Sunscreen is the most important skincare essential!  Remember… the SPF is somewhat irrelevant because no sunscreen is effective for more than three to four hours.  Therefore, it is mandatory that you reapply.  Also try to wait 15-20 minutes after applying before going into the sun as it takes most sunscreens that long to penetrate.

For the face, my favorite sunscreen is Epione's Tinted Sun Block with SPF 40.  It's a splurge because it's $40 for a 1.7oz bottle so only use it on the face unless you can afford to buy several bottles at once and do the whole body.   It has a silicone base so it won't absorb into the skin, making it ideal for patients with skin allergies or sensitive skin.

For a more affordable option, I like Aveeno's Smart Essentials.  It doesn't irritate my face, has an SPF of 30 and a pleasant scent.  It goes on light and doesn't leave the typical SPF white residue or film.  It's a steal at around $12.  I'm a huge Aveeno fan and the other sunscreen I like for the body is the Aveeno’s Continuous Protection Sun Block Lotion for around $9 a bottle.  I love the way it goes on, it's waterproof which it great but don't let the name fool you, you still have to reapply every three to four hours or more often if you are going in the water.  

When applying sun block…Make sure you apply it all the way to the hairline when doing your face.  This will help protect you when driving because the sides of our faces get direct sun exposure the whole time we are behind the wheel.

What you'll need:

1 cup purified water 
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 tablespoons sea salt 
3 tablespoons hair spray   
     
     Place the purified water and coconut oil in a heatproof container, such as a pyrex measuring cup. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. The coconut oil should be completely melted. Now add the sea salt and hair spray. Stir a bit and place in a spray bottle. Once in the spray bottle agitate and you’re ready to use. Spray your hair and scrunch with your hands. Try to avoid your skin as much as possible as this can sting your skin a bit.


TADA!!! Don't spend $15+ on a beach spray at the store when you can make your own!!

*Recipe from "Beauty From Scratch"