Why is spring/summer skin care important?

Look for sunscreens that offer:

• at least SPF 30
• broad spectrum protection
• lip protection

“The most important thing is that you need to protect your skin from the sun,” says Elizabeth Mullans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. If you don’t do that, “your skin will age faster and increase your risk of skin cancer.”

It’s essential to apply sunscreen any time you are in the sun, including during the winter months. We tend to spend more time outside when it’s warmer out, typically from June through September in the United States.

The Skin Cancer Foundation says that daily use of SPF 15 can reduce a person’s risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent. It also protects your skin against premature aging.

Mullans tells her patients to go a bit higher in the summer and use sunscreen with SPF 30.

“There’s a huge jump in terms of the rays blocked between a 15 and a 30, but above 30, there’s not much of a difference,” she says.

Another phrase you’ll want to look for on the bottle is “broad-spectrum,” which means the sunscreen protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Barry Goldman, MD, an NYC-based board certified dermatologist, says both types of UV rays contribute to skin cancer development.

Try the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen or Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 100.

After that, the type of sunscreen you use mainly comes down to personal preference.

“The best sunscreen for someone is the sunscreen that person will use,” Mullans says.

Mullans personally looks for a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are physical blockers rather than chemical blockers.

Try the Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 or Bare Republic Mineral 30 SPF Body Sunscreen Lotion.

Joyce Park, MD, a California-based board certified dermatologist, says to reapply every 2 hours. You should be slathering on enough sunscreen on your body to fill a shot glass, she says.

And don’t forget your lips.

“The sun damage shows up later. I see people with skin cancer on the lips,” Goldman says.

Many brands specifically sell sunscreen for lips. Mullans suggests finding one with at least SPF 30.

Try the Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

The bottom line

It’s essential to apply sunscreen daily to reduce your risk of skin cancer, no matter the weather. Look for sunscreen that’s broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours. And don’t forget about your lips, too!

Generally speaking, the air isn’t as dry in the summer as it is in the winter. Still, Goldman doesn’t suggest ditching moisturizer — your skin can still dry out in the summer.

That said, a heavy moisturizer can feel like it’s weighing your face down when it’s hot out. Goldman suggests finding a lighter one. Start by sampling some, if you can, in the beauty aisle of the drugstore.

“I use the Heinz ketchup test,” he says. “If it’s runny, it’s thinner.”

Mullans agrees. “A lot of us use heavier moisturizers in the winter [than we do in the summer].”

Mullans recommends finding a moisturizer with an SPF to provide an extra layer of protection. Just don’t put it on in the morning and think it can replace sunscreen all day.

“It’s just not enough,” she says. “You need at least SPF 30 and to reapply every 2 hours [if you’re in the sun].” https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/the-ultimate-summer-skin-care-routine-in-8-simple-steps#moisturize

For those of you who don't know, we sell our moisturiser and body butter with an in-built moisturiser. SPF 50, no less.