Dinah's Summer Sun Protection Favorites
This time of year I always find myself having to reassess and update my skin care routine to make sure that I am adding in extra sun protection. I do wear SPF on my face year round, but the change in seasons is definitely when I shift things. I’m by no means perfect in using clean sun protection, but I’m trying to work my way towards that. I never wear below SPF 30 and try to use a zinc or physical sunblock product when possible.
Everyday
Supergoop! Matte Screen - I know everyone is obsessed with the Supergoop Glow Screen right now, but I do NOT need any help with my “glow” during the summer and am always trying to keep my shiny t-zone under control! The Matte Screen is a game changer with an SPF of 40. The slight tint and texture even out a little bit of my redness and add some grip if I decide to put makeup on top.
On top of the Matte Screen, I will usually add the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue. This only has an SPF of 30, but it does give me a little bit more coverage on days when I am in front of other people. In the winter I will sometimes wear this on it’s own, but since it’s not just meant to be sun protection, I feel like the SPF ingredients aren’t quite as concentrated as I need during the sunnier months.
Last year, I was living for the Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, because it also gave me a great matte texture and felt really hydrating for my skin, plus it’s a physical sunblock. I read that they have changed the formulation which is why I gave the Matte Screen a try, plus I liked that it was a higher SPF of 40.
On The Go
Supergoop Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist - I had a job a few years ago that was about a 30 minute walk from my apartment, so on nice days I would change into spandex and power walk home. The big challenge here was that I didn’t want to wash my face/take off all of my makeup in front of my colleagues, but I definitely wanted to refresh my SPF from the morning. When I discovered this Setting Mist, it changed my life. It goes on flawlessly over makeup, feels refreshing and gives you a new boost of protection. I used to keep it in my desk at work, but now it lives in my purse so that I can refresh whenever I need to.
Another favorite on-the-go product from Supergoop! That I love is the Invincible Setting Powder. If you are at an outdoor event (like a wedding) with a full face of makeup on and want to refresh your SPF while also minimzing shine, this is a holy grail. I’ve only ever used the translucent, but it does come in three tinted formulas as well if you want more coverage. I personally love being able to swipe this on without impacting what is already on my face and getting rid of some of the oil.
Body
I can sometimes get an allergic reaction to some body sunscreens, where I get small red bumps on certain parts of my body (but not all over) and Neutrogena is the only semi-affordable brand that I have used regularly and never had this happen. I use the Zinc formulation whenever I can because I know that it’s better for my protection, but when I want a lighter feel or to avoid the white cast it can leave, I also use their Ultra Sheer Dry Touch line. While I know aerosoles aren’t ideal for the environment, I love to have a can on hand to get hard to reach parts and spray on the tops of my feet when they are sandy. I can’t imagine how bad my sports bra tan would be if I hadn’t been able to spray the middle of my back!