The sun and the skin—why can’t we be friends? It wasn’t always this way; in the ’80s, we were slapping on baby oil and sunbathing on a sheet of aluminum foil. We certainly didn’t wear sunscreen.
Nowadays, taking it outdoors without some form of skin protection is met with fear, fear of a burn, fear of cancer, fear of sun damage or as Grandma calls them, “liver spots.” Fear of our skin someday appearing like a worn out leather handbag.
As with extremes, too much sun exposure isn’t good, but no sun isn’t fun.
Just like our attitudes, sunscreens have also come a long way, offering many light, sheer and protective options for face and body at all prices—no need to coat your nose with thick, greasy white zinc oxide, or live in a cave.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends products that are water-resistant while offering a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, and advises frequent reapplication! But. Beware. The latest news points out some of the ingredients in sunscreens are no good. Only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, have been clinically tested for safety. Minimize additive ingredients like emulsifiers, fragrances and parabens. PABA is a big no-no. It can aggravate the skin of many folks.
So basically wear sunscreen but wear the right sunscreen.
Sunforgettable® Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
This brush-on application of sunscreen is simple. It’s waterproof, great for travel and won’t spill goop into your handbag. .21 oz. ($65), Available at: Apothica, 171 S. Rio Grande St, SLC, 801-746-7444
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
What’s a vitamin C serum doing on the sunscreen page? Think of it as another layer of protection to add to your sunscreen. This serum takes it three ways, protecting, boosting collagen and brightening the skin. 1 oz. ($166), Available at: SLC MED SPA, 2138 S. Highland Dr., SLC, 801-419-0551
OBAGI Sun Shield TINT Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Obagi is adding protection from IR or Infrared Radiation—the blue lights radiating to your face from smart phones and computers, IR defense helps buffer the skin from heat-derived oxidative stress. 3 oz. ($53) Available at: Spa Trouve, 705 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-997-8199
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay only uses simple and active ingredients for even the most sensitive skin types. Light and cooling to the touch—you can’t get much better with an SPF of 60. 1.7 oz. ($36), laroche-posay.us
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