Protecting yourself everyday from the strong and powerful UV rays that come from the sun is a must. SPF protection (sun protection factor) is vital for the health of your skin, and if you are not already using protection, this article will get you started on the right track.

I can’t stress enough how SPF’s help the skin fight against UV rays and protect us from the damage they can cause to our skin.  There are two different types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.  I like to refer to them as “UV-Aging and UV-Burning Rays” 

UVA (aging): These are powerful rays that are present every day no matter whether it is sunny, cloudy, raining or snowing. UVA rays in fact are so powerful, they can penetrate through glass and even some clothing. UVA rays are responsible for advance aging of the skin, which is why it is important to use SPF protection, especially for your face. These rays actually penetrate into the deeper surface of the skin, thus damaging healthy new cells. That tan may look good now, but the damage comes later in life in the form of sun spots, leathery looking skin and wrinkles.

UVB (burning): These are the rays responsible for burning, and are at their strength during the summer months, more so during midday.  These rays also reflect off of water and snow, hence the reason to use protection year-round. UVB rays are more responsible for causing most common types of skin cancer. SPF is a must to protect against UVB rays.

So what should you use to protect your skin from these harmful UV rays?  I personally like to use products with a broad spectrum SPF for protection, but here is a good starting point.

Start with a protective moisturizer like A Perfect World SPF 25 Moisturizer (1) from Origins.com.

Next, Jane Iredale Active Light Under-eye Concealer (2) from Beauty.com.

Follow that with an SPF-foundation such as Bare Minerals Tinted Mineral Veil (3) by BareEscentuals.com.

Dust bronzer over cheeks, nose, and forehead.  Dior Bronze Collagen Active Smooth Protection Bronzer with SPF 15 (4) is a great choice from BeautyEncounter.com.

Finally, dab lips with a sheer color like Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm (5) from Neutrogena.com. Add a little more protection and mist your hair with an SPF-packed styler like Frederick Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Leave-in Conditioner with UV protection (6) which I found at NewEgg.com for $14.95.  You can also try some of the new clothing with built in UV protection for the summer.  Check out Coolibar.com for UV swimwear.

SkinBySheila