It’s officially summertime, and you know what that means: poolside lounging, long weekends at the beach, outdoor concerts, baseball games, and all the sunshine we can soak up. I’ll admit—I’m a bit of a sun chaser. Back when I lived in sunny Florida, I loved stepping out for a salty sea breeze on my lunch breaks. It was dreamy… until I noticed the sun catching up with me.
Despite my loyalty to SPF, the freckles, fine lines, and sunspots started creeping in—and let’s not talk about those times I ended up looking like a lobster. The truth is, even when we think we’re protected, UV damage can sneak in.
A Healthy Sun Protection Routine Includes:
🧢 A wide-brimmed hat
🕶️ UV-blocking sunglasses
☂️ An umbrella or pop-up sunshade
🧴 Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ (reapply every 2 hours!)
🕒 Timing your outings to avoid peak sun (10 AM–4 PM)
❌ Skipping tanning beds completely
What to Look for in Sunscreen:
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a Broad Spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for outdoor activities. Look for formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for stronger mineral protection—especially for sensitive skin or kids. Some of my go-to brands? Badger Balm for a mineral option, and Supergoop! or Blue Lizard for a clear, easy-to-apply everyday face SPF.
And just a reminder—baby oil, tanning oil, or cooking oil do not count as sun protection (save those for grilling veggies!).
Nutrition & Sun Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
You might be wondering, “Wait, isn’t this a nutrition blog?” And you’re absolutely right! In Part 2 (coming soon!), we’ll dive into how the right foods—especially those rich in antioxidants—can help protect your skin from the inside out and support your body in healing from sun exposure.
Until then, protect your skin like it’s your favorite outfit—because it’s the only one you’ve got.
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