lifestyle, sun-care

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and as many of you know I am very passionate about sun care. I live in Colorado which means 360 days of sunshine that requires you to wear proper sunscreen and I personally love wearing large hats for extra protection. Throughout my life, I have know many people who have had skin cancer and know how common this cancer really is. I also know it is often found on young kids not just older adults. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and highly treatable types of cancer is caught early (thank god!). 

So, if you are one of those people who loves the sun please start protecting your skin! I cannot stress enough how important this is. Being the "bronzed" goddess is not longer something to hang your hat on. With the start of summer, my hope is that you take care of your skin just like you would take care of the rest of your body. 

Have an amazing Memorial Day weekend and don't forget to lather up! See below for my top 4 sun protection picks for this summer.

1. Bliss Triple Oxygen

I personally love this sunscreen because it also acts as a moisturizer so you don't need two products. It also is has UVA/UVB/PA+++ Protection qualities which is crucial for keeping those harsh rays out. 

2. SkinCeuticals | Sheer Physical Defence Sunscreen

This daily sunscreen is a winner because it provides both broad-spectrum sun protection along with a universal tint that will make you glow- while protecting your skin! The sunscreen is water resistant (for 40 mins, so don't forget to reapply) and is lightweight so it won't look greasy or clog your pores. Key ingredients are:

• Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide: supplies broad-spectrum sun protection to prevent skin from burning and aging. 
• Translucent Color Spheres: gives a universal tint that magically blends to match all skin tones while repelling oil to maintain a shine-free complexion
• Artemia Salina: boosts skin's natural defenses to protect collagen from UV damage.

This gem was also named Allure's Best of Beauty 2013: Best Facial Sunscreen. 

3. June Jacobs | Advanced Sun Resistance

All my favorite sunscreens are not only high SPF but are also free of parabens and preservatives. You are putting on sunscreen to protect your body from harm, not feed it more toxins! June Jacobs, Broad Spectrum is no different. This sunscreen is light and airy, and leaves a little shine, but no white residue.The product contains, white, red and green tea extracts as well as goji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts to help neutralize free radicals, protect skin from damaging environmental toxins, and fight the visible signs of premature aging. 

4. June Jacobs | Protective Moisturizer

As you can tell, I love this brand. June Jacobs is not only committed to high quality skin products that are chemical free, their products actually work to protect you skin. This daily moisturizer is one of my faves because it calms sensitive skin, which I have and don't want to mess with, while adding daily protection against harmful rays! The sunscreen includes a blend of ingredients to help with free radicals as well as premature aging (read full list here):

Ginger Root Extract -  Anti-inflammatory properties. 
Lemon Peel Extract - Maintains antiseptic and astringent properties which counteract acidity on the surface to brighten dull skin. 
Grapefruit Extract - Reduces the skin's inflammatory response by strengthening the walls of blood vessels and aid vitamin C to rebuild collagen.
Retinyl Palmitate - Aids in the prevention of dryness and maintains the normal life cycle of skin cells adding smoothness to the skin's texture. 
Rose Hips Seed Extract -  Regenerates the skin due to the high concentration of Vitamin C, antioxidant flavonoids and essential fatty acids oleic, palmitic, linoleic and linolenic.
Carrageenan and Algae Extract - Encourage circulation

5. Full Coverage Hat

You can pick up one of the bad boys at a variety of stores, but some of my best steals are from local thrift or vintage shops!