Sun Safety and Bronzing Better

Did you know that each year more people are diagnosed in the United States with skin cancer than all other cancers combined? Terrifying, right?! One of the easiest ways to prevent skin cancer is by practicing better sun safety, which is especially important knowing spring sports have started and spring breaks are (nearly) here, with summer temperatures not too far behind!

Ever since I realized at a young age that my pale skin wouldn’t tan and would instead freckle or sunburn (yup, I definitely suffered a few bad burns), to call me passionate about sun safety and sun protection would be an understatement (just ask anyone in my family). Whether we’re on vacation or it’s any hot and sunny day, you can find me wearing sunglasses and a hat – and in a sun shirt if we’re at the beach or pool- and setting a timer to remind me when to reapply sunscreen. And you know what? I have ZERO shame 😉

When it comes to protecting yourself (outside of limiting time spent outside during peak hours of 10am-2pm), it’s important to use safer, high quality sunscreen, which should come in the form of mineral, zinc-oxide formulas to protect your skin from UV rays (and constant re-application every two hours or less, if you’ve been swimming/sweating). Beautycounter prohibits chemical SPF filters due to their high potential for skin irritation and never uses octinoxate or oxybenzone, ingredients known to contribute to the collapse of coral reefs around the world, making our sunscreens safer for both people and our oceans. Our non-nano zinc oxide Countersun line – which also protects you from blue light (from our computers, screens and environment, which cause our sky to be blue) and includes antioxidant-rich California Poppy – is available as a lotion, face stick and an air-powered mist. All three sunscreen options work so well, offering amazing, safer protection and have become my go-tos to protect my family – bonus that they all go on and rub in easily AKA a win for impatient kids.

Now that you’ve got yourself protected, how to safely achieve that bronzed look? I’m all about faking it until you make it when it comes to safely “tanning,” so allow me to introduce you to a few of my BFFs. First, meet our glow shimmer oil, which is awesome for a subtle bronze boost and beautiful glow. Next, our Dew Skin tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 works overtime for extra sun protection, sheer coverage and lightweight hydration. Then pair that with our radiant all over bronzer for a natural and buildable, sun-kissed look, all without any questionable ingredients.

Now, you’ll be ready to debut your winter skin without worrying and safely protect yourself for fun in the sun now through summer.