I know this might be a few months too early for my northern hemisphere readers, but think of it as a little escape from the cold or something to look forward to. Summer is finally winding down here though (it’s been one of the hottest summers on record) and I thought I would share what’s helped me get through. With my recent diagnosis, I couldn’t help but make adjustments to my sun protection. I was recently reminded again, with the removal of a precancerous mole, of how important it is to do what you can to guard yourself from the damaging rays of the sun. Here is my sun safety dream team!
Sunglasses
Vogue was right, my dermatologist told me, “The bigger, the better”. Unbeknown to most people, our eyes are susceptible to melanoma as well, so invest in a good pair of BIG sunglasses.
Aruba Aloe Very Water Resistant SPF 30 Sunscreen
First of all, SPF 30 is a minimum, along with waterproof protection. I’ve tried expensive and cheap sunscreens, but this gem from the small island of Aruba is my all time favourite. It spreads evenly, smells great, and doesn’t react with my sensitive skin. I know it’s hard to come by with shipping only to Canada and USA, but if you know anyone vacationing in Aruba, ask them to do you a favour and pick some up for you!
Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF 20 Moisturizer
This is another all time favourite product of mine. It moisturizes perfectly for the day, along with evening out skin tone with a bit of tint. Perfect for underneath SPF makeup.
Zinke Stick
Zinc sticks remind me of sunny days on ski hills as a kid, where we would paint each other’s faces with neon colours. But I’ve since learnt that zinc sticks have come a long way from those days, sold in tan and clear, it’s a necessity for parts susceptible to burn, like your nose.
Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15
We often forget about the sensitive skin around our eyes, but remember melanoma doesn’t discriminate. Along with sun protection, this product depuffs and brightens for those tough mornings.
Aruba Aloe Lip Balm with SPF 15
We also forget about our sensitive lips. We must remember that lip-gloss and lipstick don’t usually have SPF in them. So slather a bit of SPF underneath.
Wide Brim Hat
Not only does a wide brim hat keep the sun off your face and shoulders, but it keeps you cool as well.
Extra Notes
- Cover up. Gone are the days of spaghetti strap tank tops. I find myself wearing mostly T-shirts and long sleeves, and when swimming, at the pool, beach, where ever, I wear an SPF 50 sun shirt for added protection.
- Stay hydrated. When I first moved to Brisbane during the beginning of summer, I would get light headed from the sun. My boyfriend told me to take a bottle of water with me where ever I go, as my body wasn’t accustomed to the heat. I still don’t think I’m accustomed to THIS heat, so I still bring a water bottle with me everywhere I go.
- Be aware. Know the strength of the sun throughout the day. Do outdoor activities first thing in the morning or in the evening when the sun is least strong. Walk on the shady side of the road, even if it’s out of your way. I go so far as to find slivers of shade when waiting to cross the road and never sit at the tables in the sun at restaurants during the day.
What are your favourite sun safety products and tips?
jaunt and flaunt 