Summer is coming-- Time to ramp-up your SPF routine.

As spring turns into summer, it's time to "spring clean" our beauty routine as well.  Cosmetics containing SPF in them are wonderful for use in winter months, but now that the sun is stronger it's time to ramp-up your protection as well. During stronger-sun months you should use an actual Sunscreen.

First, you likely need to go out and buy yourself some new SPF. The average shelf-life for sunscreen is about 1.5 years.

After cleansing and using a toner/and or moisturizer, wait a couple of minutes for those products to sink in and then apply your sunscreen.

Here are some other things to consider:

* If your skin is acne-prone or oily, try a lightweight lotion or liquid, or an alcohol-free gel base. Spray-on sunscreens are also a good option and can be re-applied over make-up without messing up your "look".


* Everyone should use a sunscreen of at least 30, that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.


* If you suffer from melasma, than you should also consider using an SPF that contains physical blockers, like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Regular use of SPF will help your other melasma treatment products to be more effective. Melasma is made worse with sun-exposure so one of the best things in your beauty arsenal is to use plenty of sunscreen and of course, a hat.

* A recent study found that there might (we stress might) be a link between skin cancer and a common sunscreen ingredient, Retinyl Palmitate (a combination of Vitamin A and palmitic acid). So consider avoiding sunscreens that contain this ingredient.   (See: http://www.ewg.org/release/nih-panel-links-vitamin-sunscreen-skin-tumors).

Whichever one you go with, layer it on and have a great Summer!
xoxo
Amalou Skin