Arm yourself with unsuspecting sunscreen protection

With cloudy days far and few between these summer months, the minimum 14 hours of sunlight per day can be some serious punishment on your skin, hair, and the endurance of your deodorant.  The latest trip to my dermatologist’s office reminded me (by reminded me I mean, drilled terrifying photos of malignant melanoma into my brain) that sunscreen protection at all times is absolutely vital here in Phoenix.

Most of us will remember to slather on our SPF, during the hours we plan to be out at the pool, golfing, or otherwise braving the outdoors.  If you have somehow survived more than one Phoenix summer without suffering a searing, bright red sunburn subsequently followed by a week of snake-like peeling; then you’ve learned and retained the importance of wearing sunscreen outdoors.

In all honesty though (and I speak with 26 Phoenix summers under my belt) the majority of us are completely unwilling to don the distinctive sunscreen scent and endure that greasy feeling on a daily basis. As it turns out, we can do just as much damage by forgetting the sunscreen during the shorter, but collectively greater amount of time we spend in the sun without protection.  Though wearing a t-shirt in the sun leaves a hilarious farmer’s tan, the skin left all pasty underneath, is actually suffering from sun damage as well.

Never fear! Scientific geniuses somewhere have actually come up with a way to integrate sunscreen protection into clothing!  Similar to the SPF (sun protecting factor) rating scale used in sunscreens, clothing is rated by its UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Dermatologists recommend a minimum of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 for the general public, but higher for those with fairer skin.  The UPF scale ranges from 15 to 50+.  Dermatologists consider anything above 30 excellent, but you should use a higher UPF the longer you’ll need to be protected from the sun.

Visit a great UPF online retailer, Coolibar, which sells clothing and accessories for the whole family, all with a minimum of a UPF 50 rating. Coolibar sells casual clothing for everyday wear that are completely indistinguishable as a UPF item.  There are three REI stores throughout the Phoenix area, which sell top quality UPF sportswear that are ideal for everything from walking the dogs, to hiking the Grand Canyon, or whatever else you can throw at it.

Don’t forget! Your hair needs just as much love as your skin.  Checkout a line of hair care products by Paul Mitchell. All of the products in this hair care line contain sunflower oil, which protects both the hair and scalp from UV rays.

Around here, you can’t get enough sun protection.  Buy skin products and makeup that already contains SPF protection, cover up, and do anything you can to avoid looking like the crispy lady in There’s Something About Mary!