Savvy Skin Care: UV Protection - 5 Ways To Save Your Skin

The Spring/Summer fashion season has always been my favorite of the year. The lightweight, barely-there fabrics in candy colors have always set my heart aflutter.
But as the amount and weight of the clothing we wear during the warmer seasons decreases, our skin's exposure to damaging and cancer-causing UV rays increases. And for SCGs, the warmer months mean more time outside soaking up that urban mojo.


Here are 5 simple things you can do to keep your skin safe and sound whether you're heading to work, jogging in the park or having brunch with your gal pals at your fave outdoor spot.

1 Wash In UV Protection
Laundry additive SunGuard, a revolutionary approach to UV protection, when added to your wash will add the sunscreen Tinosorb(R)FD right into your clothing. Let's take your average white cotton T-Shirt that has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (or UPF) of 7. Add SunGuard to your wash, and the same white T's UPF jumps to 30. And it last for 20 washes. Talk about a safe, easy and economical way to protect your skin.

2 Daily SPF
Keeping your skin soft and hydrated is a no brainer for any SCG during the colder months. But your skins needs change with warmer seasons. Make sure you upgrade both your face and body moisturizer to your favorite brand with SPF 15 or higher. If it comes with a tint, so much the better - it'll add a healthy, natural glow to your skin.

3 Get a Sunless Tan
The technology behind sunless tanners has come a long way in the last 5 years. You can get a streak-free, natural-looking tan without ever exposing your delicate skin to harmful UV rays. The best news is sunless tanners are available for all skin types. Make sure you grab a non-rinse version, with SPF 15 or higher and exfoliate before using.

4 Pass On The Spray
You've seen him, you know you have. The guy who sprayed on the sunscreen in a what looks like a Pucci print. And burned in a Pucci print. Sunscreens in aerosol spray cans are all about convenience. But the fact is there isn't anything convenient about a sunburn. Especially when you consider that five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing melanoma. And the guy with the Pucci tan? Yeah, he's going to have that all summer. From one SCG to another - skip this one.

5 Sunscreen Like You Mean It
Seriously. Treat yourself to a yummy smelling, moisturizing and fast-drying sunscreen. Something that makes you feel delicious. Anytime you're going to be outdoors for an extended period of time, use it. Slather it on, making sure to hit every inch of your exposed skin. Or get your guy to help. And re-apply after swimming, sweating or just for the hell of it. C'mon, it's sexy, smart and your skin deserves it. (Check out Savvy Skin for some great sunscreen ideas, like the Sephora Sun Safety Kit. Cost $25.)