Sun Cream

Good morning beauty! I have been working on the sun cream search for quite some time now, and I am excited to share my reviews with you. Even if you are not as fair as Nicole Kidman, you probably need to protect your delicate skin. Personally – as an extremely fair-skinned woman – I need a sun cream.

First, just a little background information about sun creams. Sun creams should prevent both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from harming skin. UVA rays cause the greatest skin damage – premature aging and wrinkling – as the rays penetrate deeper into skin. UVB rays cause the nasty burns.

Sun creams either work chemically or physically. Chemical sunscreens absorb and release harmful rays. In other words, sunscreen chemically screens the rays in the layers of your skin. Sunblock is physical. By creating a thick layer on skin, it physically blocks ultraviolet radiation.

Both sunblocks reviewed below are SPF (sun protection factor) 30 – the minimum one should use. Remember, apply sun creams 15-30 minutes prior to exposure and again after swimming or perspiring.

Check out the American Melanoma Foundation for more sunscreen information http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm.

Image Skincare Solar Defense Organic SPF 30
An outstanding facial sunblock, Image Skincare Solar Defense promptly disappears into skin with a matte finish. Zinc Oxide provides UVA and UVB protection and Retinyl Palmitate – a vitamin A derivative – fights aging. Image Skincare is sold in skincare professionals’ offices and spas. However, the Web site states that an “easier-to-use Image Online Ordering system” is effective June 12. Perhaps online ordering? Most offices or spas sell a small (.25 oz) sample for $3 – a great way to test an unknown sunblock.
Imageskincare.com, $33

Lavera Sun Spray SPF 30 Neutral
Lavera’s spray bottle top makes for a convenient and speedy application. The sunblock blends quickly – no white residue or flaking here! The waterproof formula includes Coated Titanium Dioxide to block UVA, B and C rays. Organic evening primrose oil nourishes skin, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. Lavera claims the sunblock provides “instant protection,” meaning immediate sun time. So, start spraying and enjoy the open air!
Lavera.com, $31

Have a beautiful week!

xo