You hear it time and time again especially during the summer,”Wear sunscreen.” “UVA and UVB rays from the sun can cause major damage to the skin.”
I didn’t heed the warning and now I’m paying the price. A few days ago I was stunned to find my skin peeling off while I took a shower. I nearly slipped on the suds from the shock. Imagine seeing flecks of my beautiful brown skin floating in the white porcelain tub. Gross! As if that weren’t enough, for the rest of the day, the dry skin on my shoulder taunted me. It looked like a wall with peeling pain and I couldn’t help but pick at it. Later that evening I exfoliated and rubbed an aloe leaf on the damaged skin (thanks for the tip The F$%K it List). My shoulder looks next to normal again, but nevertheless, this is not an experience I want to relive.
Dermatologists recommend using products with at least SPF 15 for everyday outdoor activities (traveling to and from work, grocery shopping, etc). If you spend longer times in the sun, you may want to use something with a higher degree of protection. Use a water resistant sunscreen if you participate in water sports. Be sure to cover all areas that come in direct contact with the sun. Choose a moisturizer (or mattifier for oily chicks like me) with SPF for your face.
No matter what brand or type of sunscreen you choose remember to stay in the shade if you can, and wear protective clothing. I know I wouldn’t be caught dead in long sleeves in this weather but a big floppy hat, a la Samantha Jones in Sex and the City: The Movie, could be quite chic.
Here are a few SPF products for the face and body that I came across while researching sunscreen “best of” lists.
Dr. Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15, $39.50 (Murad); Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, $16.99 (Drugstore.com); Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sun Block SPF 45, $7.99 (Neutrogena); Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20, $42.50 (Sephora); Anthelios 40 Sunscreen, $32 (Anthelios); Banana Boat Sport Performance Dri Sunblock Lotion SPF 30, $9.99 (Amazon); Up & Up Sport Sunscreen with SPF 30, $9.44 (Target)
I'm glad the Aloe worked. I learned the hard way about burning in Mexico, I peeled for over a week and I vowed never to put my skin through that again.
I wear sunscreen all year long, and even use a moisturizer w/SPF on my 4year old.
Thanks for this post and the sunblock recommendations. I really wish Nivea's sunblock line was available in the States but I'll make sure I spray my CVS sunblock on my skin till the fall! Who knew we could peel…
Great post
Remember to always exfoliate after being in the sun for long periods of time as well. Keep yourself hydrated & moisturized to prevent peeling.
http://makeupbykim-porter.com/blog
Thanks for the tips ladies!
Yes ET, brown skin does burn. I should've taken a picture of my peeling skin and posted it as a warning of what can happen. In the words of Alicia Keys, "Yes, I was burned, but I called it a lesson learned." Going to slather on the sunscreen from now on.