Play It Safe

I've been telling you all month that May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. I've also been reminding you about the need for consistent use of sunblock to limit your exposure to the sun. Here's a handy-dandy reminder from your friendly neighborhood beauty blogger and sun-phobe for keeping your entire body safe:

• 30 minutes before going out into the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of your body.
• If you are unsure how much protection you need, at least wear an SPF 15. My dermatologist has recommended SPF 30 or higher for me, probably because I am so fair skinned.
• Make sure to adequately cover your entire face, your forehead, nose, cheeks, ears, neck, and chest. There are so many sunblocks designed for your face that are not oily and that are more resistant to sweat. I like Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Cream (SPF 55), $33, and so does the Skin Cancer Foundation--they've given this product their seal of approval.
• Put your makeup to work for your skin's protection. Keep your lips beautiful and protected with an SPF lipgloss like Clinique's Long Last Glosswear (SPF 15), $14. Try out a foundation that contains sunblock (like Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals). Used along with sunblock on your face, you can avoid nasty and potentially deadly sunburns.
• Be sure to cover all exposed areas of your skin with at least an SPF 15. Don't forget the nape of your neck, your shoulders, and your back, if exposed. Ask for help if you can't reach a spot.
  
• Reapply your sunblock if you've been sweating for an extended period of time or if you go swimming, run through the sprinkler, whatever.
• If you can stand it, limit the amount of exposed skin. Consider long sleeve and long pants if you are very sun sensitive. Wear a billed hat to further keep the sun off your face.
• Don't forget about your hair! Sun exposure will lighten your hair color--not great if you've spent a ton of money and time getting the perfect sultry brown shade. Try out a product like Frederic Fekkai's Summer Shine Sunshine Shield Spray, $22--it will give you shine, volume, and protect your lovely locks from UV rays and other environmental pollutants.
• If you have them, make sure to put sunblock on your kiddo's skin. Get them started early and help them avoid getting burned.
  

There--now, go stock up and avoid the burn this summer!