5 Ways to #FindYourHealthy This Summer

Whether you’re grabbing cocktails outside or enjoying a concert festival, it can be easy to have so much fun you forget about the health of your skin.  While it’s nice to get a nice summer glow, even a small sunburn can contribute to melanoma, sun damage like wrinkles and spots, down the line- beyond the discomfort you feel today.  Sun damage is an sneaky problem that seems like a nuisance now, but really- the damage isn’t discovered until years later.

Much like brushing your teeth, forming a healthy habit around sun exposure will keep you from expensive and painful doctor visits later. Prevention, truly is the best medicine, so I hope you’ll stock up and reapply regularly!  As you read this, put a bottle of sunscreen in your bag or car, NOW.  Sun protection isn’t just for days at the park or beach- seriously consider making sunscreen a habit for any form of sun exposure.  If you brush your teeth everyday, you can protect your skin!

As a partner with CVS this summer, I hope you will #FindYourHealthy by protecting your skin from cancer causing damage…because healthy skin is beautiful skin!

Sunglasses and sunscreen are two suncare essentials that should be in your tote!

Protect yourself stylishly

There’s no reason that you can’t look good while you protect your skin. A wide-brimmed floppy hat is one of the season’s top accessories and is an easy way to shield your face from the sun. Actresses like Nicole Kidman swear on wearing hats in the sun, and you can tell it’s saved them from the effects of aging.

Take a look at your sunglasses and see if they have UV protection. That label ensures that they cover almost all of UVA and UVB rays. Sun damage to your eyes is easy to ignore, but it can cause problems later in life.

Slather up – and then slather up some more

The recommended amount of sunscreen is about a shot glass worth. Use that amount in mind when you’re spreading it on before heading outside. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or wiping off. Remember, sunscreen expires so you’ll want check the date on your bottle. Ideally you should run out of sunscreen every year.

Remember that a tan is a sign of sun damage. Even if you don’t burn, getting darker means that your skin has suffered.

Buy sunscreen you want to wear

So often we buy the cheapest bottle of sunscreen, the kind that makes us feel greasy and shiny. But if you take a look and splurge on a nicer bottle, you’ll be more inclined to wear it, thus protecting your skin better. I’ve experimented with lots of different brands to find ones that work for my skin type.

I recommend finding one kind for your body and one for your face. Facial sunscreens are more expensive and should be less likely to leave a shiny residue, clog your pores and affect your makeup. Make it a daily habit to put on sunscreen, especially if you use chemical exfoliants.

Find healthy role models

They say that pale is the new tan, but it can be hard to feel that way when you’re surrounded by bronzed beauties. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your ghostly glow, look up some beautiful pale actresses. Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and Julianne Moore are some great examples of snow white starlets.

It can be hard to feel different especially if your friends and family make comments about your skin, but remember that it’s all a race against time. The longer you keep up these habits, the better your skin will look in the decades to come.

I start myself off with a SPF 25 BB cream for summer everyday. For longer exposure, I use SPF 50, reapplied every 2 hours.

Make it easy

I like to carry a sample bottle of sunscreen in my purse. That way if I end up outside without applying, I have an emergency stash. Keep a few pairs of sunglasses around so you’re never without some. I like to have a pair in my car, one at home and one in my purse. That way you’re covered in almost every situation.

You can also buy a few different kinds of hats, so you’re not worried about looking good and protecting yourself. The easier it is to create good habits, the more likely you’ll stick with them.

Your skin is the biggest organ in your body and while it might be nice to have a great glow this summer, you’ll have to wear your skin the rest of your life. Every time you damage your skin, you’re increasing your chances of skin cancer, creating more wrinkles and making yourself look older. If that’s not motivation for keeping your tanning in check this summer, what is?

This summer, you can find an array of healthy sun options at CVS.  With makeup that includes a good base of spf 25, sunscreen and after sun products- there’s no excuse not to be protected this summer.  Plus, if you’re on your way to the beach, you can stock up on healthy snacks and bottled water to ensure you’re snacking smart, and you stay hydrated…because healthy people means healthier skin!

Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy for the #FindYourHealthy campaign. I am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.