Our operations manager, Abby, has teamed up with SUMMERSKIN founder, Summer Kramer, to offer a real-life peek into the dangers of unprotected sun exposure. Read on for the realities, plus routine changes we can all make in order to prevent cancer!
When my younger sister was diagnosed with melanoma during a yearly dermatologist appointment in March, it made the dangers of the sun even more real to me. She had never used a tanning bed and usually wore some form of sun protection when she was out. I was shocked, scared and worried for her. Thankfully, the mole was successfully removed and she is now cancer-free, but it was a huge wake-up call for my entire family.
Since my sister’s diagnosis, I visited a dermatologist for the first time in 10 years (yikes). I ended up having four biopsies and will be having a mole removed in early July. I also now have a standing appointment to check in every six months. My sister has had such a positive attitude throughout this whole situation, and we are both determined to spread awareness of the dangers of the sun.
While this was going on, I made a connection with Summer Kramer, a pharmacist, melanoma survivor, mom and the founder of SUMMERSKIN. Today, I’m excited to have Summer share a few of her tips for staying safe while having fun this summer. The bottom line? It is possible to love the sun and love your skin at the same time.
FROM SUMMER: What comes to mind when you think of summertime? Most of us will be thinking about the beach, poolside lounging, backyard barbecues and other outdoor parties and adventures. The common theme through all of these is fun in the sun. Unfortunately, as we all know, spending too much time in the sun can be dangerous when it comes to your skin and health.
Did you know that 90 percent of the signs of aging are directly due to sun exposure, and that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime?
We all care about wrinkles, and no one wants to develop skin cancer, so here are some easy things we can do today to keep our skin at its healthiest!
1. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine.
Sure, most of us use cosmetics with some level of SPF, but did you know that SPF must be reapplied every 1.5 to 2 hours to be effective? This means that, by the time you are on your mid-morning coffee break, the SPF in your makeup is no longer working.
Look for daily-use products that are easy to carry with you and allow you to reapply SPF in a snap. One product we love is Supergoop!’s Defense Refresh Setting Mist. It’s a matte finish SPF 50 mist for simple and gorgeous application over your makeup. Pair this product with a daily sunscreen product with at least SPF 30. The most important thing about sunscreen is to actually remember to apply it. And make sure you really like the sunscreen, because you won’t wear it if you don’t love it.
2. Wear sun protective clothing.
The average white cotton T-shirt has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of only 5. UPF is the same level of protection as SPF, but it is the labeling required for clothing. We wouldn’t use a sunscreen with only an SPF 5, and what we now know is that typical summer clothing does not provide the level of protection that we all need. Look for clothing labeled with a UPF 30 or higher. SUMMERSKIN‘s products are all UPF 50 or higher! Finish your sun-savvy style with a gorgeous wide-brimmed summer hat and your favorite sunnies. Sun protection has never looked this good!
3. Be a shade-seeker.
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the sun’s rays are the most intense and can lead to higher levels of skin damage. A good rule of thumb is that you should stay in the shade if your shadow appears shorter than you.
4. Avoid tanning beds!
Tanning beds are banned in many countries and have use restrictions by state in the U.S. Listed by the World Health Organization in the same cancer-causing class as cigarettes and plutonium, tanning beds are quickly falling out of favor. If you are looking for that tanned look, consider a self-tanner product such as Kate Somerville Somerville360 Body Self Tanning Towelettes or L’Oréal Sublime Bronze Serum.
5. Stay hydrated.
Dehydrated skin has an increased risk of infection and early aging. I start my morning with an 8-ounce glass of lemon or cucumber water (so refreshing!), and carry my water bottle with me through the day. Want younger looking skin? Drink up, darling!
*Summer is the time to have fun, unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Use these simple tips and ideas so that you can love the sun and love your skin at the same time. For 20 percent off your next purchase from SUMMERSKIN, use the code “GLITTER20” now!