Oh hey, sunshine! I don’t know about you, but my crew is always thrilled when summer takes over and thaws out what feels like a never-ending Kentucky winter. After months indoors, longer days and warmer temps are a welcomed change. Now that we’re trading snow suits for swimwear, stocking up on SPF and skincare should be topping your to-do list, too. I took my toddlers along for a visit to The Skin Therapist and the sweet staff helped us find exactly what we need to stay safe in the sun all summer long!
Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime!
“One of the most common misconceptions is that you only need sunscreen when you’re intentionally in the sun,” noted Madlyn Murphy, owner of The Skin Therapist. “We actually treat signs of sun damage all year due to people not wearing SPF. From sitting at a baseball game to pulling weeds in your garden or even going for a walk, you need sunscreen.”
The Skin Therapist incorporates SPF into each client skincare routine for year-round use as well. “Our clients work so hard to achieve glowing results on their skin, so we seal and protect it with an SPF custom to their routine each day,” Madlyn shared. Taking note of this, I’ve started keeping a bottle in my purse for easy use to spray my boys before practice, play time or impromptu trips to the park. It’s better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to those perfect little toddler complexions!
Not everyone has the same SPF needs
Prone to breakouts? Going for a swim? Quick to turn red at the thought of sunshine? Whatever the case, it’s easy to see that not everyone has the same skincare needs. I’m more of a poolside lounger and tend to break out if using products with fragrance. My little ones are splashing in the pool, full sun exposure, as soon as their feet hit the floor. Getting them to stand still for reapplications is a chore in itself, so finding a spray-on option is always a must. The Skin Therapist had solutions for each of us!
“Our spray-on SPF is a salon favorite and it’s one that works for essentially everyone in your family as an all-over protection!” Madlyn says. “We tend to mix up who uses what when it comes to facial SPF based on individual skincare needs. Mom might prefer something tinted while little ones just need SPF that’ll hold up longer in the water. Our products don’t have the added fillers or ingredients you get from a department store SPF, meaning they’re going to last longer and avoid irritating your skin.”
SPF isn’t a one-and-done
Applying SPF before getting in the sun is great, but it’s definitely not the end of your routine! Most sunscreen calls for re-application every 60-90 minutes. Factors like water exposure, drying off with a towel or sweat could call for an earlier re-application. It’s also not the only tool to keep your skin glowing throughout the summer.
“Exfoliating away dead skin and debris with a gentle scrub twice a week is really essential when we talk about keeping a healthy complexion,” says Madlyn. “You don’t want to dry out skin, so applying a hydrating product morning and night ensures you replenish the hydration typically lost with sun exposure.”
OK y’all, I better not see a single sunburn in Owensboro now that you have the rundown on how to keep your skin protected and hydrated this summer! Stop by and see my friends over at The Skin Therapist to pick up your sunscreen, schedule a consult or get a whole custom routine put together!