Practice Safe Sun: Use Your Sunscreen!

No, it's not your mother talking...but it is important to practice safe sun and use a sunscreen daily.  May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and I'm doing my part to help educate and raise awareness.  I wanted to focus on reviewing sunscreens that I've used and like.  For previous reviews on sunscreen products, clicky here.

I was recently on vacation and found out a painful lesson.  Most lip glosses don't include sun protection.  I had a preview of how I'd look with a "trout pout"; not so good.  Some dermatologists are saying that glopping on shiny lip glosses without appropriate SPF protection—and lip gloss rarely offers adequate protection— and can actually increase your risk of developing skin cancer because the shiny nature of the gloss could be making the sun’s UV rays hit harder. “These lip glosses can make more of the light rays penetrate directly through the skin instead of getting reflected off of the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Christine Brown, a dermatologist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.  Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother SPF20 is a dermatologist-developed, conditioning gloss that couples the healing benefits of a lip balm with the high-shine of your favorite lip gloss, plus broad-spectrum SPF protection.  Another new product from Neutrogena is Neutrogena MoistureShine Soothing Lip Sheers SPF 20, which is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF to help safeguard against additional dryness and damage.  The result is fuller, healthier looking lips. 

In addition to providing excellent UVA/UVB protection, SunEssence Tropical Honey sunscreen smells wonderful!  Think of it as an all-over moisturizer with an SPF 30.  I love the fact that it is light and nongreasy.  SunEssence sunscreens comes in 3 scents:  Tropical Honey, Pink Paradise and Summer Sherbet.  If you'd like an option to sun protection that doesn't include the infamous "coconut" smell, the SunEssence line is for you. The Spearmint Splurge Lip Topping SPF 15 is another option for lip protection. You can find SunEssence retail information here; SunEssence Sunscreens are also now available at drugstore.com.

If you're the type that likes a gel-based texture, you should try TRUE essential SPF30 Gel.  It's a light, broad-spectrum sunscreen that dispenses out of the tube as a lotion, but absorbs easily.  It's oil-free, non-greasy and has a fresh, lavendar scent. 

Another multi-tasking favorite of mine is TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer.  In addition to being an excellent daily moisturizer with an SPF20, this product has anti-aging benefits.  TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer contains NouriCel-MD (the proprietary blend of human growth factors), peptides, antioxidants--it's really working for you. 

Finally, if you just want a lot of variety, purchase The Sephora Sun Safety Kit ($25 – an $87.00 value).  It's available through June 2008 in all Sephora stores, as well as by calling 1-877-SEPHORA or logging on to Sephora.com and includes:

Korres Natural Products Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30 (.05oz) – Rich in vitamins and essential amino acids, this cream protects the immune system of the skin as well as prevents photo-aging.

• Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30 (.25oz) – Great for all skin types, this ultra-light lotion utilizes powerful antioxidants to give extra sheer protection.
• DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15 (1oz) – The Doctor is in! Everyday protection from environmental damage with a light non-greasy feel.
• Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20 (.35oz) – This lightweight lotion provides UVA/UVB protection while working to control oil and reduce shine, leaving the skin even, smooth and flawless.
• Juice Beauty Green Apple Moisturizer SPF 15 (.17oz) – Nutrient rich moisturizer provides broad spectrum sun protection with anti-aging ingredients to help repair past damage.
• Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 (1 oz) – Get that bronzed summer glow without the help of the sun. This light shimmering bronzer helps firm up the skin with cornflower and rosemary and provides broad spectrum sun protection to help prevent environmental damage.
• Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA + + + (.08oz) – Keep your skin protected and hydrated with this light, intensely moisturizing lotion with a powerful UVA/UVB sunscreen.  (One of my personal favorites!)
• MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection Pads SPF 30 (6 single use pads) – Pocket sized protection with powerful broad spectrum protection with no residue and quick absorption.
• Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30 (.17oz) – Let the sun shine safely with this ultra luxurious cream that safeguards skin against long-lasting environmental stress.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 (.25oz) – This cult favorite has been revved up with serious sun protection to not only give a flawless finish but also to help repair past damage.
• Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15 in “Thursday” (.098oz) – Perfect your pout with this smudge proof tint that provides intense hydration with a soft natural hue; your lips only better!

Make sure to incorporate sunscreen into your daily beauty routine and practice safe sun!