If you grew up anytime after the 1970’s, you’ve likely been bombarded with media telling you that the key to summer beauty is is a little sun exposure.
You’ve heard all the phrases: Sunkissed, baked, tanned… whatever you call it, it all means the same thing.
Skin damage.
These days, we know more than ever about the sun’s rays’ harmful effects on our skin. Despite that, many of us still neglect to include sunscreen in our skincare routine.
If this sounds like you, we’re here to give you a friendly push in the right direction. We’ve gathered up all the facts, to that you have no excuses when it comes to protecting your skin.
Why Is The Sun Harmful?
“But I thought the sun was an important source of Vitamin D?”
“People lived without sunscreen for most of history!”
“I only like to get a light, healthy tan.”
You may have heard arguments against using sun protection that sound a lot like these. Maybe you’ve even found yourself thinking these things yourself. The truth is, that while a small amount of sun exposure is necessary for optimal health, our idea of what a small amount is has been skewed way out of proportion. Most medical professionals agree that thirty minutes of unprotected sun exposure is more than enough. Some even argue that five minutes is enough to get your daily dose of vitamin D.
After that, though, the effects start to be more negative than positive. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, allow them to penetrate through several layers of skin, killing and damaging cells.
What Are The Risks of Overexposure to Sun?
Most of us know the the pain of getting a sunburn. The red, irritated skin and subsequent peeling can be hurt, itch, and be unpleasant to look at. A sunburn, however, is actually just the first visible sign of sun damage. Once the skin has been burnt, it means that changes in the body are already taking place.
For some of us, this manifests as freckles or moles. These are created when melanated skin cells form a clump. While many of these freckles or moles can be harmless, some can be cancerous. If you’ve developed new skin bumps and moles after sun exposure, be sure to have them checked out by your dermatologist.
Did you know your eyes can get a sunburn, too? Overexposure to UV rays can burn the outer layer of the cornea, leading to cataracts and possible blindness.
On an aesthetic level, sun exposure dries out the skin, leading to visible signs of early aging. If you are frequently out in the sun without sun protection, you can bet that you’ll be seeing wrinkles and age spots sooner than you want to be seeing them.
Okay, But I Only Need It On Sunny Summer Days, Right?
We hate to break it to you, Mamas, but sun damage knows no season. While it’s true that the sun is at it’s most powerful during the hot summer, even in the winter it is powerful enough to burn and damage your skin. Combat that by finding a sunscreen you love, to wear year round!
But I Have a Darker Skin Tone! Do I Really Need Sunscreen?
The short answer is absolutely!
Darker skin tones are created by higher amounts of the pigment melanin. Melanin naturally helps protect the skin from UV damage, but it is not foolproof. People with darker skin tones may find that they do not get sunburned as quickly as those with pale skin, but enough sun exposure will still lead to a burn. In some cases, a sunburn might be less noticeable, which means it is doubly important to be using sunscreen.
Okay, I Get It. But What Should I Use?
Don’t worry, Mamas. We’ve got the best hookups for all the best sunscreens and protective gear around, so you can enjoy your summer worry free.
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen
There is nothing worse than doing your part to avoid UV damage, but discovering that your sunscreen leaves a white cast on your face.
A cult favorite, this product from Supergoop offers SPF 40 protection, while being virtually invisible on the skin. As an added bonus, it is fragrance free and weightless, as well as invisible.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Mist SPF 50
If you’re like us, you are a pro at putting on your sunscreen as part of your morning skincare routine. Reapplying throughout the day though? Well…it may leave a little something to be desired.
With this handy face mist from Neutrogena, you can make sure that your face is protected all day. The handy spray formula makes it easy to reapply, without smearing or smudging your makeup.
Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15
The skin on your lips is no different than the rest of your body! Protect your lips from drying sun damage, while still having a gentle pop of color with these tinted lip balms from Sun Bum.
Mad Hippie Ultra Sheer Body SPF 40
If you love enjoying time in nature during the summer, you’ll know that it is just as important to protect our environment, as it is to protect ourselves. You can do both with Mad Hippie’s Ultra Sheer Body SPF, which features a reef-safe, mineral sunscreen formula that will not harm the oceans. With up to 80 minutes of water resistance, you can enjoy your beach day knowing that you are making great choices for your body and the earth.
Fat and The Moon Aloe Lotion
Looking to rehydrate skin after a long day outside? Look no further than this nourishing body lotion by Fat and The Moon. Packed with soothing aloe, it will provide instant relief on those days where you didn’t quite reapply sun screen fast enough.
Are you a Sunscreen Queen, or are you just learning? Share your favorite sun protection brands below!