Apply Sunblock Before Your Foundation

Many parts of the country are experiencing heat waves this summer.  As we deal with the sun, I’ve learned July is UV Safety Awareness Month.  It’s a great reminder for all of us to take precautions from the sun before and during play. The focus of UV Safety Awareness Month is the importance of protecting both our eyes and skin from the effects of UV rays. But additionally, let’s not forget about our scalp, feet, hands, neck, lips and ears.  These areas are all exposed to the sun and all need to be protected from its harmful effects as best possible.  

So here’s what the experts say you should do protect yourself against UV rays.  Remember, this time of year nearly half of UV radiation is received between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to the EPA.

1. Protect those peepers.

Did you know that your eyes are at risk for sunburn?  The condition is formally known as photokeratitis. The symptoms are unpleasant and include pain, swelling, light sensitivity and headache. They may last hours or linger for several days. I was notoriously lax about wearing sunglasses earlier in life.  I’m sure I will pay a price as I age.  The National Eye Institute has a study showing that chronic overexposure to the sun can contribute to cataracts. Today, I am religious about wearing my sunglasses when I play (remember those Oakley’s I talked about recently?). 

2. Sunscreen and when to apply it.

The New York Times recently ran an article citing when to apply sunscreen – before or after you put on foundation.  I know what I do but I wasn’t sure if it was correct.  Turns out it is — you should apply sunscreen before any makeup but you need to let it dry completely and be absorbed into the skin.  I use the sunscreens below and then apply my bareMinerals powder over it.  Nice to know I’m doing something right!  The article also noted that people should not rely solely on makeup with SPF because you’d need to use a lot of it, more than most people typically use for their everyday looks, to effectively protect your skin.

It is recommended to use a SPF 30 or higher every day (yes, even on cloudy days).  Reapply every two hours which means halfway through your round.  For my face, I love the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant / Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 .

 

I also have a Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ in my golf bag to help with reapplication during my round.  This week I just discovered Oars + Alps Go Stick Clear SPF 35 Face Sunscreen.  I love this product!  It glides on clear, making it great for all types of skin. Use it as a face or body sunscreen without worrying about white residue (especially on hard-to-see areas like your ears and neck).   What I like about both of these sticks is they won’t melt or leak in my golf bag.  Make sure to put sunscreen on your ears too — both front and back and don’t forget your neck and décolletage.  Does your lip balm has an adequate SPF ?  Check out Oars + Alps Lip Balm with SPF 18.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Cover up.

Well, the obvious is to cover any exposed skin with clothing, hats and gloves.  I know many of you hate to wear hats, but they really do offer the best protection for your scalp and hairline.

Next consider wearing gloves or protective coverings on your hands and arms.   There is so much awareness now around sun exposure and people have created some great items to help.  We all know about arm sleeves (we love the cooling ones by Ice Rays) but these are another great version that I just found.  Check out Dalot UV Block Arm Sleeves.  I just bought a pair to try out because I see that my friend Janelle wears them all the time. 

 

 

 

And don’t forget about SanSoleil for UV blocking golf apparel.  They specialize in UV blocking shirts, skorts and dresses.

When you’re out playing and riding in a cart, check out this great cart cover — 10L0L Golf Cart Club Car DS Sunshade Cover Breathable Mesh Design Isolate UV Rays Suitable for 2 Passenger Golf Cart Club Car DS.  This cart cover blocks out a lot of sun, especially when shade is nowhere to be found.  It fits most carts and is super easy to get on and off.

If you are a walker, consider a UV filtering umbrella.  My friend Janene is headed to Ballyneal this week, a world-ranked course that is walking only in the treeless chop hills of northeastern Colorado.  It’s supposed to be 105 degrees (yikes!).  She’ll have a caddy so she can use the umbrella. 

Here’s a great UV umbrella to check out.  Should you wish for a more compact version, this is a great option.

 

 

 

 

4. Last but definitely not least, get regular screenings.

Part of a complete skin cancer early warning detection strategy includes a visit to a dermatologist for a once a year full-body exam, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. This is where pre-cancerous growths are found.  Might as well schedule your visit now because many dermatologists are booked several months in advance.

Thanks for tuning in.  If you find yourself digging my blog, please feel free to forward it to a friend who might also enjoy it.  As always, I would love to hear from you — feel free to shoot me an email to blake@thewomangolfer.com with any questions, comments or suggestions for future posts.  Next up:  Best of Survey.  Have suggestions, please let me know!