Sun Protection

Protecting ourselves from sun damage.

I remember being younger and the long summer days of being on the beach or by the pool and drowning in SPF 10 sun tan lotion along with creating our own concoctions to get beautiful sun glowing skin. Those days are far gone and now at the age of 51 I'm noticing the damage that the sun has actually had on my skin. I've been left with sun marks that have taken years to fade. Needless to say, I'm lucky I didn't end up with skin cancer. For the last 10 years I've been very cautious how I expose myself to the sun, while also allowing myself to get the right amount of vitamin D from it.

No matter the season, these days you'll always find me wearing a cap or a hat if I'm outdoors for more than 30 minutes. As an avid runner, I always run with a cap on and do my best to run earlier during the day or when the sun is almost setting to minimize sun exposure. I'm also very diligent on using sunscreen everyday and applying it every 2 hours as necessary. I even apply sunscreen on my hands since they are often expose especially while driving.

Here are some things to keep in mind about sunscreen and how to use it.

1. When applying sunscreen to your face, make sure it's the very first product you use after washing your face. This will make it easier for your skin to absorb it and be most effective.

2. It's important to use sunscreen that isn't full of unnecessary chemicals that may cause more harm to your skin. What you should look for are two important ingredients, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. If there are any other ingredients it should be minimal and best if they're made from natural resources.

3. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every 2 hours when outdoors.

4. At the end of your day, make sure to wash face and skin well to remove any excess sunscreen that may end up in oil build-up.

One of my favorite sunscreens that I've been using for several years now is Beauty Counter Mineral Sunscreen lotion and the stick for my kids. I apply it on my face everyday and on our bodies when at the beach or poolside.

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Thanks for stopping by! Always sending you lots of Love and Light.

xo Maritza