Did you know that last week was Sun Awareness Week and I’m also in Las Vegas right now. So I thought it was the perfect time to open up a conversation about the dangers of excessive sun exposure and share some tips on how to keep protected this summer. I was on JRFM this morning talking about my tips you need to know!

If you missed our live chat on Thursday @ 12:45pm click the link!  

– See more at: http://www.jrfm.com/barbara-beam/2016/06/22/contest-post-how-to-practice-safe-sun#sthash.6bCR49dT.dpuf

Now I’m not innocent at all here. I’ve had sunburn a few times over the years, even using baby oil to achieve that golden brown suntan. My oh my was I stupid in my younger years. I’ve become smarter and now I make sure that the sun never touches my skin and I wear a hat if I know I’m going to be outside for long periods of time.

The Canadian Dermatology Association has some great tips to educate Canadians in hopes of preventing the amount of skin cancer related incidents in Canada. Here are the facts you need to know:

1. To completely protect your entire body, the recommended amount of sunscreen is 2 tablespoons (approximately the size of a golfball).
2. Classic oil based sunscreens can leave gaps in your coverage on wet and sweaty skin, exposing skin to UVA & UVB Rays, burning and long-term damage.
3. The sun can penetrate water up to 30 metres
4. 70% of ALL UV Rays penetrate through the clouds
5. UVA causes long term damage and contributes to premature aging and skin cancer. UVB causes skin surface damage which is what sunburns are.

So full disclosure I absolutely hate wearing sunscreen, the smell alone drives me wild, the consistency feels disgusting on my skin and one of the main components in sunscreen is oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is one of the main reasons for our declining coral reefs because it can promote and worsen the coral bleaching process. When people apply sunscreen and then go swimming in the ocean oxybenzone as wells as other chemicals leach into the water which pollute the water and are toxic to aquatic life. Many people too find that sunscreen irritates their skin so a fragrance-free all natural option can fix this problem.

Luckily there are some all natural options to provide sun protection which use minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that sit on your skin to block the suns rays. Brands such as Nature’s Gate Mineral Sportblock, Badger Active Sunscreen Creams (moisturizing & water resistant 40mins ) and Kiss My Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 which also comes in a spray bottle are good options. If you plan on being active try Coola Sport SPF 50, certified organic and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to sunscreen I would recommend a topical vitamin C (such as SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic) and a mineral-based sunscreen for an inside-out protection against UV rays, infrared and pollution.

Dr. William Macgillivray, Medical Director at Project Skin MD notes that Pure L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in a concentration of 10-20% formulated in a low pH serum has been shown to neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules coming from the environment and damaging the skin structure) coming from UV rays and recently infrared (heat) and pollution.

Project Skin MD who is a leader in advanced professional skincare recommends that their patients apply vitamin C every morning on a clean skin and layer with a moisturizer then follow with a mineral-based sunscreen. Whether sunny, rainy or cloudy outside, this regimen should always be the same to prevent future damage build-up and protect the skin.

Once I have my sunscreen on I like to add a BB cream over top that also has a bit of sunscreen in it, to provide a little coverage so my skin looks flawless. My absolute favourite is from my makeup artists own brand AnaVBeauty and I wear it on the daily, it’s that good!!! I’ve also used Benecos when I want a bit more coverage.

BB cream can go beyond the anti-aging, brightening, skin-correcting benefits of standard formulas with the inclusion of serious SPF. Of course, unless you’re reapplying them every two hours in heavy layers—SPF-spiked BB creams alone aren’t enough to keep you totally protected throughout the day. But the point is that every little bit of sunscreen helps.

BB powder SPF 30 can be a convenient choice, especially for sunscreen top-ups before lunchtime in the sun. Ana’s BB loose powders contain mineral and physical sunscreens titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and only $25 compared to higher price points like Bobbi Brown or Dr. Brandt Skincare.

Another great option is an SPF Bronzer that comes in a click-wand with a built-in brush, and in several shades.You can dust it all over your face to get a tan effect before you go out! St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse or Bioderma Moisturizing Tanning Spray are also a fantastic options if you want that all over glow before hitting the pool.

So get some sunscreen on and wear that hat. We all need to be covered, protected and sun smart this summer!

Giveaway! 

We want to give you the chance to try the new SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50!! Fusion uses mineral filters (natural) – zinc and titanium dioxide and paraben free.

• Sheer, tinted sunscreen adapts to every skin tone
• Water resistant for up to 40 minutes
• Boosts radiance for a more even, luminous complexion
• 100% physical sunscreen ingredients provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• Increases skin’s resistance to UV- and heat-induced stress (based on in-vitro testing)
• Paraben-free and non-comedogenic
• Ideal for all skin types, even very sensitive

All you have to do to ENTER is go to the JRFM blog and tell us how you like to practice safe sun in the comments for your chance to win!

Natalie xo