The first day of summer is technically still over a month away, but, here in Canada, we take the first signs of spring weather as an opportunity to shed our winter layers and bask in the warmth of the sun. Of course, while we’re all rushing to patios and cottages as soon as the temps hit the double digits (and taking in every ounce of much-needed vitamin D we’ve been deprived of for the last six months), most of us don’t think about sun safety unless we’re parked on a beach (seriously”one third of Canadians only opt for sunscreen when the temps are 20+[i])”and even then you’re probably not doing everything you should be.
Since we want to be able to enjoy sunny days for as long as possible, this summer season, we’re taking sun safety very, very seriously. SPF 50 seriously.
This year, Coppertone is launching the new ClearlySheer SPF 50 line of products, including Lotion for Body, Spray for Body and Lotion for Face, making it way too easy to remember your sun safety. Specifically formulated for women, the ClearlySheer formula is lightweight, hydrating and water resistant. So, really, none of us have any excuse not to wear sunscreen, whether you’re hitting the patio during golden hour or enjoying some time in the park with your pup.
But, before you go running off with your new favourite spray, we need to back it up a bit because some people are not only not applying enough sunscreen, but are also not applying it early enough. (See? We told you we were getting serious.)
So, how much should you apply? More than you think”at least 1 oz or a shot glass full of sunscreen. Yes, really. So, if you think that dime-sized amount is working for you, it’s really not. In fact, if you’re using a quarter or even half of the recommended amount, you’re not even getting the full SPF amount that’s shown on the bottle. And, of course, don’t forget to apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure[ii]”this allows the sun-screening ingredients for both UVA and UVB rays to sufficiently absorb into your skin and do their thing.
Spending time in the sun is a given”especially if you’ve survived yet another Canadian winter”but this year, we’re making a point to do it safely.
Coppertone ClearlySheer SPF 50 Lotion for Body, Spray for Body and Lotion for Face are available from $9 at mass drugstores nationwide.
This post is brought to you by Coppertone but the images and opinions are our own.
To be sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
[i] Sun Care U&A Study, Big Picture Report, conducted by Ipsos in October 2015
[ii] http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=sunscreen-ecransolaire&
