Great Ball of Fire!

South Floridians are no strangers to the sun; in fact we see the sun every single day. Even during rainy season, that big ball of fire will find a way to poke out and create a steamy, sticky hotness that can only be described as south Florida’s weather. The sun represents fun, happiness, beach days, and carefree living….it also causes premature aging, sunspots, wrinkles, and skin cancers. Now that I have taken all the joy away from the sun, let me tell you that all that nastiness can be prevented with the use of sunscreen! I use sunscreen every single day, not just beach days or days in the sun.  Oh how I so wish my days consisted of beach chair lounging and 5 mile runs on the boardwalk! Don’t get me wrong, I do hit the beach on the weekends and my skin is not the shade of Wednesday Addams. I am just well educated on just exactly what kind of damage that beautiful sun can and will do to my skin.

I am often asked what sunscreen is best for me. Many of my friends have been scared into submission and now join me in lathering themselves in sunscreen. One of my dearest and most beautifully tanned friends, defends her always bronzed skin by telling me that she hates to smell like the beach and/or coconuts (aren’t they one in the same?) I promptly told her that she is stuck in 1995, sunscreens have come a long way since then and most are completely scent free. I have a personal favorite, EltaMD Daily, but I am not a peddler or pusher of one brand. I believe what works best for you is what you should go with.  If you want an old school Coppertone to shield your epidermis, go for it!

We live in a world that offers 6,542 options for toilet paper; I am pretty sure facial sunscreens double that number and all serve to protect different skin types and exposures to the sun.  I have tried a number of fabulous products from drug store brands to Neiman’s pricey potions and more than I care to admit in between the two. Here are reviews of my favorite sunscreens that run the gamut on price:

Disclaimer: I have used all of these products personally. These reviews reflect my opinions only and are not a point of medical fact.  I decided to list them in order of cost, not in order of preference

1. 1. Aveno Active Naturals SPF 30 Face Continuous Protection SPF 30, $10.99

Review: I really like this sunscreen; it is light and non greasy. It smells good, not overly fragrant and it does not leave a white residue on my face.  If I had to rate this with the other products it would be my #2 favorite.

1. 2. EltaMD UV DAILY BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 40, $24.00

Review: I LOVE this sunscreen! I love everything about it, the coverage, the texture, no scent at all. It goes under my makeup perfectly. It is #1!

1. 3. SkinMedica DAILY PHYSICAL DEFENSE SPF 30, $45.00

Review: This sunscreen is very thick. I do not like it for everyday use. This is my “go-to” for beach days, when I need a thicker application. It always creates a white residue unless I blend it for what seems like 5 minutes, minimum. This rate as #4

1. 4. Chanel UV ESSENTIAL MULTI-PROTECTION DAILY UV CARE SPF 50, $52.00

Review: A great sunscreen, nice texture, but very hard to part with $52 every 6 weeks. When I say “hard” try impossibly painful! I cannot justify needing “Chanel” sunscreen. Chanel sunglasses, but of course! Chanel Sunscreen, No way! I would rate this #3 but I will only part with my $52 on a rare occasion.

Sunscreen should be a part of your everyday routine and can be easily incorporated into your makeup regimen. . Embrace it as part of your morning skincare every single day!