Facial Protection – What Are Your Options?

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again (and probably many more times): to prevent wrinkles, sunspots, and most importantly skin cancer, you must, must, must protect your skin every single day!

Okay, so you know this is an essential part of skin care, and maybe you’ve been practicing safe-sun all summer long, but the next question is what to actually use? Do you need protective makeup? Do opt for a protective cream? Is a facekini (yes – it’s a thing!) your answer?

1)   Protective Makeup

One way to guard your skin is through your makeup. Look for mineral makeup with Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide, both physical sunscreens.  Antioxidant rich ingredients, like seaweed, will also help protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. “Antioxidants provide protection against pro-oxidative environment to which human skin is exposed, in particular, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, smoke, and air pollutants… Among marine resources, seaweeds represent one of the richest sources of natural antioxidants.” ¹

2)   A Protective Cream with Zinc Oxide

For the last step in your everyday skin care routine, apply a protective cream with Zinc Oxide to shield your skin. Allure.com said it best: ”Physical sunscreens can be helpful for anyone with sensitive skin, since they’re less likely to exacerbate irritation and redness. That said, if you do prefer the idea of chemical-free sunscreens, there’s one ingredient to look for:‘Zinc Oxide, a physical blocker, is the only ingredient you need for excellent broad-spectrum protection,” says David Hershthal, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.”

3)  The Facekini 

If you’re okay with wearing a ski mask in the summer at the beach, then maybe this is the option for you! If you’re like us and feel this is a little over-the-top, opt for chic pair of UV protective sunglasses instead.

And as we’ve said before: Real skin protection should incorporate both a physical sunscreen, like Zinc Oxide, AND antioxidant protection to protect against a range of environmental pollutants, not just UV!

We hope you’re practicing safe skin protection all year long!

1. Se-Kwan Kim, Ph.D. Marine Cosmeceuticals, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April, 2013