Sunscreen/Vitamin D/Healthy Skin

As a skin care professional, this is something very near and dear to my heart. I've posted about this before on my skin care blog, but seeing as it's summer, I think it's time to re-iterate.

We need Vitamin D. Luckily, our bodies can make it for us, we just need a little sun. How much is "a little"? Generally 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day.

*breaks screeching*

What?! Yes, I just said unprotected sun exposure.

There's more to this story, though. I recommend my clients get 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day, but (and this is a huuuuuuuge but) there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Try to limit that exposure to the "healthy sun" hours. UV light is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. standard time (or 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. DST), so try to avoid or limit sun exposure during these hours.
   
2. Please, please, please wear a high quality sunscreen on your face, neck, chest, and hands always. These are the areas that show age the most. Besides, sun is better soaked up on the larger parts of your body, such as your arms, legs, or torso.
   
3. Do your research to make sure that the sunscreen you choose not only provides effective protection, but is also healthy to be wearing every day. Many sunscreens are not good for you, despite the fancy commercials.
   

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't recommend some healthy sunscreens. I like these:

1. Eminence Sun Defense Minerals # 0 Translucent SPF 30
   
2. Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen
   
3. Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen Zinc Oxide 4 Oz. UVA/UVB Vegan
   
4. UV Natural Sport Sunscreen SPF30+ 4.4 oz
   

The first one, Eminence Sun Defense Mineral Powder is my absolute favorite. Yes, it is a powder, but was formulated for use over your entire body. It also comes in several different "shades", and the pigment for those shades comes from fruits, not dyes, so each shade has it's own wonderful smell. #1 is Honey Apple, #2 is Cherries & Berries, #3 is Peaches & Cream... you get the idea. Num. 

Also, I'll share with you an excellent resource for anything and everything cosmetic: EWG's unbiased, third party Cosmetics Database. It is a complete godsend.