Heavy wet snowflakes weigh down the branches of the newly flowered tree in my backyard. It’s a perfect picture of mother nature’s indecision over wanting to be winter or spring. Living in Colorado for the last 10 years has taught me well enough that despite the snow it might be 70 degrees tomorrow (I hope). I can’t wait to get outside and clean up my yard, plant flowers, BBQ, hike, fish, you name it, I’m ready!

All those fun outdoor activities have one thing in common—the sun—AKA, harmful, DNA-damaging ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to UV radiation is the main factor that causes skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70; in fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.”

Stop and say that out loud to yourself, MORE THAN ALL OTHER CANCERS COMBINED! That’s a lot of skin cancer, a lot of skin cancer that could have probably been prevented by one simple thing…sunscreen. Yes, I know it’s a pain. It’s messy, leaves you looking chalky, it’s hard to rub in, it breaks you out, you hate the smell…I’ve heard them all). But—it also prevents skin cancer! Let that soak in for a minute (pun intended). It also prevents skin cancer.

Not all sunscreens are alike. The most obvious difference is the SPF (sun protection factor) rating, which should at least be a SPF 30. Some are physical sunscreens, which means there are inorganic compounds that block the sun’s rays. Some are chemical, which means they have organic compounds that can absorb the sun’s rays to prevent skin damage. Some are a combination of physical and chemical and all are made in different bases: creams, gels, sprays and with other ingredients that may or may not be beneficial to the skin (which maybe why it breaks you out).

So how do you choose? Go medical grade. Medical grade skin care is made from proven ingredients that are developed through clinical research and the amounts of active ingredients (what actually makes changes in your skin) are much higher that what over-the-counter products can legally contain. Medical grade products penetrate the skin better, and although usually higher-priced, are actually a better value because they are doing something besides sitting on top of your skin. Sunscreens are no different. Over-the-counter sunscreens are filled with parabens, fillers and endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are not good for you or your skin. Choosing an effective, safe, good for your skin sunscreen will be easy if you skip the drugstore and go see your esthetician. We highly recommend our very own Skin Genius Protect 44 IQ Susncreen!

I hope you all have a fun, safe summer!