A very timely post as I head out into the sun to march for democracy. The Cereve SPF 30 works on my darker skin tone when I remember how well a couple of pumps spreads.
As a person who takes prescription medication that makes me even more sun sensitive than my Irish heritage already did, I go through a lot of sunscreen. Covering up as much as possible is a better strategy for me. Lately I’ve become a fan of fishing shirts. In particular, Columbia makes fitted long-sleeve ones that regularly get compliments in public - lightweight and vented to keep me cool in summer. Lots of fun colors and easy to find them secondhand.
Dr. Julian Sass has an extensive review database of sunscreens. It’s really helpful, especially for people with darker skin. He also does reviews of them on his Instagram. And he has lots of links for where to buy the European and Asian sunscreens. He’s made me something of a sunscreen junkie, I must admit, lol.
There has just been some tests on sunscreens available in Australia and they were eye opening! Many just didn’t perform to the claims on the tube regarding protection. The article is available on the Guardian Australia news site. I hope you get this. I’m not able subscribe but love following along on your adventures with your gorgeous granddaughter. Japan is top on my next life bucket list!!!
Thanks for pointing us towards sunscreens that work AND at a range of prices, Val. I'm considering the powder for on-the-go reapplications, because that's the part I'm bad about.
Jan, so glad you found the post helpful. I've read that the powders can give less-than-great coverage on their own, so please be sure you have a good sunscreen base, too. I use the colorescience powder SPF 50, just FYI. xo
If you look close, at the top of the squeeze tube, there should be an embossed expiration date for the sunscreen. I usually go with baby formulas (figuring there's less garbage in those), but I like Seeweed Bath Co, Alba and Badger. For face, I'm using Elta MD 46 SPF for sensitive skin right now (smells like a beach ball), but also dig the SuperGoop products. Unseen Sunscreen rules, so does their moisturizing one and I trust Play for when I double-down on my microbladed eyebrows during urban hikes. And for us drivers stuck in traffic, we shouldn't forget our hands. I regret forgetting my hands. LOL. And you look lovely in your post-surgical photos, Val. Thanks for keeping us smart and safe. xo
Sandra, you know I didn't really have a facelift, right??? That first photo was taken of me lying down. Just checking. And thanks for your terrific sunscreen recommendations! xo
Of course, Val, you natural beauty! I meant post-surgery from the skin cancer removal. I’m glad you share that. It’s important. I also think that Teddi Mellencamp’s situation is something for all of us to keep in mind. Skin cancer is very serious, and I’m not sure we readily categorize that as such. xo
Another missed opportunity! I sometimes feel like I’ve been living in an alternate universe when you tell us these very useful things. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the image. I am planning a weekend at a local music festival and pulling out my sunscreen, hat and long sleeve shirt now. Luckily I just bought a super cute shirt at the Gap <wink>
PS - And a new question for you and your experts, Val. For those of us who have had nips, tucks, or surgeries (either doctor-imposed or by choice) - do silicone scar tapes and/or scar treatment ointments actually work for scar reduction? Thank you!
Sandie, silicone tape or ointment is often prescribed as a first line, non-invasive treatment, according to this abstract (scroll down till you get to the silicone information):
Thank you for this and follow up question - at what spot in the process of the morning in the morning Vit C/moisturizer/sunscreen routine do you apply the sunscreen and does it matter the order depending on whether it's mineral or chemical?
Sandie, in general, you want to apply thinner products first, and then the more viscous ones. Sunscreen goes on last. (But if you wear makeup, you can apply that over sunscreen). You probably want to start with the serum, then moisturizer, then sunscreen. Hope this helps. xo
I just had a recent doctors visit and had some spots checked out to which my doctor is referring me to Dermatologist. During the visit she asked, “are you wearing sunscreen”? I said no. Well she said you need to start and use nothing less than SPF 50 summer and winter. I feel kind of stupid of me not wearing it after reading this.
I've never looked so longingly at my own butt.
Beth! You made me laugh -- a great way to start the day. xo
Beth, actually I DON'T want my face to look like my saggy butt (I'm 73)! But who knows... I'm always open to learning; esp. from Val.
Debbie, I was referring to the quality of the skin, not to the scaffolding! xo
scaffolding??!
A very timely post as I head out into the sun to march for democracy. The Cereve SPF 30 works on my darker skin tone when I remember how well a couple of pumps spreads.
Thank you, Joy! See you out there! xo
As a person who takes prescription medication that makes me even more sun sensitive than my Irish heritage already did, I go through a lot of sunscreen. Covering up as much as possible is a better strategy for me. Lately I’ve become a fan of fishing shirts. In particular, Columbia makes fitted long-sleeve ones that regularly get compliments in public - lightweight and vented to keep me cool in summer. Lots of fun colors and easy to find them secondhand.
Anna, looks like they've got lots of pockets; just my thing! Thanks for the recommendation. xo
Dr. Julian Sass has an extensive review database of sunscreens. It’s really helpful, especially for people with darker skin. He also does reviews of them on his Instagram. And he has lots of links for where to buy the European and Asian sunscreens. He’s made me something of a sunscreen junkie, I must admit, lol.
https://drjuliansass.com/sunscreen-database/
Anna, thank you so much for sharing this link! xo
Another smart post, Val. Thank you!
Thank you, as always! xo
If the skin on my face matched my butt I’d have the cute dimples I always wanted!
Many laughing emojis... xo
There has just been some tests on sunscreens available in Australia and they were eye opening! Many just didn’t perform to the claims on the tube regarding protection. The article is available on the Guardian Australia news site. I hope you get this. I’m not able subscribe but love following along on your adventures with your gorgeous granddaughter. Japan is top on my next life bucket list!!!
Lindsey, you might be referring to a list another reader wrote about. It's at this link: https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/media/media-releases/2025/june/16-of-20-sunscreens-didnt-meet-spf-claims-in-choice-test xo
Thanks for pointing us towards sunscreens that work AND at a range of prices, Val. I'm considering the powder for on-the-go reapplications, because that's the part I'm bad about.
Jan, so glad you found the post helpful. I've read that the powders can give less-than-great coverage on their own, so please be sure you have a good sunscreen base, too. I use the colorescience powder SPF 50, just FYI. xo
Roger that, Val!
If you look close, at the top of the squeeze tube, there should be an embossed expiration date for the sunscreen. I usually go with baby formulas (figuring there's less garbage in those), but I like Seeweed Bath Co, Alba and Badger. For face, I'm using Elta MD 46 SPF for sensitive skin right now (smells like a beach ball), but also dig the SuperGoop products. Unseen Sunscreen rules, so does their moisturizing one and I trust Play for when I double-down on my microbladed eyebrows during urban hikes. And for us drivers stuck in traffic, we shouldn't forget our hands. I regret forgetting my hands. LOL. And you look lovely in your post-surgical photos, Val. Thanks for keeping us smart and safe. xo
Sandra, you know I didn't really have a facelift, right??? That first photo was taken of me lying down. Just checking. And thanks for your terrific sunscreen recommendations! xo
Of course, Val, you natural beauty! I meant post-surgery from the skin cancer removal. I’m glad you share that. It’s important. I also think that Teddi Mellencamp’s situation is something for all of us to keep in mind. Skin cancer is very serious, and I’m not sure we readily categorize that as such. xo
Another missed opportunity! I sometimes feel like I’ve been living in an alternate universe when you tell us these very useful things. Thank you so much.
Ardys, we're all living in the same universe! xo
❤️❤️
Does sunscreen block vitamin D absorption? I’ve read conflicting answers!
Susie, yes, sunscreen can block some of the absorption of vitamin D, but it's generally believed that it's not enough to significantly limit it. I've read that darker skin toned people are most at risk of low vitamin D levels. But you can read what the consensus is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945275/#:~:text=Nonsystematic%20reviews%20of%20observational%20studies,What%20does%20this%20study%20add?
Thank you for the image. I am planning a weekend at a local music festival and pulling out my sunscreen, hat and long sleeve shirt now. Luckily I just bought a super cute shirt at the Gap <wink>
Beth, I hope you and your pretty, new shirt have a blast at the festival! xo
PS - And a new question for you and your experts, Val. For those of us who have had nips, tucks, or surgeries (either doctor-imposed or by choice) - do silicone scar tapes and/or scar treatment ointments actually work for scar reduction? Thank you!
Sandie, silicone tape or ointment is often prescribed as a first line, non-invasive treatment, according to this abstract (scroll down till you get to the silicone information):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945275/#:~:text=Nonsystematic%20reviews%20of%20observational%20studies,What%20does%20this%20study%20add?
Thank you for this and follow up question - at what spot in the process of the morning in the morning Vit C/moisturizer/sunscreen routine do you apply the sunscreen and does it matter the order depending on whether it's mineral or chemical?
Sandie, in general, you want to apply thinner products first, and then the more viscous ones. Sunscreen goes on last. (But if you wear makeup, you can apply that over sunscreen). You probably want to start with the serum, then moisturizer, then sunscreen. Hope this helps. xo
Can't I just wear a hat?
Yes, you can! But on the beach, where the light might be reflected off the sand or the water, and IN the water, you might like a sunscreen, too. xo
I just had a recent doctors visit and had some spots checked out to which my doctor is referring me to Dermatologist. During the visit she asked, “are you wearing sunscreen”? I said no. Well she said you need to start and use nothing less than SPF 50 summer and winter. I feel kind of stupid of me not wearing it after reading this.
Never too late, Peter. (Not to feel stupid, but to start taking good care of your skin!) xo