The only sun protection products you need
Everything from hats to SPF
I was always down for a good tan in my younger days but now that I’ve entered my elder-millennial state, I’m all about the sun protection. Preventing sun/skin damage really is so much easier than trying to fix it! Of course it’s not 100% and you want to look like a semi-normal person while out and about so that’s where things like retinoids (stay tuned for my retinoid best practices!) and just inevitable aging come in, but here are some of my must-haves when it comes to sun protection.
Big Hat
You know how some people collect skincare products or kitchen gadgets? Hats are my kryptonite. I need a hat for every occasion and in every location so I am never without. The strong noon sun directly on my face makes me feel a bit like the wicked witch of the west melting.
This affordable Amazon hat is the one I wear most often (thank you Jen for the rec!). The price means it doesn’t feel too precious, is a quality budget take on the lifeguard hat as popularized by Jenni Kayne, and the brim is wide enough to provide decent sun protection but doesn’t turn you into a Big Hat Lady (à la curious george’s man with the yellow hat).
I keep this visor in the car for strong afternoon sun. It easily rolls and tucks into the car door for storage and my forehead gets sun protection but the visor is small enough where it doesn’t obscure my vision.
For super strong afternoon sun, this affordable Etsy hat is my go to. Warning: it definitely brings big-hat energy. Pros: *amazing* sun coverage including for your shoulders and back of neck, chin strap. Cons: not remotely packable and not good for very windy days due to it’s stiff, large brim. Which is also what provides such great sun protection!
For a super packable option that still has a large brim, this affordable Amazon option. Just a warning that this hat also has a huge brim and will bring some major big-hat energy but the sun protection is 💯! Pros: amazing sun coverage, folds completely flat, wire brim allows for custom shaping options, chin strap. Cons: can get warm due to fabric
I have two Janessa Leone hats I love for upping my style game and providing a little something special to an outfit:
I really love how the rounded crown of this bucket hat creates a chic bell shape— something I haven’t been able to find in any other hat out there! It’s super packable and has got a decent brim but will not give 100% sun protection due to the loosely woven raffia. I usually wear a S in hats but sized up to a M (this is the hat the model is wearing in my thumbnail image).
This is my go-to if I need a stylish hat with great sun protection. It’s got a great shape with a wide brim and is supposedly packable, although I don’t think I would risk it! I skip it on windy days since there’s no chin strap.
UPF apparel
I love Uniqlo’s UPF jacket for a lightweight layer that covers my arms and most importantly, my hands. I have it in black since life with small kids means white is a date-night color, but the white is also cute! It’s mesh and breathable, so my go-to hiking attire is this jacket paired with a Quince crop top and leggings. I’m not too concerned with my legs and feet getting sun so don’t do anything special for those appendages on a daily basis.
Sunscreen
Using a physical blocker like hats and clothing is my preferred sun protection method, but I always apply sunblock as a second layer of defense.
I’m still playing around with various Korean/asian sunscreens—I find that they have the latest technology with regards to effective formulation plus less toxic ingredients. Supergoop used to be my go-to but I now avoid it because it contains avobenzone, which may have endocrine-disrupting effects. Instead I’ll usually pick up whatever Costco’s website is selling as they have the best prices, but I swear by this AHC stick for re-application. It glides on smoothly for a weightless and slightly matte finish, plus the stick shape is perfect for getting into all the face contours. I’ve also heard great things about the beauty of Joseon stick which is also ultra portable but unfortunately not available at the more common US web retailers. You’ll notice that Korean skincare have a PA+ rating system with 4 +’s meaning the best UVA protection.
Hat model thumbnail image via