Summer will be gone before you know it—a.k.a. why Canadians try to pack as much outdoor fun in as quickly as possible. While you’ll obviously need to protect your skin from the sun’s rays and all the extra heat, summer fun in Canada also entails caring for skin during forest hikes and fireside singalongs…you know, so you don’t become a walking buffet for any six-legged friends. Which is we’ve put together this list of 3 summer essentials that spaces to help you enjoy a healthier, more radiant season—and you can find them all at Rachelle-Béry’s health spaces.
1. Proper sunscreen
You want to avoid sunburn, reduce the risks of developing skin cancer, and prevent premature ageing, but with all the selection out there, finding the right product for your skin can be downright tricky. So here are some selection criteria that will help you can zero in on the perfect sunblock for you:
. Sun prevention factor (SPF)
As a rule, sunscreen with SPF 30 will be perfectly sufficient for most. That said, folks who are extremely sensitive to the sun—or people taking photosensitizing medications—will derive increased benefit from higher-SPF sunblock options (45 or 60). Fun fact: SPF 15 protects from 93% of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, and that number only goes up to 97% with SPF 30, meaning you don’t actually get twice the protection with double the SPF.
. Broad-spectrum protection
To shield skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation—which penetrates more deeply than UVB—shop for a broad-spectrum sunblock. It’ll protect you from UVB rays, too.
. Water/sweat-proof
Suntan lotions labelled as water- or sweat-proof are designed to keep you safe when you go for a dip or get a little competitive this summer. The length and efficacy of each product is clearly written on the label, so make sure you read it and re-apply as indicated.
. Delivery method
With all the creams, lotions, sprays, and sticks out there, it’s hard to know what works the best. And the good news is that there are excellent sunblock products in every category. Generally, lotions tend to be more liquid-y than creams, and therefore less sticky—a lot like sprays. When it comes to stick sunscreens, they’re great for keeping hands clean post-application, as well as stinging eyes less when summer gets sweaty.
Healthy and gorgeous: makeup and sunscreen
Want to look cute and leave skin properly protected? Apply the moisturizer you normally use first, followed by sunscreen (one without a shiny finish, please!), then makeup. Sunblock also comes in routine-simplifying powder form (with minerals), plus there’s the tinted variety, which evens complexion while simultaneously protecting you from the sun.
Pssst! For all-day-long protection, sunscreen sticks are perfect for additional applications on top of makeup!
Remember…
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.—even if you’re wearing sunblock.
- Reapply sun care products every 2 hours.
- 7 teaspoons of product is all an adult needs to cover the body.
- Lips are also affected by radiation, so check out balms with SPF.
- Hair could use protection from the sun as well, especially if it’s been coloured—yes, there’s a spray for that!
- After-sun care is all about soothing any dryness or redness resulting from exposure.
2. A light moisturizer
With all the heat and humidity of summer, even dry skin can get extra shiny. So trade in those ultra-rich winter creams for a lighter, oil-free moisturizer with vitamins E or C, especially. You might just find your perfect solution in a gel moisturizer!
Despite all the sebum production associated with combination skin, mixed and oily complexions may still be lacking adequate hydration. With their satiny finish and sebum-regulating properties, mattifying moisturizers should be the go-to for this skin type. Bonus points: they also reduce the appearance of pores. Also consider washing your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser to keep skin’s hydrolipidic film intact.
Moisturizers with SPF: handy, but…
- They’re generally not applied in sufficient amounts to provide all-day-long protection from outdoor rays. Use them for days you mostly spent inside.
3. Sure-fire bug spray
A lovely walk through the woods or an evening under the stars can quickly go sour when biting insects come out to play. Which is why it’s so important to have insect repellant on hand. There are, of course, DEET-based products, which is an effective chemical with a long track record. That said, this synthetic solution can damage some fabrics, plastics, and surfaces, on top of posing a health risk if used improperly or with the wrong concentration/age group. If you’re looking for a DEET alternative, try a spray with lemon eucalyptus oil, which has also proven to be a highly effective active ingredient. Some brands are geared more towards mosquitos and ticks, on top of being organic and 100% plant-based—a.k.a. kind of the perfect balance.
For children, stick with products that are kid specific. That way, they’ll contain the right concentrations for their ages. Citrobug is a fantastic option.
Pregnant people / folks who are nursing need to be careful—not all products are safe for use. Always read labels thoroughly.
