Summer Sun Skincare

By now, I think we all know skincare is incredibly important in order to avoid skin cancer, early signs of aging, sun spots, etc. I never really paid attention to skincare as a kid, but every summer, I strangely always enjoyed the smell of sunscreen while laying on the beach and the feeling of aloe on my skin after a day in the sun. Now that I'm older and understand the seriousness of sun care, I'm finding it even more enjoyable. Not to mention, anyone who's known me for a long time knows I'm a deep tanner and I can usually keep my tan for long into fall/winter. So, I'm going to share some of my favorite sun care products and ways I use them to prolong that summer skin and well-earned tan. All of these products should be available at your local Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, etc. But if you can't find them there, my next stops are usually Ulta or Amazon.

I always start with SPF 30 on my first couple days in the sun, and then gradually move down as my tan darkens to SPF 15, then 6, then 4. For my more fair-skinned friends, I suggest starting with SPF 50. I've heard anything above that isn't really more effective, but if using SPF 75-100 makes your mind feel better, you do you, boo. For my deeper complected buds, you still need sunscreen! (I once had a student that refused to wear sunscreen in the Dominican Republic because, "Black don't crack! I don't need sunscreen!" He was Black and Indian mixed, and I've learned that even the darkest skin still needs the UV protection!) You can probably get away with using a lower SPF than the rest of us, but always, always use sunscreen!

If you use multiple sunscreens, I suggest investing in a fun little bag that you can put in your bigger beach bag. This way, everything is all in one place and can't get lost in the bottom of a giant tote, and/or crusted in sand. Keep it neat, clean, and organized! I found a great bag on clearance last summer at Ulta with two compartments - one side for my heavier SPF sunscreen and one side for my tanning essentials.

Sunscreen - Spray or Lotion?

Personally, I'm more prone to reach for lotion because I feel I get better, more consistent coverage. Sunscreen in sprays can go everywhere but your skin on windy beach days, and what does end up on your skin can cause streaky tan or burn lines. If you use a spray, you'll probably have to reapply more frequently unless you apply it before you go out to the beach (which is suggested anyway - at least 15 min before sun exposure). Either way, sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours. More often if you're not using a sport sunscreen made to endure sweating, toweling off, etc. For more sun safety tips, see Hawaiian Tropic's website.

My favorite brands of sunscreen/tanning oils/aloes/after-sun care are Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, and Sun Bum. It is almost 100% because of their smell. They can range from having a coconut/pina colada smell to more lime to more banana. To be honest, I don't notice a difference in quality of sun protection from one brand to another, but I don't like Coppertone or Australian Gold because of their smells. If you dig them, though, that's great.

A-B are from Hawaiian Tropic's Sport line. I use B on my face daily and because of its lightweight formula, it doesn't clog pores or make me break out.

C-D are part of Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration line. I love these. They moisturize like lotion, so you don't feel like you're lathering a thin, white cream over your skin. Instead, you feel a little bit like you're pampering yourself after a shower by applying lotion that smells great to your skin.

E-F are Sun Bum products. Their sunscreen smells like banana, which I didn't think I'd like but I actually really do. Their lip balm immediately melts when you apply it to your lips for a glossy finish that also protects from sun damage. If you like thicker formulas like Burt's Bees, you probably won't like this.

Tanning Oils and Lotions

It's important to remember that no matter how much sun exposure you're getting, regardless of if you're using protection, UV rays are damaging your skin. I'm hoping that someone who is paper white, has red hair, or is just more prone to burning in general knows better than to not immediately jump into using a tanning oil on your first beach day. That being said though, never use tanning oils in replacement for sun protection, especially if you haven't been in the sun recently and don't have a solid base tan already. Tanning oils and lotions can cause severe burning if used incorrectly, which can result in sun poisoning, bad burning and blistering, and just a miserable existence until it all goes away.

I only use tanning oils and lotions toward the end of the summer or vacation after I have already gotten a well-established tan. So for the two products below, I say: Use responsibly! I use Hawaiian Tropic's tanning product (A) in the lotion formula in SPF 6 while Banana Boat's (B) is an oil in SPF 4. Both have delicious tropical scents.

Aftersun Care

This is probably the most neglected part of sun skincare that I've noticed with my friends. After sun exposure, your skin can get even more dry, especially if you're taking a shower immediately following. Just like anything else left out in the sun, the heat evaporates the moisture in your skin. But moisturizing can be such a pleasant, satisfying experience that shouldn't be ignored. It's the secret to keeping your summer tan as long as possible!

My step-by-step process is to use an aloe gel as the base every day (it can be up to 2x a day, especially if you shower). I then follow it up with an aftersun lotion, and, if my skin is extra dry or maybe starting to peel, with an aftersun butter (D, by Hawaiian Tropic, I can only find on Ebay). I don't usually use the lotion and butter every day, but I always use aloe gel. I haven't quite gotten into the habit of doing it year-round, but it's part of my daily routine in the summers. Right now, my favorites are by Ocean Potion (I can only find this on Amazon), and Sun Bum. I love the way they leave my skin feeling and smelling.

Other Things to Remember

I hope this can help in one way or another! I love Summer - I love the heat, the sunshine, going to the ocean - but I also know that sunburn is not something I want to experience often, if ever, if I can help it. Some other things to keep in mind when you're out in the sun:

• Wearing sunglasses can prevent signs of aging

• It's always a good idea to bring a hat, whether it's a baseball cap or a large sunhat, so your scalp doesn't burn

• If you're using certain skin products with salicylic acid or other BHAs, AHAs, or tretinoins, your skin can become extremely sensitive during sun exposure and it's even more important for you to apply sunscreen regularly to your face and any other areas where you use those products

• Same with if you're taking certain medications - check your labels, or ask your doctor!

• Certain perfumes and essential oils can cause serious sun sensitivity if applied before sun exposure (this includes even 24+ hours beforehand)

Happy (almost) Summer! Stay safe and tan responsibly 🌊😎☀️🌴