5 Types of Sunscreen You're Probably Overlooking
We all know we should be wearing sunscreen. All the time. Nonnegotiable. But even the most well-intentioned SPF addicts among us might not be quite as covered as we'd like to think. Chances are, you're still forgetting some crucial protection.
Lip balm.
Sunburned lips are so, so unpleasant. If you've never had them, just trust me on this one: You never want to. In the summer, using your regular balm is the lip equivalent of slathering baby oil on your body. Choose a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it regularly. Some of my favorites are Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, Marc Jacobs Beauty Lip Lock Moisture Balm, and Fresh Sugar Petal Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, when I want a hint of color.
Hand cream.
If your hands look young, you look young. And if they look old…well, you get the idea. To keep them from getting prematurely age-spotty and wrinkly, switch to a hand cream with built-in sunscreen. My go-tos are Supergoop SPF 40 Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn and Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Hand Cream. Or if you want to be extra fancy about it, try La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Hand Cream SPF 15, which also treats age spots and brightens skin. Hand selfies, here you come!
Those first two are easy. Most likely you already use lip balm and hand cream at least ten times a day each (no? Just me?), so you won't have to change your routine too much—just swap out your usual products for sun-safe ones. These next few require a little more effort, but only a little. Promise.
Scalp spray (or powder).
Take it from someone who always got highly unflattering cornrows on every childhood vacation: A sunburned scalp does not feel good. Plus, it can peel and get all dandruff-y. Ouch plus gross. The easiest way to prevent this from happening (for when not getting embarrassing braids is simply not an option—or to just protect your normal part) is to wear a hat. If, like me, you look terrible in hats, a lightweight SPF spray can help; just make sure it's not a goopy one that will make your hair greasy. I like Shiseido Refreshing Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 16 for Body/Hair and Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Instant Mineral SPF 45, which isn't actually made to be used on your scalp but works really well. You can brush the translucent powder over your part and apply it directly to your scalp. An added bonus: The oil-absorbing formula doubles as makeshift dry shampoo.
Hair products.
Even if hair can't actually get sunburned, it can get weird if you don't protect your color. Spritz Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil all over your strands if you're going to be outside all day, and pack a sunproofing kit, like the Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection On-the-Go Travel Set, for beach weekends.
Topcoat.
Yep, for your nails. This one might seem a bit excessive, but the sun can cause your nail color to fade and dull, and who wants to spend more time inside inhaling nail-polish fumes when it's 75 and sunny outside? Enter Zoya Armor Topcoat/UV Block, which contains UV filters to keep your manicure intact longer.
Tags:
—————