Are you doing enough to protect your skin? As actors, our skin goes through a lot – harsh lights, unpredictable weather on location, unfamiliar makeup, dehydration and more. So it’s important that your downtime suncare (or lack thereof) doesn’t make the situation worse.
Everyone knows that sunscreen is a must this time of year, but with all those shining rays around, you need more than just the old stand-by to protect yourself from damaging UV radiation.
Layering your sun protection as much as possible is best. You need a suncare storehouse of alternative armor to keep that soft skin safe and camera ready!
And not just on your face. Don’t forget about your ears, your neck, your eyes, your hands and even your ta-tas!
Here are my Top 5 suncare tips for actors who want to shine without burning up. 😉
1) Choose Products That Pull Double-Duty
My summer schedule can be hectic, so I love a good multitasker. Both my moisturizer and my makeup have sunscreen in them. Look for products that have at least SPF 30, so you’re not only well protected against harmful UV rays but also premature aging.
Anne Hathaway shared in an interview with The Sun her A-List actor suncare routine was influenced by watching previous generations: “My mom had some skin issues, and my grandmother had skin cancer. So she has taught me to wear factor 30 sun cream every day.”
Regardless of which brands you choose, you just need to remain conscious that what you’re putting on your skin goes into your body. So make sure to use organic, plant-derived sunscreens without chemicals. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a great, updated guide to sunscreens here, if you want to see how your favorite formula rates.
If you can’t live without that summer tan, find organic, natural self-tanning products or splurge on a spray tan. Hathaway likes a healthy glow too, but not at the expense of her skin. She continued in The Sun, “I even carry an umbrella if I walk in the sunshine and use spray tan if I need to look as if I’ve been sunbathing.”
2) Schedule Your Sunshine
According to the EWG, “UV radiation peaks at midday,” so put in a little pre-planning and head to the beach in the morning. You can still have a great time and even take a lil beach snooze without putting yourself at risk for a nasty sunburn. Plus, you can stake out a primo spot for your towel!
Plus, all sunshine isn’t created equally; some days the UV radiation is higher than others. A great resource to bookmark this summer is the UV Index published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with The National Weather Service. You can look up your zip code and learn the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun that day, so you can plan your protection accordingly. Plus, there’s even an app!
Model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whitely loves the sunshine, but after seeing the damage too much beachside fun left on her skin, she’s more thoughtful about her suncare now. She told W Magazine, “… just choosing those times really carefully when you do want to be exposed to the sun, and making sure you are wearing SPF everyday, and a hat and sunglasses.”
3) Invest in Quality Sunglasses
Speaking of accessories… they are not all created equal when it comes to protecting you. Proper eyewear isn’t just about looking cool; it’s an important tool to protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, blindness, and even cancer of the eyelids.
In fact, up to 10 percent of all skin cancers occur on your lids, so make sure to pick up sunnies with 100% UV protection from both UVA and UVB rays and polarized lenses to help reduce the glare. And don’t let clouds in the sky fool you; your eyes can still be exposed to UV radiation even when it’s overcast.
Here are some easy tips on how you can check the polarization on your own, or if you’re a super sleuth, you can bring your glasses into an eye center and have them tested in the photometer (which measures the intensity of light) to confirm they provide UV protection.
You’re probably not going to find something like this at the 99 cent store. It’s worth investing in a better pair of sunglasses from a reputable dealer, where you can trust the level of protection and also ask questions. If you’re on a budget, check out outlet malls and stores like Nordstrom Rack, where you can get better quality (and stylish) frames without spending as much.
P.S. I also wear a hat anytime I plan to be out in the sun for an extended period of time. Concerts, at the beach, on a hike, at the Farmers Market, it doesn’t matter. Be sure to put sunscreen on your ears and the back of your neck if you opt for a baseball cap, though I prefer a wide-brimmed hat because, in addition to extra coverage, it looks chic af.
4) Incorporate UV Protective Clothing Into Your Wardrobe
When I say the words “UV protective clothing”, do you imagine those hypercolor shirts from the 90’s or something made from tin foil? Good news, it’s neither! Sun-safe clothing is readily available and pretty darn cute.
Clothing can be the most safe and effective defense against skin cancer, so why not pump up your summer wardrobe with a few new pieces that can keep you cool AND protected. There are lots of brands to choose from like REI, Coolibar and SOLBARI, but a good rule of thumb is to look for clothing with at least a UPF 50+ rating. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, similar to SPF, and the 50 means that just 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation can reach your skin through the fibers of the clothing.
5) Schedule A Visit To Your Dermatologist
You may have noticed Hugh Jackman’s skin cancer scare a few years ago. He posted a selfie on Instagram with a Band-Aid on his nose. The caption read: An example of what happens when you don’t wear sunscreen. Basal Cell. The mildest form of cancer but serious, nonetheless. PLEASE USE SUNSCREEN and get regular check-ups.
While skin cancer is far too common, the Skin Cancer Foundation states diagnosed and treated early 99% of cases are curable. So, be sure to get regular check ups at your dermatologist. (If you don’t have one yet, your primary care doctor may be able to check out any unusual spots and give you a referral if you need one.)
But as with all things related to your body and health, you are always your best advocate and detective! Learn how to do a self skin check and make it a regular part of your suncare routine.
I hope these suncare tips for actors help keep your skin safe and healthy for all your close-ups this summer!
LOVE + ultraviolet happiness!
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