Let's Talk SPF: How To Properly Protect Your Skin This Summer
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Let's Talk SPF: How To Properly Protect Your Skin This Summer

You don't want to get burned.

13
Let's Talk SPF: How To Properly Protect Your Skin This Summer
Alvin Balemesa

Sunscreen: Everyone tells us that we should be wearing it, or wearing more of it, or reapplying more often. Everyone, from our mothers to Vogue to the CDC, warn against the long-term consequences of sunbathing, or even stepping foot outside, without SPF. I am not so sorry to say that I am one of those people, but there are plenty of good reasons to put on (and then reapply throughout the day) sunscreen.

A lot of very scary things can happen when you don’t wear sunscreen: hyper-pigmentation, telangiectasia (the very scary name for broken blood vessels), wrinkles, sunburns with blisters, and potential scarring. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however. Not taking care of your skin could ruin your health: skin cancer, or melanoma, is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and in most cases is preventable.

Fun, right? If you're already not great about putting sunscreen on every day, an excuse is that there are just too many rules. How in the world are we supposed to remember the ‘right’ way to put on sunscreen?

Every few years, we learn that we are all ‘putting on sunscreen wrong’; really, we should just keep in mind the 'two hour rule.' Have you been in the sun for two hours? Reapply. If you're not sure if you should put more sunscreen, you should probably just put more on. That does not mean if you're stuck inside for work all day you HAVE to reapply; if you are inside all day, you probably only need to put on sunscreen once. If you are on the go and don’t have time to reapply, consider Supergoop sunscreen mist -- reapply over makeup on the go while maintaining sun coverage. Easy as pie!

Now, I know what you're thinking: but my acne-prone and/or sensitive skin just cannot handle sunscreen! Lucky for you, all-natural brands like 'Kiss My Face' and 'Alba Botanica' have sensitive, non-toxic formulas for you to try out for yourself! Have more high-fashion tastes? Try Glossier’s new 'Invisible Shield SPF 35,' which claims not only be great under makeup and super effective against UV rays, but also to have a clear water gel formula that absorbs into the skin without residue or a white cast.

But how much SPF is the right amount? Shouldn’t we be wearing SPF 100, or nothing at all? The CDC says you should be wearing at least SPF 15, while most dermatologists suggest SPF 30. If you are worried about how much protection you are getting from your sunscreen, consider how much you're using. If you think you are using half a teaspoon, you are set. If not, consider bumping up your coverage like Dermalogica 'Pure Light SPF 50.'

When in doubt, find an SPF product, whether that be a BB cream, SPF moisturizer, or sunscreen, that you love, and commit to wearing it every day. Once it’s a habit, you will forget that it was ever a chore. Trust me, future you will thank you for this little bit of self-care!

Go forth and frolic in the summer sun (safely, of course)!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

84003
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

50682
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

985065
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments