Beach Protection!

As you know, it is SO important to wear sun screen EVERY DAY! but especially if you are out on the beach! I know there are gonna be a lot of beach entries to come, even with having to take summer classes, the beach is on my mind :) If you know me, I'm crazy about my skin protection using the highest SPF possible!

The UVA and UVB rays from the sun are not your friends! UVA is mainly the cause for wrinkles and photoaging of your skin. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin and are now thought to be the main cause of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma. UVB is the main cause for sun burns! but they are both bad and both contribute to wrinkles and skin cancer so you definitely want to protect yourself!!

You should always use SPF 30 or HIGHER, I prefer higher of course but it actually doesn't protect THAT much more. SPF 15 blocks 94% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, and SPF higher than 50 only protects 1-2% more than SPF 30.

Find a sunscreen that is a "UVA/UVB" protection or has "broad spectrum" protection and water resistant/waterproof that is SPF 30 or higher. You need to wear 1 oz, about a shot glass full of sunscreen is recommended. So don't be shy and slather up especially if you are gonna be out in the sun all day! Slather up 30 minutes before you go out in the sun and also don't forget to reapply! Its recommended every 2 hours but the sooner the better :)


Here are some of my recommendations for sunscreens

I really love Shiseido products, so its no surprise on the top of my list is Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++ comes in 2.2 oz or 3.3. oz. It is formulated with the retexturizing ingredient Xylitol to counteract roughness and keep skin looking soft and healthy and contains an antioxidant Thiotaurin.

DDF Enhancing Sun Protection SPF 30 This product is a little pricey, but its great because in addition to protecting your skin from the sun it contains self-adjusting color spheres to enhance natural skin tone and to even out your complexion. It contains antioxidants as well, which are always good for your skin!




Clinique has two really great face SPF which also come in a body creme SPF as well, but I'd rather spend the money for my face! They also contain antioxidants as well. The Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 is a light weight sheer face creme that would be perfect for everyday and under your makeup, while the Clinique UV Response Face SPF 50 is great for the beach. It increases its protection with increasing intensity of the sun! How smart is that.






Two great ones by Neutrogena are the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 85 and Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Mist, SPF 70. These both come in a lower SPF of 45 but I figure I could always use another 1-2% of UVA/UVB blockage! The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock is great for those days at the beach and the Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Mist is a great alternative to the suntan lotions but still with the protection you need! These sunblocks are a great bang for your buck!




** And always don't forget your sunglasses! Protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays also!

Source: Prevention.com, SkinCancer.Org, WebMD.com