“Best Sunblock For Your Skin And Hair”

Written by: Kristan Serafino

If you have not noticed from my earlier posts, I am a HUGE advocate of SUNSCREEN!  Growing up in South Florida, my early years were spent looking like a local girl from Impanema.  Consequently, I preface this post with the admission; “do as I say, not as I did!”

It was not until the semblance of my first wrinkle around the eyes that it occurred I no longer have the skin elasticity of a baby’s butt.  Geeez, just another of a growing line of beauty deviations while growing up I was confident I was impervious to such as graying hair, weight challenges, cellulite, and surrendering to gravity in certain areas.  To make matters worse, I would constantly study my new wrinkles under a high intensity lamp in a magnifying mirror thereby making the wrinkles appear like a topographic map of the Grand Canyon.If I was going to SLOW down the wrinkle process it would take immediate and drastic measures.  First, substitute my generous lathering of baby oil with a quality sunscreen; second, remorsefully destroy the customized tin foil cardboard that I would strategically position around my neck to bounce the perfect sunlight on my face.

Seriously… exceedingly more important than my vanity, was my realization that I wanted to take steps to decrease the risk of skin cancer.

This post is certainly not meant to harp on the morbid realities of a childhood spent obsessed with carefree tanning, but more of a seasonal wake-up call to children and parents of sun worshipers.  What better way to deliver a serious message than share hard core facts from the American Cancer Society.  Then, true to the philosophy of  SerafinoSays, if a problem is presented then I also want to provide a solution.  So, I will offer a few of my favorite products to help protect your body from those “Bad UV Rays”.

The Facts: According to the American Cancer Society, “Sunburns are thought to increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. But UV exposure can raise skin cancer risk even without causing sunburn.

Furthermore: “Sunscreen is a product that you apply to your skin for protection against the sun’s UV rays. But it’s important to know that sunscreen does not provide total protection against all UV rays. Even with proper sunscreen use, some rays get through, which is why using other forms of sun protection, is also important.”

Now, I am NOT saying don’t expose yourself to the sun and stay inside an imperviable shell like a hermit.  I am “Just Sayin’” ladies of all ages (I’m also preaching to the young sun goddesses), wear sun block on your face, eyes, body and hair.  Yes, I said “hair”!  Here are a few of my favorite sunscreen mechanisms that will still allow you fun in the summer sun, but block the your body from harmful UV rays.

Here are a few of my favorite sunscreen mechanisms that will still allow you fun in the summer sun, but block your body from the harmful UV rays….

Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen generously on any skin that is exposed to the sun.  Don’t forget to cover your ears and the back of your neck. Sunscreen should have a minimum of SPF 30.  The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by sunscreen. Try:  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock Lips: I communicate, eat, express and smooch my sweetheart with my lips.  I don’t think he would appreciate sun burned lips..Giggle!  Try:  Clinique High Impact Lip Colour Face Cream: For summer sun, I will apply a higher SPF sunscreen skin before my morning makeup.  Try:  Olay Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30

Hair:  A hat is always the best, but ladies, I understand not wanting to mess up your hair.  Protect hair and scalp from UVA/UVB rays, which damage the cuticle, leading to color fading on all hair types.  Try: Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12Eyes: Sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes.  Your sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA & UVB radiation. “Labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled “cosmetic” block about 70% of UV rays. If there is no label, don’t assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection.” American Cancer Society  Try: Oakley Polarized Remember to protect your body from harmful rays of the sun and have fun this summer!

“True beauty isn’t about perfection. By liberating people to realize this simple fact, we help them see the real beauty within themselves.” Kristan Serafino