Cruelty free sunscreen

July has been dubbed The American Cancer Society’s “UV Safety Month.” Since beach weather (thankfully) doesn’t wait until July, you should know that you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to a golden glow without the risks.

We all know by now that we need SPF, and with many makeup and face creams including at least SPF 15 already built in, that’s already a step in the right direction for many of us.  I actually took a look around on my last shopping trip, and realized that it was almost harder to specifically find cruelty-free foundation or tinted moisturizer containing zero sun protection.

Now, if you’re not one to wear makeup to the beach or say, for an outdoor jog you really must get familiar with a good facial sun block in addition to one for body. Alba Botanica’s sun care line is a great cruelty-free choice for both, offering non-chemical protection up to SPF 45, and is loved by shoppers who choose natural products either for green reasons or skin sensitivity issues.

So what about the newer SPF 90+ lotions out there? While those with very fair, sun sensitive skin may want/need to go high with SPF, Dr. Edward Lack (Chicago rhinoplasty, dermatology) warns that this can become more of a marketing gimmick to make you feel like you need a higher and higher number whenever its available. Reapplying to keep that protection barrier on your skin strong is key, and will do a much better job than applying an extremely high SPF once and allowing it to wear off.

“Ideally you put on sunscreen an hour before going outside, then reapply it just before exposure. If you will maintain direct exposure as on the golf course or on a boat put the sunscreen on again every 2 hours,” he advises as a general rule.

Now that you are refreshed on staying adequately protected, we mustn’t forget the sunless tanner. If you’re a recovering sunbathing addict and haven’t tried one yet, now is the time; and sticking to some cult favorites will ensure a seamless transition into a faux glow with no looking back. Lavera‘s sunless lotion is THE organic, cruelty-free choice, while the entire Clarins‘ line is highly recommendable- a favorite being the Self Tanning Instant Gel for a fast dash of color with no mess as you walk out the door in the morning. What’s not to love?

Written by Joseph Snyder, on behalf of MetropolitanMD, a Chicago liposuction, facial rejuvination, and cosmetic surgery center.

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