The Friday before Memorial Day is known as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. If you’re headed out for the holiday weekend, make sure to check these sun-safety tips and pack a sunscreen!
Because no single step can fully protect you and your family from overexposure to UV radiation, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention suggests you follow as many of the these tips as possible:
Do Not Burn or Tan
Seek Shade
Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
Generously Apply Sunscreen
Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand
Get Vitamin D Safely
I’ve covered sunscreens extensively on Beauty411 before, but skin cancer is a preventable disease…and what’s worse, it’s on the rise. During the summer, I’m outside walking, biking and doing all kinds of activities. Sun protection that is over 30 SPF, broad spectrum (protects against UVA/UVB rays) and water-resistant is essential. I’ve pulled together some of the newest in sunscreens and sun protection–pick one up and throw it in your beach bag!
From L’Oreal Paris the new Quick Dry Sheer Finish Spray 50+ offers UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection, is non-greasy, non-sticky and water-resistant. This one dries quickly on skin, so you can spray and go. I love the convenenience of a spray sunscreens for outdoors.
It’s not summer unless you pull out Hawaiian Tropic® Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen! This formula illuminates skin, but is not a full-on shimmer lotion. It’s broad spectrum SPF 30 in a non-greasy lotion formula, is water-resistant and oil-free. And it has the unmistakeable Hawaiian Tropic fragrance! There is an Oil-Free Silk Hydration SPF 30 (broad spectrum protection) available for face that I can recommend, too!
CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen for Body is broad spectrum, water-resistant and has a lightweight formula. The Zinc Oxide in this physical sunscreen is microfine, which means it drys to a clear finish. There are also ceramides in the formula, which help to repair and restore skin’s protective barrier. If I was going to be outside, this would be my choice.
I’m a huge fan of Neutrogena sunscreens and the new Beach Defense water + sun barrier stick gives us no reason to go without sunscreen! This convenient broad spectrum SPF 50+ travels easily in purse, beach bag, backpack or bike bag. Also great for guys who typically don’t like to apply sunscreen. It goes on light and dry and you absolutely will not feel like you’re wearing sunscreen. Great product!
I try to bring you many different textures of sunscreen, because if you find one you like, you’re more likely to use it. VICHY Capital Soleil 50 Sunscreen is a foam sunscreen that is lightweight and importantly, not sticky or greasy. It has a nice fragrance, too. One word of warning, though. The first time you apply, make sure you shake well and hold the can upside down when you dispense (or it will spray everywhere). Once you get the hang of it, this is an excellent, water-resistant sunscreen that I really like.
If you like a sport sunscreen option, Alba Botanica® Very Emollient™ Sunscreen Sport Mineral SPF 45 is a great option. This is a physical sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, so it’s a good formula for when you’re outdoors. This thick, white cream moisturizes as it protects; it does need to be worked into skin.
Another way to protect yourself, especially if you’re active outdoors like I am, is to wear clothing with SPF built-in. I walk at least 6 miles/every day and even with sunscreen on, it sweats off and I’ve occasionally burned. I recently tried Coolibar sun protective clothing and it’s amazing! I’ve been wearing the Short-Sleeve Fitness Shirt when I walk, bike and garden. It’s lightweight, moisture-wicking and is made of a very comfortable fabric, with sun protection built in. The sun protection never washes out and the garment looks and feels no different than any other in my wardrobe. I love knowing that I’m protecting myself beyond just sunscreen!
Whatever sunscreen option you choose, make sure to read all the label directions, apply and (and re-apply) sunscreen frequently and have a great summer! If you’re interested in sunscreens that work well under makeup, I’ve tested some excellent ones.
Disclosure: Press samples have been provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing and review. Affiliate links may have been used in the post; see Disclosure Policy for additional information.