Summer (or really every season in San Luis Obispo) should mean relaxing at Avila Beach, hiking in Montana de Oro, and wine tasting in Edna Valley or Paso Robles—not putting up with breakouts and irritation caused by your sunscreen. Every summer, I struggled with the sunscreen double bind: forego the sunscreen and pay for it in burns and permanent damage, or safeguard my skin and brace for a breakout.
Sunscreen: Not Optional
Until recently, I wasn’t worried about the sun’s most harmful effects. After all, in the 90s, my mother’s dermatologist told her, “With your genes, you’ll never have to worry about skin cancer!” I took that to mean that I was immune as well. Flash forward to 2016, when my mom had a procedure to remove a cancerous spot from her cheek. That was a definitive wake-up call.
My mother was not alone. In the United States, skin cancer cases are diagnosed more often than all other types cancers combined, annually. The truth is, no one is immune to skin cancer, regardless of complexion or genetic makeup. But there is hope! By following the ABCDE Rule, anyone can detect early signs of melanoma. Take notice of Asymmetry, jagged or irregular Borders, patchy or irregular Coloring, large Diameter, or Evolving shape/size/coloring in moles or birthmarks. Reporting any unusual findings to your doctor ensures you’re staying on top of your health. In addition, studies show that consistent sunscreen use can cut melanoma risk in half. This is why sunscreen use is critical for all skin types.
After seeing first-hand the reality of skin cancer, I knew it was time to start adding sunscreen to my daily routine, regardless of sensitivity to drugstore sunscreen.
The first step in finding the sunscreen for you is deciding whether you prefer a chemical or physical formula. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat, which is then released from the body. They are best suited for playing sports or swimming, as they are sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. On the other hand, physical sunscreens sit atop the skin. Because of this, they do not clog pores and are less likely to be irritating. Physical sunscreen formulas are a favorite of those with sensitive skin. I decided I needed to find a physical formula for everyday use and set my chemical sunscreens aside for more occasional use.
Square One: Chemical or Physical Sunscreen?
After joining A French Touch Salon’s family I found the answer to my sunscreen prayers: Colorescience’s Sunforgettable® Total Protection Brush-on Shield SPF 50— one of the salon’s most-recommended and popular products. My summer days at the beach finally feel more relaxing!
Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin Types, Rejoice!
The Brush-on Shield isn’t just a favorite of Patricia’s. Good + Well, a revered lifestyle and wellness publication, ranked this miracle product as the number one sunscreen for sensitive skin. Dermatologists are raving about this “magic dust with just the right SPF.” Why? The Brush-on Shield’s ingredients are certainly well-suited to sensitive skin, but its hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance and oil-free formula is just the start. Colorescience’s newly patented EnviroScreen® Technology also protects skin from environmental irritants. In addition to UVA/UVB sun defense, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation don’t stand a chance against Colorescience’s blend of natural ingredients. Contrary to other sunscreens that absorb into the skin (clogging or inflaming the skin) the Brush-on Shield powder sits gently on top of the skin. My summertime breakouts disappeared—guilt and sunburn-free!
On-the-Go & All-Day Coverage Made Simple
Finally finding a high-SPF product that worked with my skin had me finally wearing sunscreen regularly. The cherry on top; however, was the Brush-on Shield’s convenience factor.
Dermatologists and estheticians cannot emphasize enough the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours…which doesn’t seem very realistic, does it? Just when I thought my new favorite sunscreen couldn’t get any better, it did. It’s developed to wear both over your makeup (yes, you read that correctly) or as stand-alone coverage over your daily moisturizer. True to Colorescience’s SPF slogan “looks like nothing, protects from everything,” the Brush-on Shield creates a barrier between skin and the sun, without disrupting the look you love. Toss it in a purse or beach bag and touch-ups become easy breezy!
Whether you’re looking for a sunscreen made with sensitive skin in mind or the ultimate 24/7 coverage, Colorescience’s Sunforgettable® Total Protection Brush-on Shield SPF 50 is the sunscreen solution you need. Swing by to pick up yours today and start relaxing in the San Luis Obispo sunshine!
