When I’m spending any amount of time outdoors, I rely on four items to protect me from the sun. The term essentials is used often, but it’s absolutely appropriate here. Growing up in southern California, I spent my fair share of time basking in the sun when I was young. Now, I’m the opposite and always searching for shade. I’m also religious about sunscreen. I apply it everyday, often more than once. I used to hate the feel and smell of sunscreen, especially on my face, but since I started using EltaMD, I never miss a day. I’ve used it for years now and posted it on it previously here and here. This is one product I have on auto-ship so I never run out.
Besides sunscreen though, I like to go the extra mile and protect my face and chest with a hat, sunglasses and a scarf. Because these items are so often in rotation, I like having a variety of styles and colors.
Eric Javits Squishee hats (above sold out) are favorites. Travel friendly with SPF 50, the fedora styles look equally chic off the beach. I have it in black too.
Sunglasses with quality lenses, like the above from SALT., are another must. UV damage to the eyes, reflective and direct, is not a pretty thing and can affect vision.
I also have multiple light weight scarves to loosely wrap around my neck to protect my chest from additional freckles or spots. I’ve spent enough time trying to remove or fade them, the last thing I want is to counteract my efforts. Even if I’m at the beach, under an umbrella, I still like to have one handy to protect from all the reflection.
I’d like to say I’m as diligent with the rest of my body, but I’m not. I don’t bask in the sun to get tan anymore, but I LOVE the feeling of the warm sun on my skin. It feels so good and reminds me of my childhood.
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Vancouver reader
Like you I stay pretty covered up & always use sunscreen on face, neck, & hands. I’ve become a lot more concerned about the ingredients in the products that I use on my skin & use the Environmental Working Group’s website for reference. Based on their research, the Elta MD products raise concerns but the Juice Beauty does not. http://www.ewg.org is a great resource & they have a wide variety of products on their cosmetic data base Love the Eric Javits’ hats.
Karima
Thank you for your comment. I would love to read what EWG says about Elta MD, but I can’t find their review. Can you send the link? I use them as a reference for a variety of products and trust their findings. I have also heard good things about Juice Beauty products and would be interested to give their sunscreen a try.
Susan
I also use Elta MD and love it. Vancouver Reader’s comment made me a bit nervous about it. Is there anything else that feels as light with a high SPF?
Karima
I’m investigating. I might try the Juice Beauty… I’ll report back.
Vancouver reader
overall many of the Elta MD products have low scores but this one is at the high end so wouldn’t be one I would use given that there are better options
I noticed that most of their sunscreens that aren’t tinted score much lower
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=Elta+MD&search_group=everything&&showmore=everything&start=40
Karima
Thank you for the link. I’ve loved Elta for years, but am will to try something new that is less damaging. I ordered Beautycounter’s sunscreen yesterday. I’ll report back.
Karishma
My cousin who is a derm recommended Elta as a sunscreen, that’s what I’m using this summer too!
Karima
I originally purchased it from my dermatologist on his recommendation.
Vancouver reader
The Beauty Counter products get great scores on EWG so looking forward to hearing how effective it is in blocking out the sun & how you like it
Karima
Yes, they have an excellent rating!
Patrice
Elta is the only sunscreen I will use on my face. All others I have tried make me breakout. It’s a bummer still having to deal with breakouts at my age (50). Thanks for your post, love the pictures.