Making Sunscreen Application a Daily Ritual

We all love to have a summer glow but at what cost? This year I am determined to be more focused on protecting my skin. In this post I will highlight why protecting your skin is so important and what products I am using this summer, one of which is my favorite face sunscreen from Coola.

Why SPF is Important

Since I was in middle school I have loved to go out and sunbathe in the backyard to work on getting the perfect tan. I would put on tanning oil, grab a stack full of the latest magazines and lie by the pool. At the end of my tanning session I would have a sunburn, but I was happy because it would fade into a nice tan and I was ready to go for summer! 

During one of my tanning sessions I came across a magazine article (probably in Seventeen) discussing how sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, which scared me. So I started wearing SPF 15 when I tanned instead of nothing. 

My mindset has changed a lot since middle school and high school on this matter. I now know that any burning at all is bad and should be avoided. Not only because overexposure can lead to skin cancer but also because it can lead to premature aging. I’m scared of doctors and frankly like getting my ID checked at restaurants, so these two reasons are good enough for me to make some changes. 

Although I made the change to SPF 15 in high school I was still getting burned and therefore my skin was being damaged. SPF 30 or 50 are my new go to’s. I am not perfect, but I am now trying to wear sunscreen everyday – especially on my face. 

Coola Face Sunscreen

Last summer my FabFitFun box contained a Coola moisturizer with SPF 50. I was excited about this product because I always struggle with putting sunscreen on my face. If I put regular sunscreen on it would lead to breakouts and this face-specific sunscreen still felt too heavy for daily use. 

I love this Coola product because it does two things at once, moisturizes and protects my skin. It goes on really smoothly; I think the white tea element is what makes it feel so great. I started using this when I would go to the beach or be outside all day. It’s never caused me to breakout and, if anything, my face is more clear when I wear it. 

Because I like this product so much I am making the switch from occasional use to everyday use. It goes on in a thin layer so it feels great under makeup. It does make your face look a little shiny – but that’s nothing a little powder can’t fix. 

Body Sunscreen 

When it comes to the rest of my body my favorite sunscreen brand is Hawaiian Tropic because it smells like coconut – which is one of my favorite summer scents. I switch between SPF 30 and SPF 50 depending on the day. If I don’t plan to be out in the sun too much I will use SPF 30; I use SPF 50 for days with heavier sun exposure. 

One of the hardest parts about applying sunscreen is having it on hand. In an effort to plan ahead, I have purchased a few bottles already because I have a tendency to lose them. I am also keeping one bottle at work in case I decide to go on an afternoon walk. 

Attaining Your Summer Glow with Self Tanner

Although I want to protect my skin, I still want to look tan. To get my summer glow I am trying to use self tanner. I’ve had bad experiences with Jergens Natural Glow products in the past (orange ankles and feet) but I am giving self tanner another go. Another FabFitFun add on was this MineTan One Hour Express product which I decided to test. The verdict is still out as to whether I like it or not. I would like to also try St. Tropez which I have heard is the best self tanning product on the market. 

Thanks for reading!