ethical, sustainable, and recyclable, the brand has won devotees among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Available in both tinted and non-tinted formulas that are water-resistant and reef safe. Jojoba, Sunflower, and Vitamin E oils help moisturize and protect the skin.
COOLA Full Spectrum 360⁰ Refreshing Water Mist SPF 18
The ideal solution for reapplication while outdoors and hardcore sunscreen resisters. The alcohol-free mist imbues organic aloe and coconut-water with botanicals and a plant-derived SPF technology to help counter the effects of modern skin aggressors. Moderate protection in a weightless mist that goes anywhere for a refreshing spritz throughout the day.
SpotMyUV Detection Stickers
One of the most hazardous aspects of extended sun exposure is forgetting to reapply. If only a friend could remind you …… That friend is here! SPOTMYUV™ is the world’s first clinically proven UV Detection Sticker that gives you real-time sun protection information. As you run, swim, sweat, and play, SPOTMYUV’s™ patented technology interact with sunscreen, giving you a personal reminder that it’s time to reapply your sunscreen. Water-proof, sweat-proof, and tan-line proof.
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF 30
No one knows beach beauty like sun-worshipping Brazilians. Featuring Açaí Oi and Cupuaçu Butter, this illuminating yet non-greasy formula indulges the body with tantalizing Rio radiance.
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro UV Defense Fluid SPF 45
A professionally inspired treatment that helps safeguard the beauty of your skin with a holistic 3-in-1 approach, combating the visible effects of all forms of environmental aggression. Contains a patented pollution defense blend plus an advanced technology to seal in hydration while fighting infrared light and free radical damage while increasing collagen and elastin production.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
The scorching sun fades hair color and causes damage to the scalp. Like a sun visor for your head, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure to minimize damage and dryness.
Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF 15
Don’t forget your precious lips. Drench them with needed hydration plus a sheer wash of color. A blend of waxes and oils imparts a smooth consistency. Add vitamins and an SPF to keep lips supple and safe. Completely vegan and available in seven delicious shades.
C’Est Moi Sunshine Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45
A complete skin and sun care line just for teens and tweens. Stay out of mommy’s stuff! These products are made for the most delicate skin. Mineral Zinc Oxide combined with an antioxidant blend protects the skin from the sun while keeping our reefs safe and happy.
