Column by Jenna Nicole Levine

If the crazy hot weather this past Memorial Day weekend was any indication, it is swelteringly apparent that the summer sun is starting to rear its skin damaging head. Now, I make it a point to wear facial sunscreen on a daily basis; a process that has taken me years of trial and error (and tons of moula) to find the perfect regiment.

There are a ton of screens on the market right now; however a lot of them are greasy, chemical laden, and expensive. Since sun care is one of the most important things a woman (or man) can do for herself to live a long and minimally leather-bound looking life, I have comprised a list of my three favorite eco-friendly products that not only protect you from the sun’s harmful rays; but will also cut down on the time it takes getting ready in the morning. The kicker is each of these products is under $10, and you know how I love saving you money!

Beyond Coastal lip and Face Screen in SPF 30. 1oz $6.99

Beyond Coastal was started in 2006 by Shawn Biega whose goal was to create a line of sunscreens that could hold up to outdoor sports while being non-greasy and chemical free. I swear by this broad spectrum face screen because of it is low low cost, smooth application, non-greasy eco-friendly formula, and it comes in a small tin it fits perfectly in my purse for reapplication on the go. Due to the fact that this is meant for those with an active lifestyle, it leaves me with a matte finish, and it’s waterproof qualities help prevent the massive sweating that comes from 90 degree weather with 80% humidity. I use this in place of my tinted moisturizer and lip balm. Bonus: This lip and face screen is packed with anti-oxidants and contains delicious vitamin A.(But do not eat!) You can purchase here.

Bethesda Skincare Sunscreen Soap Multi Vitamin SPF 10. 4.5 oz $8.00

If you are anything like me you will occasionally forget to apply sunscreen to those vulnerable extremities that are faced with the elements during this tank top and short skirt season. Although this simple bar soap is not a replacement for sunscreen it is a great tool for those days you forget to apply since most of us (hopefully) don’t forget to use soap in the shower. Bethesda Skincare was founded by Jaime Collins Doss, a mother of two who saw a need to create a line of products for her family that were healthy and safe. The result is a line of great eco-friendly products and a company who donates 10% of their profits to various charities in the United States and abroad. This product not only moisturizes immensely, but also aids in blocking those harmful UV rays. The website isn’t lying when it says “talk about getting it all done in the shower.” Bonus: Bethesda Skin Care gives away a free bar of soap for those who are battling cancer. You can purchase here.

Smart Girls Who Surf Care for Hair Sun Protector SPF 7. 2oz $8.50

The sun can dry hair out to the extremes of breaking and bleaching, not to mention scalp burning (ouch!) Smart Girls Who Surf own two additional unique product lines; Surf-Vival (cute!) and Smart Kids Who Play, each product lines goal is providing healthy skin care awareness that is paraben and chemical free. This product not only works as a leave in conditioner to prevent those locks from looking thirsty and dull, but also aids in protection from the sun right after you get out of your shower. It’s non-greasy formula is great for a tousled look, and can be added to your regular hair care routine so you can look fabulous while you protect your scalp during those daily Starbucks runs. This product contains wheat and soy proteins, as well as vitamins C and B. Bonus: You get to use a product that calls you smart.You can purchase here

Enjoy the warm weather and stay gloriously fake tanned!

Jenna Nicole is a native New Yorker turned Washingtonian who loves experiencing everything the city has to offer. When she isn’t writing about ways to save you cash on your favorite beauty treatments, you can find her reviewing D.C. restaurants, clubs, and events. To read more from Jenna Nicole please visit Woman Around Town, or just stop by and say hello on her twitter @Jenna_Nicole.

Play it smart in the sun!

The cast of the reality show Jersey Shore popularized the motto “gym, tan, laundry” (GTL for those in the know).  While the show places an importance on looking your best (or something like that), the emphasis on tanning can be a dangerous message. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health says that ultraviolet radiation, used in indoor tanning, is a proven human carcinogen. Nearly 30 million people tan indoors every year and they can receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to regular sun exposure. In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, this May it’s time to make some changes. If you are tanorexic, make it a point to learn preventative measures against the sun while visiting the spa.

“As a melanoma survivor, I can personally attest to the importance of regular screenings and arming yourself with the tools offered at spas to protect yourself,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “It’s particularly important for teens to hear about the harmful effects of the sun at an early age, and the spa is the perfect place for them to learn how to properly care for their skin.”

Indoor tanning isn’t the only danger; too much time at the beach, pool or anywhere outdoors can lead to dangerous results. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually making it the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Even more disparaging news – up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. It’s time to be proactive about sun protection, and now more than ever, spas are making it their responsibility to help you with products and treatments aimed to prevent and repair sun damage.

“Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity for everyone to think about their skin and how to protect it,” said Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at the Mayo Clinic and ISPA’s Medical Advisor. “It’s especially important if you have increased risk factors for skin cancer such as fair skin, a history of sunburns or lots of moles.”

Are you addicted to being tan? You’re not alone, but it doesn’t make it any safer. If you’re going using a a tanning lotion like Maui Babe, always make sure you use SPF protection too. Try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion with SPF 15 or higher—it’s a dermatologist-recommended, all natural, hydrating sunblock that does the job well. It kept my skin safe for ten straight days in Hawaii over the holidays, and I recommend if if you are looking for a reliable, nice-smelling sunblock that wont clog your pores. Akina Salon & Spa recommends BioElements for the best skin protection.

How did you weigh in? Last night on Facebook we asked what you do to protect your skin; read below for some inspiring stories warnings from your fellow Facebookers who’ve been there. Share your tips and stories in the comments—no matter what it is, May is the month to let others benefit from what you have to say about sun protection!

Image courtesy of kailanibeach.com

Photo courtesy of sarasotadermatologyblog.com

We all know we should wear sunscreen, but all the different choices for protection coupled with the media buzz over every new scientific finding on sun damage can inspire a person to do a whole lot of nothing when it comes to their skin protection. But for the average person looking to prevent sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer, arming yourself with knowledge doesn’t need to be difficult at all. Here’s a 5-minute rundown of what you need to know about sun protection.

UVB rays: Not only do these rays penetrate and damage skin deep down, contributing to skin cancer, they’re the ones that leave you lobster-red. Insult to injury. By the way, “SPF” is a measure of a product’s protection against UVB rays, but doesn’t measure how well a product protects against UVA. A product can protect against UVB but not UVA rays.

UVA rays: These rays won’t cause sunburn, but they cause wrinkles, age spots, and blotchy skin. Even worse, they contribute to skin cancer just like UVB rays. There is no standard US metric of a product’s protection against UVA rays, but there are many products on the market which do offer UVA protection. You just might need to do a little detective work!

Sunblock: Sunblock is made up of ingredients which physically deflect the sun’s rays, like tiny knight’s shields. Examples of sunblock ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Sensitive skin that’s irritated by chemical sunscreen may find that sunblock is the answer. Because sunblock deflects all rays, it protects against both UVA and UVB.

Sunscreen: Sunscreen is comprised of chemicals which absorb the sun’s rays, preventing it from penetrating skin. Older chemicals used in sunscreen only absorbed UVB rays with efficacy, but newer formulations like avobenzone can absorb UVA light. If you like the quick, non-greasy absorption of sunscreen rather than sunblock, make sure your sunscreen of choice protects against both types of rays.

See? That’s not so hard. Whether you prefer sunblock or sunscreen, the bottom line is to look for a product that offers broad spectrum protection (this means it protects against both UVA and UVB – when in doubt, ask your dermatologist for a recommendation) and wear it every day. Yes, even in fall and winter!

Fess up for real: do you wear sun protection every day?