Summer-proof Skincare + Healthy Sunscreen Finder

We love sharing the science behind your skincare routine. With us, it's all about research over hype, so you can make informed beauty choices. Have a topic you'd like our beauty expert to explore? Let us know!

Here's our guide to keeping your skin safe and healthy under the sun:

Sun's Out, Healthy Skin's In: Your Guide to Summer Skin Wellness.

If you’ve been thinking about how to keep your skin healthy and radiant while enjoying your summer bucket list, you’re not alone. There’s more conversation than ever around the safety of ingredients in our products, and navigating the facts in the sunscreen realm can be especially confusing. 

We’ve done the research for you from a no-nonsense skin-science POV.

Take A Holistic Approach to Sun Protection

Achieving sun safety goes beyond choosing the right sunscreen and applying it properly. Here are three easy (and free!) protective habits to level up your skin health this summer.

Sun Safety Essentials

• Stay Sunburn-Free: Avoid excessive unprotected sun exposure to prevent skin damage. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with trustworthy ingredients.
• Get Regular Skin Checks: Monitor your skin regularly for any changes and consult with a dermatologist for routine skin checks.
• Cover Up: Shield your skin with protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when the sun is particularly strong to minimize direct sun exposure.

Bask in the Shade

Seek Shade and Plan Wisely

• Create Your own Shade: When enjoying lengthy outdoor activities, pack an umbrella when you know there will be limited natural shade.
• Go for the Golden Hours: If you can, schedule your outdoor adventures during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you’re near water or at high altitudes, UV exposure can be intensified so take extra care at peak sun-times.

Build Foundational Skin Health

• Nourish Your Skin: Prioritize your skincare routine. High-performance skincare with botanical ingredients support skin health and resilience against environmental stressors. 
• Holistic Approach: Incorporate holistic wellness practices such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate hydration to support overall skin vitality.

Choosing a Healthy Sunscreen

Tips for choosing the right sunscreen:

• Choose a broad-spectrum protection: Some sunscreens prevent sunburn but don’t protect against other types of skin damage, so cover the bases with a broad spectrum formula.
• SPF 15 to 50+: Higher SPF ratings still need to be reapplied to be effective if you're sun exposure is more than 90 minutes, or you're sweating. 
• Safer ingredients: Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, recognized as safe and effective by the FDA.
• Opt for Lotions: Sprays can be inhaled and don’t always provide even coverage, plus they are not a friend of the environment. Use lotion or stick sunscreens instead.
• Reapply often: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

We know ingredients matter to you, so we're sharing one of our top research sites. Our friends at Environmental Working Group are a trusted source for ingredient safety, and they have a database where you can easily check your favorite sunscreens safety rating. 

• Our Pick: We're currently loving Coola's Illuminating SPF Serum under our daily skincare routine.  

Embrace the sun responsibly while basking in its warmth while keeping your skin safe and radiant. The journey towards healthier, happier skin under the sun's nurturing glow starts now.