Pale Girl » Bottled Up

Back to School SPF

kl — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 23:45:13 +0000

Leisurely summer mornings have quickly faded from memory as the realities of school set-in. Most often my mornings are a whirlwind of clothes drama, hurried breakfasts and last-minute homework assignments – life with young girls! And while I try to make our routine as simple as possible, sunscreen and sun protection are always a priority. My girls brush their teeth and then apply sunscreen on any and all skin that is exposed. If they want to wear tank tops and super short shorts (and they always do!), then it means more time slathering on the SPF. Because time is so precious – particularly in the morning – here are a few tips to get the sunscreen on and get you and your kids out the door, quickly!

Let your kids choose their own sunscreen: Obviously this isn’t relevant for little, little ones, but once your children are in elementary school they are ready to pick their protection. Give them a few great sunscreen options and then let them make the final call. Just like adults, kids have a preference when it comes to texture and fragrance. You’ll have a much easier time getting them to wear a product if they’ve picked it themselves.

Consider using sunscreen sticks or powders: The goal is to get your kids applying their own sunscreen as young as possible, and doing a good job at it! You need to help them until you’re confident they’re thorough. Sticks and powders are nice because they’re less messy and easier for little hands to apply. Go with a large body stick like Solar Sense Clear Zinc Body Stick or the new mineral powder, Tickle Time. The powders are great for the scalp as well!

Find lotions that rub-in easily: There’s nothing worse that spending an extra five minutes rubbing and praying that the super thick zinc will “soak in”. I typically stick to zinc based products, but try to stay away from the ones with a toothpaste like consistency. Try Elemental Herbs Sunscreen SPORT SPF 30 or TruKids Sunny Days.

Camp Protection

kl — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:14:03 +0000

For most kids, school is nearly over and the promise of tropical vacations, sleep-away camps, surf lessons and horseback riding adventures are within reach. Protecting your kids from the sun is challenging, particularly if they’re out on their own for the first time. Here are a few tips for an easy, sun-safe summer for all!

The first step in a successful burn-free summer is talking with your kids about the importance of sun protection. If you haven’t already, take the time to explain how essential sunscreen is for the health of their skin. The earlier you start incorporating sun protection into your kids daily routine, the more likely they’ll continue these patterns as they get older and become independent. We can only slather them for so long! Before you know it, they’ll be swatting your hand away and insisting they can do it better, faster, blah, blah, blah!

The next step in warm weather protection is finding sunscreen that your kids love…or at least tolerate. Sunscreen sticks and sprays are faster, easier and just plain more practical for camp situations or application on the run. Practicality is key. Yes, in the perfect world, our kids would take the time to thoroughly apply a thick, white, mineral based sunscreen. They would love us for keeping them safe – hug us and write “thank you” notes every time we remind them to put on a hat and sunglasses…but this will never happen!

After trying dozens and dozens of sunscreens on myself and my girls, here are my current top picks for sprays and sticks. But again, remember, it’s all about personal taste. Go with what works for you and your family!

MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40: Mineral based, great for lips, face and hands, water resistant for 80 minutes, and fragrance free. It does have a slight white appearance, but it goes on really smooth.
Vertra Elemental Resistance SPF 28: Amazing texture and it comes in three colors. It’s water resistant and even the white stick goes on transparent.
Waterman’s Applied Science SPF 55: Order it in skin tone and you’ll be chalk-free! I use this when I paddle board and, when applied often enough, you will NOT get sun. Great for kids with medium skin tone.
Solar Sense Clear Zinc SPORT Body Stick SPF 50: It’s like deodorant for your face! This stick is great because it’s literally the size of a stick of deodorant. It goes on quick and has a subtle fresh scent. Contains green tea and aloe.
Coola Sport SPF 35 Pina Colada Spray: 97% organic, water resistant for 40 minutes and non-nano. This stuff smells so delicious you’re going to crave a blended Pina Colada for sure!
MDSolarSciences SPF 40 Quick Dry Body Spray: Non-greasy, very water resistant (80 minutes) and fragrance free.

Best New

kl — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:13:52 +0000

Tons of great new sunscreen sprays and lotions out this year! So many to try, but here are a few that I’m using and loving!

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion for Face: Light enough to use everyday, yet powerful and water resistant enough for water sports and afternoon hikes. If you’re looking to buy one sunscreen to get you thru the summer, go for this one! SPF 60, broad spectrum protection, no sticky film and water and perspiration resistant.

Willa Skincare SPF 30 Tinted Face Protection: A new product marketed to tweens, and it’s really good! My daughter loves it, not to mention the name! It’s really lightweight, has a subtle tint that works with any complexion and has a matte finish, perfect for oily prepubescent skin. Mineral based, paraben and sulfate free.

L’Oreal Paris Invisible Protect Sheer Spray 50+: While I’m still not a fan of sprays for kids, this is perfect for men or for quick touch-ups at the beach or pool. It really is crystal clear and sprays in a fine, even mist. Contains antioxidants like Vitamin E and grape seed that enhance the effectiveness of the sunscreen.

SPF for Men

kl — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:30:36 +0000

You men have a unique obstacle when it comes to finding great sunscreens for your face – facial hair! I’ve watched my husband try to rub-in a white zinc-based sunscreen for fifteen minutes…to no avail. And so my mission began! Using my husband as a guinea pig, playing around with different stubble and beard lengths, I’ve come to the conclusion you guys must use products with either clear zinc or clear gel bases. Unless your face is as smooth as a baby’s butt, you’ve gotta’ stick with the clear stuff – there’s just no way around it! Here are a few options to try… (And remember, like I tell the ladies, sunscreen texture is very personal business so don’t give-up if you don’t love the first one you order – give it to a friend and try again!)

KINeSYS Fragrance Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 30- Very water resistant, oil-free, preservative-free. This is one of my husband’s favorites. It’s perfect for sports and/or water activities. It does take a minutes or two to dry, so don’t rush into your clothes seconds after application!
Solar Sense Clear Zinc SPF 50 Body Stick- It’s like sunscreen deodorant! Really a great product for arms, back of your neck, ears, etc…and
Jack Black Oil Free Sun Guard SPF 45- Oil free, water and sweat resistant, rubs in clear and and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Guys, this is a great one!
Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 34- Although this one goes on a bit thick, it eventually soaks in nicely and it’s great natural option. Zinc and titanium based, this is the SPF for guys who are really fair and wear sunscreen all day, everyday. Welcome to my world!

Kid Approved

kl — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:37:23 +0000

Getting your kids to wear sunscreen can be challenging, to say the least, so it’s our job to make the experience as easy and pleasant as possible by presenting them with great options. It’s also really important to take the time to explain why we wear it (yes, you must set the example) and then give them a few sunscreens to choose from. Every kid has a preference when it comes to texture and scent, so give him or her two or three bottles to try and them let them make the final call. My girls have sensitive skin, both fair and delicate, so I stick with zinc or titanium based choices. Each has her “favorites” and I make sure I’m always fully stocked – consistency is key. Here are their current top picks. And they know best…sometimes!

Original Sprout Face & Body SPF 24+- My older daughter adores the faint scent of – according to her – Pina Colada. The overall texture is lighter than most zinc based creams and it really does smell delicious.
Tru Kid Sunny Day Sport SPF 30+- 20% zinc, water resistant, and free of parabens, phthalates…all the bad stuff.
BurnOut Eco-Sensitive SPF 32- Zinc based, non-greasy and leaves no chalky residue.
Smart Girls Who Surf 30+ Mineral Sunscreen- Zinc based and goes on really smooth.

Everyday Face

kl — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:38:44 +0000

Finding the perfect everyday sunscreen for your face is like finding the perfect pair of jeans – one size does not fit all. The perfect sunscreen is one that you love and will want to wear everyday, rain or shine. It should be the foundation of your morning routine, as basic as brushing your teeth. For me, I like sunscreens that balance out my combination skin, something light with a slightly matte finish. For everyday, whether you’re spending the day at the office or chauffeuring your kids around town, you need to love your sunscreen. I’ve included a list of my favorites. Keep in mind, these are not high-powered sunscreens meant to protect for hours in the sun or a day at the beach. These are for days with limited sun exposure…work days. (If you work outside, I recommend using water-resistant sunscreens so checkout my Water + Sunscreen article for recommendations.) Here are a few of my favorites…

Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Clarins UV Plus SPF 40
Anthelios XI SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme
Eco Logical Skin Care Face All Natural SPF 30+: This is my girls current favorite. It doesn’t sting or smell weird and you can usually find it at Whole Foods.
KineSYS SPF 30 Fragrance Free: This is my husband’s sunscreen of choice. It’s completely transparent so it works for any skin tone and it won’t leave facial stubble looking chalky. It takes 2-3 minutes for this sunscreen to dry, so don’t throw-on your clothes immediately after application.

Tip- If you’re looking to change sunscreens (or start using SPF for the first time) and don’t want to waste money on trial and error, take a trip to your local pharmacy or shop with a nice selection of sunscreen testers. Go in the morning with a clean face and pick one to try. It’s not enough to squirt some on the top of your hand, sniff and go. Apply to your face and neck like you would at home and see how it wears throughout the day.

Powdered

kl — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:13:39 +0000

Sunscreen powders have been getting a lot of buzz lately and I’m often asked what I think of them. Personally, I don’t use them for my face because every brand I’ve ever tried has made me break-out. I admit I have temperamental skin, but I’ve been told this is a common complaint. The other problem I find is that it’s difficult to tell if you’ve used enough. A recent study found that most people need to apply 14X the amount they are accustomed to in order to get adequate coverage. Plus, the “powder” is so transparent it makes it nearly impossible to know if you’ve missed a spot. But there is one place on my body I love to use powder- my scalp! I’ve found that the powder acts like a dry shampoo and soaks up extra oiliness along the hair line. My girls have become huge fans of the ones with a build-in brush- they now leave the house with a fully powdered head!* Here are a few options…

Colorscience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Jane Iredale Powder Me Dry SPF Sunscreen

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Bronzer Sunscreen SPF 30

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder SPF 30

*Please don’t let your kids go over-board with the powders since SPF minerals in the lungs can move into the bloodstream. Also, nano and micronized zinc oxide cause lung inflammation, so teach your kids to apply responsibly.

Sunscreen Sticks: Yea or Nae

kl — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:59:32 +0000

Yea, particularly when it comes to kids! Sunscreen sticks typically have a beeswax base which makes them go on smooth and stay in place. They won’t run in sensitive eyes and because of their thicker consistency, you can see where you’ve put them…and where you haven’t. Another reason I’m a big fan of the sticks is because my kids love them. When given a choice, the sticks always win-out over the lotions. They are also incredibly convenient to carry around in your purse and great for quick reapplications. Dry skin thoroughly and give a few well-placed swipes. It couldn’t be easier. Here are a few of my top picks…

Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Organic Sunscreen Face Stick
Badger SPF 30+ Face Stick
Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunblock Stick, SPF 60+
Vertra Foundation Sunscreen Face Stick: Comes in 3 shades. Great for kids and adults with darker skin.

Fresh SPF

kl — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:39:53 +0000

Ever open a bottle of sunscreen only to have some oily liquid run between your fingers? Or worse yet, you squeeze out a big clump of what looks like cottage cheese. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to go shopping! Sunscreen, like all medications and beauty products, has a shelf life. Over time, the chemicals in sunscreen breakdown and become ineffective. Most sunscreens last about a year, and that’s assuming you keep them cool and dry! Ironically, sunscreen doesn’t like heat, so no more storing tubes by the pool, outside in a storage bin or in your car! -The number one reason you have old sunscreen lying around…you’re not using enough. If you’re wearing sunscreen everyday, like you should, it’s impossible to have a two-year-old bottle in your medicine cabinet.

H2O Resistant

kl — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:50:11 +0000

Water plus sunscreen is a tricky business. Whenever I’m spending a few hours at the beach, or a pool party, my first line of defense is a rash guard and swim tights. Now I realize most of you aren’t yet fully committed to a life “covered up” so let’s talk water-resistant sunscreen. Yes, I said “resistant” not “water-proof”. If you have a sunscreen that says it’s waterproof it’s either really, really old, or it’s just flat out wrong (new FDA sunscreen guidelines are not allowing any sunscreen to label itself as “water-proof” or “sweat-proof” since it overstates effectiveness). After a certain amount of time in the water, all sunscreens fade or get washed away. What you want to look for is “very water resistant”, which means it will give you protection for about 80 minutes, max. In my experience though, 60 minutes is about the most you can get out of a good broad-spectrum, very water-resistant sunscreen. -Oh, and one last thing to remember, a good water-resistant product, particularly one that is zinc or titanium based, is going to feel relatively thick on your skin, there is no way around it. Resign yourself to the texture and, at the end of the day, wash your face and body with an oil-based cleanser to break-up the sunscreen.

A few water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreens to check out…

Coola MineralSport SPF 30 Citrus Mimosa: Great for kids and adults.
Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Mineral Sunscreen: Great for kids and adults.
Eco Logical Skin Care Body All Natural SPF 30+: Great for kids and adults. Usually available at Whole Foods.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60, PA +++: Great for adults. This is what I use on my face. It does take-on a whitish color once you’re in the water, but it stays on better than any I’ve found.
KINeSYS Performance Sunscreen Spray (it’s a pump) Fragrance Free SPF 30: Great for adults, particularly men. My husband loves the pump and he says it goes on easy over body hair. It’s completely clear so, guys, no chalky stubble.