Sunscreen is a Necessary Evil of Modern Life, but Thankfully Advice Sister Alison has the Scoop on What Works & What's Worth Your $$$. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG & PODCAST Interview

PODCAST - Sunscreen is a Necessary Evil of Modern Life, but Thankfully Advice Sister Alison has the Scoop on What Works & What's Worth Your $$$. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG & PODCAST Interview - MP3 File

"I admit I never wore it. When I was small, my grandparents made me wear terrible greasy sunscreen, and I always tried to run away," says Alison Blackman Dunham of AdviceSisters.net. "But everyone, no matter what age they are should wear it. It's really important." Because skin cancer is virtually incurable once it hits, play it safe by making sun protection a daily habit - like teeth brushing & showering. As an alternative to full-on sunscreen, Alison suggests a moisturizer with SPF. "You're going to moisturize anyways, so why not one with sun protection?"

Sunscreen 101 with Advice Sister Alison:

• SPF Stands for Sun Protection Factor & measures the amount of time it takes your skin to burn with the product applied, as compared with no protection at all. The rays that are bad for one's looks are UVA & UVB.
• SUNBLOCK A physical barrier that blocks UV radiation. Old school blocks were often a thick, white zinc oxide paste - most often seen on the noses of lifeguards and surfers. Todays high tech versions are transparent and matte.
• SUNSCREEN Absorbs & deflects the sun's rays
• WATER RESISTANT "Be careful, as it doesn't provide a lot of protection when you're swimming. When you come out of the water, definitely reapply."
• KEEP IT FRESH If you've had your sunscreen since last year, or even over six months, toss it and get a new bottle. Same applies for any changes in color, consistency or smell. Why? It's lost its potency.
• PROPER DOSAGE "It's not just about the SPF factor, but how much you need." Typically, for your full body, 1 oz - which means 25% of a 4 ounce bottle - is appropriate.
• HIT THE SPOT Skin cancer can strike anywhere, so while it's important to slather it on the obvious spots: legs, arms, neck, chest & front of body - Alison warns that it's crucial to get those hard-to-reach spots as well. Pay attention to the tops of your ears, inside of knees and arms, and even feet...which is why the new generation of spray sun products are a godsend. "Even if you're not at the beach, but gardening, cycling, or doing any other activities that require bending over for long periods of time, make sure to get the area where your pants line & shirt meet. Also, don't forget about the hairline and the lips."
• HALF-HOUR RULE The reason that apply-half-hour-before-sun-exposure rule is valid is that it takes some of the chemicals that long to bind properly with skin.
• YOUR SHADOW KNOWS If your shadow is shorter than you are, hit the shade and stay covered - with a hat, long sleeves (if possible) and, of course, sunscreen. Typically, this is when the sun is at its peak strength between 10 am & 4 pm. "Our grandmas wore a sunbonnet, which was great for skin. A hat deflects the sun so you don't age ahead of your time."
• DRINK ALREADY! "To avoid sunstroke, you need to hydrate yourself when you're spending time in the sun."
• GET SHADY Sunglasses are not only a must-have fashion statement, they protect the delicate skin around the eyes and stave off crows feet - a by-product of squinting. "They're both a fashion 'do' and a safety measure."
• GET THOSE MOLES CHECKED If you're prone to moles, especially ones that seem irregularly-shaped or colored, play it safe by having the dermatologist look at them.
• DON'T FORGET ABOUT HAIR Keep color fresh & non-fading with shampoos & conditioners specially formulated to counteract the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Sun Protection Options for Every Price Point:

• UNDER $20 Neutrogena or Aveeno provide great protection "for the price of sandwich and a coke." Available at Drugstore.com. The Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Mist Sunblock (SPF 30 & 45) is particularly beloved for its high SPF, non-greasiness, ease of application (it easily reaches those hard-to-reach spots), and cooling.
• MID-RANGE Kimberley Sayer of London (around $30 for facial moisturizer) at Stylefly.ca or DermaNew broad spectrum protection with soothing botanicals for around the $40 mark - available at Skinstore.com. Clinique's high SPF $15. DCL Chemfree Superblock SPF 30 $30 - Extremely water resistent with a Z-coat formulation (transparent), and even provides SPF coverage after 80 minutes in the water (or spent perspiring). A great choice if you're active. Available at DCLSkincare.com
• PRICEY BUT WORTH IT Kinerase clocks in at a hefty $135, but does more than just protect (SPF 30) - it also reduces fine lines & hydrates.Available at Sephora.com
• FUN & SEXY Estee Lauder Sun Performance Body Shimmer Sunscreen in the $20 range with SPF 15 - leaves a sexy, golden sheen. Available at EsteeLauder.co.uk
• FOR THE FELLAS Skin Supplies for Men Clinique M Protect SPF 21 - $21. Good for all skin types; also soothes, hydrates and conditions. "It also has fresh light scent and cool packaging." Available at Nordstrom.com
• HAIR CARE Redken UV Rescue Recovery Treat protects against further sun damage. Available at Redken.com. Alterna's shampoos protect against UVA & UVB - "You're going to wash your hair anyway, so why not use something to protect?" 4Alterna.com
• MAKE-UP Foundations, powders & lip balms with SPF built-in are another good way to keep the sun at bay. Why not try: Jane Iredale, Clinique, Neutrogena mineral sheers, Stila pressed powder, Aveda lip concentrate, Bobbi Brown, Tarte, MAC tinted lip conditioner (with just a sheer, sexy hit of color).

- Lesley Scott

(photo from hotelbulabula.com) Fashiontribes Beauty Podcast Suncare Fashion Beauty Skincare Advice Sisters Fashion Expert