Lauren's Corner

With Memorial Day weekend being this past weekend - which most people consider the kick off of summer - and temperatures already climbing well into the 80's I thought it would be fitting to write about protecting your skin from the hot summer sun.

I think everyone knows how dangerous too much sun exposure can be, but we still want that sun- kissed tan and glowing skin. I have to say I'm guilty of it myself. I guess you could go as far as to say I’m a bit of a sun worshiper...I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin!

I have to admit that in my mid 20's I have only just started to use sun block, and take advantage of all the great moisturizers with a good SPF. Now when I do decide to get some sun I have begun to limit my exposure to less than two hours at a time, unless I am spending time on a boat or on the beach.

People have always commented that my mom Dori and I look just a like - the spitting image of each other. But one thing we do not have in common is our knowledge of sun protection. Even though I consider my mother to be a beautiful woman at age 50 she still bears the mild effects of sun damage by the way of dark age spots on her face and chest. What she did not know at my age was how to protect her skin from the sun by simply using a good sun block. Now, she shares her love of the sun with me, however she never goes out without her SPF of 45 or higher. My whole life I've heard my mom say "you still get tons of sun EVEN if you wear sunscreen." Well after all those years, I've finally realized that she is right!

You really can get a great tan even if you wear sun block. I'm not just talking about and SPF 8 or maybe even SPF 15...I mean really wear a good block with SPF 30 or above. At the end of the day, you will have some great color without the red lobster look! When I reach her age I hope to see the difference by using good sun care throughout my years. Of course there is always laser treatments and a good plastic surgeon, but why put yourself through all of that when all you have to do is the right thing and use your sunscreen!

Now of course we are all different and have different skin tones. No matter what skin tone you may have, whether it is fair or olive, burn easily or rarely burn, you still need to be wearing a sunscreen to protect your skin from long term sun damage.

I know that most people with darker complexions who never get sun burned and just turn brown most likely think that they won’t get sun damage or aren't at risk for skin cancer because they never burn….I know this, because I am one of those people. I never burn and can spend all day outside and just keep getting darker...but I finally realized that I too still need sun block! I have to be very picky about what sunscreens I use because I have sensitive skin, especially on my face. Most sun blocks will wind up burning or stinging my face.

I just wanted to share with you a couple of my favorite sun screens specifically for your face. These work great, they are light weight and most importantly...no stinging or burning. Really any of the Neutrogena products work great, but my favorite is the Neutrogena with SPF 45. Its very light and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily. I’ve been using this for the past month, and it works great and stays on all day. Also another favorite of mine is Aveeno Face with SPF 30. Very gentle and works good as well.

One more thing I love to do after a day out in the sun is to go home take a shower, get all cleaned up and lather on the moisturizer! Put it on every where and just let your skin soak it in! In my opinion, the best moisturizer to use after the sun - which I've been using my whole life - is Banana Boat Aloe After the Sun Lotion. This lotion has Vitamin E and Aloe Vera in it which makes your skin feel so soft and hydrated.

If you choose to use any of the products I've recommended to you, I hope you enjoy them. Everyone please take care of your skin this summer. It's the only skin we got...We’re going to be stuck with it for a long time, so make sure you keep it happy, healthy and beautiful!

Have a healthy day!