I'm sorry, mom, I'm just not that concerned about daily sun protection. Sunscreen without icky ingredients are difficult to find and often expensive (labelled as sensitive-friendly). I'm rarely in the sun for more than 5 minutes at a time (obviously I use sunscreen when I know I'll be outside for 20+ minutes). Besides, spending a couple minutes in the sun feels nice because vitamin d is nice. I just can't do it. (Also it made my skin xxtra dewy which is gross when you live in the south lmao).
Don’t apologize! Seeing that you messaged me, I assume on some level you want me to convince you to use sunscreen. Which, as a crazy sunscreen lady, I’m happy to try to do!
The concerns you have about sunscreen are common, legitimate concerns. Yet, every one of your concerns can be addressed by choosing the correct sunscreen and appreciating the affect that UV radiation has on the skin.
I’ll go through each of your concerns and then recommend you some sunscreens that I think will change your mind about sunscreen.
I’m just not that concerned:
I’m not gonna sugar-coat it; you should be. UV radiation is very real, ever present, and truly damaging.
“Wrinkles, leathery or sagging skin and brown spots. In fact, more than 90 percent of these visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.
In addition to premature skin aging, the sun’s UV rays play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. In fact, about 86 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to its UV rays.” (x)
It can be hard to appreciate, because you won’t see the consequences of the damage you’re receiving until later on in life. The reality is that the choices you make right now concerning sun protection will have serious consequences down the line.
There are powerful, documented examples of the sun’s effects on the skin.
Ex. A truck driver, who’s had one half of his face more exposed to the sun throughout his career of truck driving: (x)
Ex. A pair of twins; one who sunbathes (along with other unhealthy behaviors) and the other who doesn’t: (x)
I can’t make you care about this stuff, but you should be informed. Sunscreen is first and foremost a method of preventative health care.
Of course, your personal definition of what an “icky” ingredient is may vary from mine. However, I’ve discussed on this blog that the only UV filters you need to worry about are oxybenzone and octinoxate. I’ve also discussed and debunked some other commonly disliked ingredients.
Sunscreen can be expensive, but it can also be quite affordable! As with most skin care, there’s something for every price range. Many Asian sunscreens can be bought at 50ml for under $10.
Obviously limiting your time outdoors reduces the amount of UV damage you receive, but keep this in mind: Sun damage is cumulative. This means that those 5 minutes each day add up to a significant amount of damage over time. Also, did you know that UV radiation passes through windows? That means any time spent near windows in your house or in the car exposes you to UV rays. Clouds, rain, and snow can’t even stop UV rays. So, you’re likely receiving far more UV radiation than you think.
I won’t argue with you on that! However, with a nice lightweight sunscreen, you can enjoy the sunshine and protect yourself.
I agree wholeheartedly; cue the supplements and dietary changes!
“Foods that provide vitamin D include:
Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmonFoods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cerealsBeef liverCheeseEgg yolks” (x)
600 IU is recommended if you choose to take supplements. This way, you can get the amount of Vitamin D you need without exposing yourself to sun damage.
There are so many mattifying sunscreens out there, it’ll make your head spin!
Here’s some inexpensive, mattifying sunscreens with my approved UV filters and at least SPF 50/PA +++:
Etude House Mild Airy Finish Sunscreen (alcohol heavy, but well loved by those who live in hot climates)
Make P:rem Blue Ray Sun Fluid (💖 ) (~$35, but it’s 200ml, so it would be about $8.70 for a standard 50ml bottle)
Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen
Innisfree Perfect UV Protection Cream Triple Care
I hope I was able to convince you to wear your sunscreen! :)
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