here’s how to protect everything from UV

Who doesn’t adore a sweet summer? I mean, imagine the beach time, the sunbathe and not to mention your new favorite sundress from Song of Style, but tbh sometimes summer can be your biggest woe too. Increased exposure to UV rays can take a toll on your health, but there are always ways to minimize the damage caused by the harmful rays on your scalp, hair, and skin, giving you the ultimate protection from the not-so-fun part of the sun.

Where it all begins – the scalp

When it comes to sun protection, the scalp is always neglected. Being covered by your hair doesn’t mean it is being protected from the omnipresent UV rays. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution for this – simply throw a hat on, the accessory may even elevate your outfit. Try a floppy straw hat for a summer vacay style or the most underrated 80s accessories of all time – the bucket hats (haters gonna hate). For those who prefer a more retro vibe can pair a silk headscarf with cat-eye shades. Ultimate protection? Do what most people in Hong Kong do best, bring an umbrella. Or apply scalp protection products like Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part and Scalp Powder SPF 45 if you are out and about.

A healthy hair routine makes all the difference

In fact, UVB rays contribute to loss of protein in the hair, while UVA rays can cause color changes. It’s proven that the sun is also a major contributor to potential hair loss. To protect your hair from the big bad rays, use the amika vault color-lock leave-in. It provides optimal protection from the sun while detangles and softens your mane. What’s more? It retains your natural + synthetic color and prevents your color from fading. Thanks to a powerful amino acid complex, the leave-in seals and strengthens your hair cuticle. Simply spray through damp/dry hair, brush it, and style as usual and you’re ready to go. For maximum results, cocktail it with vault color-lock shampoo and conditioner.

SPF, SPF, SPF for the face

Think about sunburns, wrinkles, freckles, and all the signs of aging caused by the sun, and you’ll know the importance of SPF for the face. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF with zinc oxide, an essential ingredient that shields your skin from UVA. Try EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, our go-to daily SPF. Both tinted and untinted options are sensitive skin friendly and are ideal for skin that is prone to blemishes, acne and rosacea. You may also pair it with Laura Mercier Mineral Powder to build a perfect foundation for your skincare regimen. 

And then, more SPF for the body

Whenever possible, try to stay indoors around 10am-4pm when the sun is at its strongest peak hours. And well, you may already know this, but the UV rays are real sneaky, you think they are not here when it’s cloudy? They are ALWAYS here to cause invisible damage to your skin. Plus, they can bounce back water surface and sand (yep, those sneaky rays). So it’s even more important for people with tattoos to wear SPF on their bodies to prevent their tat from fading. We think one of the best aerosol sunblocks out there is Eucerin’s Sun Spray Transparent Dry Touch Sensitive Protect SPF 50, super easy to use + effective. 

Last but not least…the lips

It’s super important to protect your lips from the sun because they have almost no melanin (a natural chemical in your skin that protects you from the sun and also gives color to our eyes, skin, and hair). Put on Sol de Janiero My Sol Stick SPF 50 to give your lips the love and protection they deserve. This sun protection balm is packed with loads of goodies such as açaí oil, coconut oil, and cupuaçu butter for your lips and you can even use it for other parts of your face and body. We might have found your best new SPF pal, and you’re welcome!

Based on an article written by Wendy Sy

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