Tag: SPF

SPF APPLICATION: You’ve Probably Been Doing It Wrong

Published on by Crystal Lee1 Comment

To give us all some credit, we’re sure a lot of us SPF enthusiasts are doing it correctly. Maybe even overdoing it. Which to us, is correct. One can never have too much sun protection! But there are many of us out there haphazardly slapping on the SPF sparingly, here and there, just to say we did it. Most often, that’s like not doing it at all.

Here are few expert opinions on how we should be applying sunscreen, day in and day out.

Reapply

People really need to understand the importance of re-application of your sunscreen, every day. Because that’s not just a thing our moms like to say to annoy us. SPF is only protectively active for so long, so if we never reapply, it’s literally not working hours later—we might as well have none on. FDA recommends that you reapply every two to three hours, and more often if you plan on engaging in high-intensity activities.

Make sure lips and eyes are covered

Lately, us beauties have been using an SPF mist as our go-to for full face, neck, and chest sunscreen every day because it’s great over makeup. It’s a personal preference whether or not one needs a different sunscreen for lips and eyes, but it’s super important if your eye area is extra sensitive, and many people’s are. What is crucial is that you stay covered, so if you’re avoiding sunscreen on your lips or eyes due to sensitivities, certainly get products just for that area.

Don’t forget the décolletage

You definitely want to remember sunscreen on the décolletage as well to avoid wrinkles and dark spots over time. I use it anywhere and everywhere my skin is constantly exposed—so that absolutely includes this gorgeous area of the body. The skin here is not as delicate as the face, but definitely more delicate and wrinkle-prone than other areas of the body, so don’t skimp on the neck and chest.

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The tops of your hands, too

Especially while you’re driving, your hands are always exposed to the sun, which can often lead to skin damage. Some say our hands are the first to tell our true age, and that’s because they are so prone to wrinkling and sunspots. It’s easy to forget the hands, which arguably take the most beating over any other part of the body, and they are almost never unexposed.

If you sit in traffic often …

And if you live in Miami, you just might. When you’re driving, your entire upper body is exposed to the sun, and UV rays can definitely penetrate through the windows onto the skin. I highly recommend applying and reapplying sunscreen on your face, neck, chest, and arms even if you’re sitting in the car all day.

When things get wet

Swimming, versus just sweating? Not every day is going to be a wet and wild pool or beach day, but hot summer days have an effect on your level of protection as well. According to the FDA, there’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. So yes, sweating can lift your sun protection up from the skin through your pores, and any material that wipes or wicks sweeps it away along with the sweat. When I know I’m going to sweat a lot or plan on swimming, I make sure to reapply my sunscreen more often.

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Melanin is Amazing but I Need Sunscreen?

Published on by Crystal Lee6 Comments

In the black community it’s a common misconception that our melanin infused skin completely eliminates the need for sunscreen as protection. Yes, our melanin does protect from some UV rays, but we actually do need to wear sunscreen too.

Skin cancer and aging lines don’t discriminate. Every skin tone on earth is at risk of being dried out, aged and burnt by the sun. It’s not too late to properly take care of your melanin.

Let’s take a moment to explore the reasons why sunscreen is a must, even for darker tones.

Cancer

This alone is good enough reason to buy sunscreen for your melanin. Skin cancer effects both light skin tones and dark. Your natural skin protectant blocks UV light up to SPF 13. This isn’t as strong as the sunscreen (SPF 30 is recommended) which is created for skin protection.

That means cancer can and will develop in your skin, if not properly protected. Studies also show that we are more likely to die from skin cancer than those with lighter skin. Melanated people are simply more likely to die from skin cancer because we aren’t looking for the signs and don’t take the necessary precautions to prevent skin cancers.

While people with dark skin have more melanin, which helps to protect their skin from UV rays, they are still at risk for developing different types of skin cancer, including melanomas. UV rays also contribute to photoaging, and regular use of sunscreen can help prevent the formation of wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging leathery skin.

You can find important information on skin cancer and melanin on Health Care’s website.

Aging and Dark Spots

One of the benefits of dark skin is the ability to look as if you haven’t aged a day. You want to keep these good looks, right? Don’t let the sun dry out your skin creating fine lines and wrinkles. It’s simply not worth it when you can purchase sunscreen designed specifically for your needs.

Sunlight also creates uneven skin tones and dark spots which can be totally avoided with a little sun screen. Aging spots and lines aren’t the only thing to worry about. Your skin will lose tone, and volume.

Sagging skin will become a reality if sunscreen isn’t used while you’re in the sun. This is especially true for those who live in areas like Texas, Florida and other places where the sun always shines.

Unwanted Burns

If you’ve never experienced a sunburn lucky you. It’s the worst feeling and seeing your skin peel right before your eyes is pretty weird. Sunburns can happen on all skin tones. Sure, you won’t burn as quickly as those with fair skin, but you can still develop burns.

Take the extra precaution of choosing the right sunscreen designed for your skin type. It doesn’t hurt to take these measures. In the long run your skin will truly thank you.

While you’re in the sun your skin will become darker, everyone knows this but do you know why? The tanning effect isn’t really a tan it’s a sign of skin damage from the sun. Your body produces more melanin in effort to protect that previous outer layer of skin.

Your melanin is amazing. It performs super hero like duties but unfortunately it cannot completely protect you from harmful UV rays. Take the time to research skin cancer in African Americans and purchase sunscreen. Your body will thank you.

Knowing the ingredients and the resulting properties isn’t on every shoppers mind, but the undesirable outcomes are. The majority of shoppers look for a product that isn’t greasy or that doesn’t leave a noticeable residue on the skin. A good deal of people also look for a product that is in line with their own ethics. I, for one, look for Vegan/ cruelty free products that also hydrate the skin. I normally just stick with Aveeno PROTECT + HYDRATE Lotion but today… well read on to see why Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer got me singing ♪♪♪. (Click here to continue)

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Say Yes to Winter SPF

Published on by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

Its no secret SPF is essential during the summer months. But did you know it’s equally important during the wintertime? Oh, what’s that? You work inside all day so you don’t need sunscreen? Not so fast; it’s important for you too!

UV rays are just as harmful during the winter as they are in the summertime… even if you spend your days working indoors, hidden from the sunshine. UVA rays penetrate window glass, which means you are exposed during your commute and if your office is filled with natural light. UV rays are especially harmful in snowy conditions since rays are strengthened due to the reflective nature of snow. The same goes for cloudy days. So lather up ladies!

All of these forms of exposure contribute to something called “photoaging.” Photoaging is a process of aging caused by UVA and UVB exposure. Major symptoms of photoaging include spider veins on the face or neck, loss of color and fullness in lips and wrinkle formations on the face, neck, ears, hands or chest. No thank you! (Note: You may want to think twice about those hands on the sunny steering wheel too because hands and necks show the symptoms of photoaging the most.) Since even the slightest bits of exposure add up quickly, it’s important to protect any uncovered skin with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB lotion with a minimum SPF of 15.

I use SPF 50 every morning (I use Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+). I apply it to my face, neck, and hands. If you’re looking for a quality SPF, I suggest buying something with one or more of the following ingredients:

  • B3: It aids in skin renewal and helps to improve your skins natural moisture barrier.
  • Lycopene: Helps improve your skin’s natural protection against ultraviolet radiation.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Restores water content, elasticity, and firmness to your skin.
  • Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps reduce the appearance of sun damage and increases skin’s moisture.
  • Katafray Bark: This ingredient is full of natural moisturizing properties.
  • Argan Oil: Repairs sun damage and keep skin looking radiant and smooth.

What’s your favorite SPF?

XO Lee

Skin Saver: What the SPF?

Published on by Crystal Lee2 Comments

When I walk into the sunscreen aisle I always feel a bit overwhelmed. So many numbers, so many acronyms (SPF, UVA, UVB, COTZ, WTF?!), and so not sure what to look for… I figured many of you might feel the same way so I did a little research and put together this simple, no-brainer guide about SPF.

Aside from using retinoid creams and topical antioxidants, sunscreen is the most powerful ammo us girls have against wrinkles and rough skin. While it’s smart to wear sunscreen when you know you’ll be outdoors (beach, shopping, brunching, running, or whatever)  it’s still important to wear it every day, even if you’re going to be indoors–no exceptions. Rain or shine, summer or winter, SPF is a must.

Okay so enough about when to wear it. Let’s talk shop about picking the right SPF and how to wear it.

Most of us would think that the higher the SPF number, the better. Right? Wrong. Without going into too much detail, the SPF number is simply a standard for how long you can tolerate the sun without burning. So if you can stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning, an SPF of 15 would allow you to spend 150 minutes in the sun before burning. It’s all very confusing. But the bottom line here is that anything over SPF 30 isn’t going to protect your any better. The numbers are based on time spent in the sun, which is why reapplication is essential. Also, for those of you who think that layering on SPF 15 over your SPF 10 will give the protection of SPF 25–think again. Layering does not increase the SPF. I suppose the only benefit is that it ensures that every area is covered. Ideally, you should wear SPF 30 or greater according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Bottom line: Wear SPF 30 or greater with broad-spectrum UVA/ UVB protection. Apply it to your face, neck, and hands every single day and smother it onto your body when you are going to be outdoors in the sun.

What’s your favorite facial SPF?

XO Lee

P.S. Fun fact: Sunscreen typically maintains its strength for about 3 years. After that time period, it is less effective. So if your SPF doesn’t have an expiration date, be sure to write it onto the bottle when you get it so you can keep track.

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