Top 10 Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin.

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Sunscreen is an essential part of my daily routine. It took me a long time to realize that I needed to use sunscreen on my face everyday, and even longer to realize that I need to use it daily on my body too. I may skip it on my body in the winter, but in the summer, it is a must. While I can get away with an SPF 15 on days when I am not spending much time outdoors, I use much higher SPF rated sunscreen when outside or at the pool or beach. It is the best thing I can do to protect myself from the suns harmful, damaging rays. The sun ages skin more than anything else, not to mention that melanoma rates are extremely high. Sunscreen is vital.

I have been testing a lot of sunscreen for summer, and I am the first to admit that I am picky. Out of all of the sunscreen I have tried, I can strongly recommend any of these 10. Here are my favorite top 10 sunscreen to protect skin this summer.

1. L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50+ Lotion - $10.99
This is a hydrating, very sheer formula that feels like I am not even wearing it when I am. It offers a high sun protection factor and is water resistant.

2. SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50 - $40.00
This marathon-runner-tested sport sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection

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FDA Sunscreen Regulations.

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Did you know that last year, the FDA implmented a new set of regulations in regards to sunscreen labeling? It is all really confusing, I know. Hopefully some of this information that I got from my friends at behind the scenes at Target will help.

1.  Products that do not pass the new ”Broad Spectrum” testing requirements or have a SPF value less than 15 are required to include a warning that states, “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to

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My 4 Self-Tanning Must Haves.

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Did you know that one person dies every minute from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer? If that fast fact doesn’t have you protecting yourself from the sun, then I don’t know what can. Sunscreen is a must. Each and every day.

A real tan is just not an option these days. Especially when there are so many great self-tanners on the market. Here are my four self-tanning must haves: a self tanner for my face and one for my body, a temporary tan product to even out or deepen my self tan as it fades, and a little something for my self-tanning mistakes.

self-tanning must haves

Self-tanner for Face

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanner - $35.00
Clarins has long been a brand I turn to for self-tanners, especially when it comes to my face. This milky self-tanner is a dream. It applies easily (like a liquid moisturizer) and dries in a few minutes. I like to apply it every other night to keep my face with the light, very natural looking golden glow I like.

Self-tanner for Body

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse - $32.00
I’ve used this for a few years and it is the one self tanner that gives me the most consistent, even tan on my body each and every time. I apply the lightweight mousse to a tanning mitt and then rub it carefully all over my skin. It is tinted, so I can see exactly where it is applied. It dries in a minute, so I can get dressed soon after. My tan is fully developed in a few hours and I am a beautiful golden brown. When I first start self-tanning, I apply one coat in the morning and then another on the same night to get my desired color. I then re-apply every five days to maintain the color.

Instant Wash-off Tanner

Tea Tan Glow Wash-Off Body Bronzer - $22.90
If I am going somewhere special and want to deepen my self-tan or need to even it out as my self-tan is fading, I use a temporary or wash off tanner. I like this instant body bronzer infused with tea extract, to give a natural, light golden glow. One coat is great to even out a tan and two coats is great to deepen a tan. Of course, it is also good for someone wanting an immediate tan that washes off.

Self-tanner Mistake Eraser

Bronze Buffer - 2 for $10.00
Just in case I ever make a mistake, which I constatnly seem to do around my ankles, I use this new Bronze Buffer to remove the unwanted color. The Bronze Buffer is a cute little sun shaped sponge that when damped with water, gently buffs away the unwanted color.

With great self-tanners available, there really is no excuse to subject skin to the damage of the sun.