The Good Old Summertime!

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It's here! I don't know about you, but I love summer. Yes, the fall is beautiful with the changing of the leaves and the winter is magical with all the holidays and spring gives us the birth and renewal and regeneration, but summertime is my favorite. Maybe it's reminiscing about the carefree days of childhood, waiting for the Good Humor Man or getting Italian Ices or my days on Long Island at Jones Beach or family gatherings at Salisbury Park. Or maybe its waking up to a beautiful sunrise and drinking in the colors of the sunset. I think it's all of it!

Today, the summertime brings the annual event where I live, which is an over 55 community in Colorado. And that is the opening of the pool! All of us wait for it! It's our time to meet up with friends we haven't seen all winter, show off our new swimsuits, read a good book and just relax! But all of this comes with a dose of caution and that is Mr. Sun!

Denver is called the Mile High City because we are a mile above sea level and what that means is the sun's rays are stronger here. Protecting your skin is of the upmost importance and whether you live here or not, it's a must. I once had a dermatologist that always told me two things every time I saw her. "The only time you don't need sunscreen is when you need a flashlight" and "stay pale". And one other thing about the sun. It's the biggest culprit in aging. I once asked a notable plastic surgeon why there are lines above my lips when I didn't smoke, and his answer was "did you sit out in the sun?" My memory flashed back to the days of sun reflectors and iodine with baby oil. Now we all know better!

So, we love the sun, and we will be out in it whether swimming or gardening or touring or whatever. We just need to be smart about it and take precautions.

Sunscreen is essential not a maybe. I use a face sunscreen under my makeup every day, every season. Remember the rule. If you need a flashlight, you can forgo sunscreen. And the one that I swear by is Elta MD 40spf. I have used it for years. I usually buy the tinted, but the clear is fine too. Most dermatologists recommend it. I know mine does. It sits perfectly under makeup. Doesn't pill and does the job. Just to ensure I'm protected "face wise", I use Eu Thermale Avene Mineral Protection Tinted Compact. THIS is my summer foundation! Its quick, easy, has amazing coverage and a SPF of 50. I use when I go to the pool, beach or even out for the evening! It's a no fuss, great look and it keeps your skin healthy. It comes in two colors. I actually own both. My main go to is the honey color. Put it on over your sunscreen, add a little cream blush (more on that next time) add a fun color lipstick and you are set to go anywhere! One more thing from Avene that is great too. And that is there Thermal Spring Facial Mist. Spray it on before your sunscreen and makeup. It's refreshing and like a drink of water for your face. I know this may sound like a lot to do, but it's no more than 10 minutes and aren't we worth it?

Now for the rest of the body. I use a sunscreen spray with a 50 SPF. I like a spray on rather than a lotion and my go to one is Banana Boat Sport Spray SPF 50. It absorbs quickly, non-greasy, and they say, "lasts as long as the fun does". It checks all the boxes so no need to look any further!

One more thing before I go. Lips. They are also a must to protect. Last year I had Mohs surgery for a precancerous spot. Luckily the surgery went great. But as a result, I'm very conscious of protecting all the skin, including the lips. I use Banana Boat Sport Ulta SPF.

It's moisturizing, protective and you can wear your favorite lipstick over it!

So that's my take on summer skin protection. If you have any more ideas and suggestions, please let me hear from you! Until then, have fun in the sun! And stay safe!

Liz ❤️