Here we are in the middle of summer! I hope you are enjoying the season and getting some sunshine.
My three favorite things this month are sunscreens! I use each of them at different times.
By far, the most important anti aging product you can use is sunscreen. I don’t just say this because i’m a redhead 🙂 If you don’t believe me, check out this article about a man whose face reveals a clear picture of the aging effects of the sun.
It’s not just aging though, far more important is the risk of skin cancer. Yes, we need some sunlight to produce vitamin D in our bodies, but prolonged exposure to sun is not good.
Sunscreen
There are two types of sunscreen. One is referred to as chemical and one is referred to as mineral. The chemical sunscreens can contain a combination of two to six of these active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate and here in Canada Mexoryl SX.
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
The chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin for protection and the mineral ones form a physical block to reflect sunlight.There is some evidence that some of the so-called chemical sunscreens are hormone disruptors, and have a higher rate of allergic reaction although Mexoryl seems to be the exception to this rule.
The SPF is less important than using enough product and reapplying frequently. That said SPF 8 or even 15 is not going to cut it during a full day outside.
I’m going to recommend three types of sunscreen, all of which I have used.
- Hydraphase UV by La Roche Posay. SPF 30
This one contains Mexoryl SX and is great for dehydrated skin. I use it more in the winter as it contains a ‘Glycerin + Sodium Hyaluronate complex’ which plumps the skin moisturizes really well. Its a great two for one product as it is a day time moisturizer and sunscreen in one. You can buy this at London Drugs or Shoppers Drug Mart, it costs about $39 for 50ml.
2. Aveeno Active Naturals for Sensitive Skin SPF 50 
This is an all mineral sunscreen that works well and only leaves a very faint white cast (which is the difficulty with mineral sunscreens). I have found any whiteness fades after a while and it is oil free which is great for summer as my skin becomes more oily at this time of year. Again, most drug stores will have this and it costs between $10 and $15 for 80ml.
3. Life brand Sunthera 3 Face sunscreen stick SPF 60 
This one is a handy little solid stick that travels well and is great for touch ups during the day. It contains only mineral sun blocks and it feels fairly moisturizing without being sticky or greasy. I carry this in my bag wherever I go. It is sold at Shoppers Drug mart and usually costs about $13 but I got it on sale recently and bought three (one for me and one for each of my redheaded kids).
Stay tuned for future posts about other skin care products I love – but start with sunscreen and get out there and enjoy the sun!