I recall as a very young teenager lying on a silver reflective blanket, covering myself with baby oil and a bit of iodine, with my face NOT covered. Yes, my skin was soft but usually burnt so badly…yet I was filled with pride for my “tanning” success. Anyone else? These are my first memories of sun exposure and tanning. I shudder to think of those days so long ago. The majority of us unaware of the damage, not to mention the danger of what we were doing!
Fast forward a decade or so and the work begins to reverse the signs of aging I caused. LOTS of money spent with chemical peels and laser treatments, to name a few.
When my body approached perimenopause the brown spots began making their debut on my arms. I had worked so hard to combat the signs of aging on my face but didn’t think once about my arms. The brown patches, which were inconsistent, were not pretty…AT ALL. I started creams and laser treatments on my arms with minimal success. I decided I had to break up with the sun as far as sun bathing and laying out. I began researching the best sunscreen with the help of my friend and Aesthetic Nurse, Kelly Walla with Westlake Dermatology. Kelly shared the top three products she recommends to all of her clients below and the remaining items that I love that are my tried and true favorites for my family and myself.
EltaMD | UV Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
I use this for my body when in the sun.
Colorscience | Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
I use for daily eye sun protection and the color is perfect!
Skinceuticals | Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
My hubby Greg loves this for his daily face routine!
Supergoop! | Glow Stick SPF 50
I LOVE this mess-free stick that is not sticky and glides on so smoothly! Perfect for face or body highlighter, especially the top of my hands! I always keep one in my car!
Supergoop! | Hand Screen SPF 40
This is preventative and super hydrating on the hands.
Dr. Barbara Sturm | Sun Drops SPF 50
I cannot share how much I love this product and SPF 50! Light, fragrance free, glides on and I just LOVE! Hands down the best product I have ever used, you NEED!
Rodan & Fields | Essential Lip Shield SPF 25
I am currently using but would LOVE your suggestion so I can try and share! Lips are a tough one for me and I MUST have lip screen so maybe you can recommend something new for me to try? I have cold sores that will pop up as soon as the sun hits my lips caused by stress, weather changes…you name it. I have tried so many and the taste that lingers…yuck!
When traveling and our destination includes the sun, I cover myself, literally, in protection from head to toe. Not only with sunscreen and products all over my body, but I wear sun protection with a rash guard that has a fabric of SPF 50+, a hat with sun protection and of course sunglasses. My family and friends laugh at me as I often look so strange but paying for my sun sins from so long ago. Below are my items I have without fail!
Sunglasses | Burberry Monogram Cat Eye Frame Sunglasses
I love as the sides of my eyes are much more protected.
Packable & lightweight. Blocks 95% UVA/UVB rays.
Rashguard | Athleta North Point
Fabulous coverage with a delicate mock turtleneck. Skin protection around my neck is critical as I have two surgical scars that cannot see the sun. I own this in every color and looking forward to new selections every season. The UPF 50+ has an EXCELLENT rating! Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and allows two percent (1/50th) to penetrate, thus reducing your exposure risk significantly. Case in point with this particular rashguard from Athleta and hats from Eric Javits.
BONUS! How many of you have seen or experienced the SnappyScreen? A sunscreen-spraying booth that will cover you from head to toe with NO missed spots. You can find it at many exclusive and speciality resorts like our beloved Las Ventanas al Paraíso, where we own a villa. I just love this device as it takes the hassle out of sunscreen application and is so easy to use; especially for children. Share with me in the comments if you’ve used one before and what resort you found!
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