Yes, You Need to Wear Sunscreen at Your Desk–And More Tips for Summer-Ready Skin
Photo via Jessica Franklin
The summer we’ve been waiting almost two years for is almost upon us–and like many, we plan to double down on the fun. But before we hit the road or head to the beach, we also plan to double down on our sun care routine.
Looking ahead to the season of long days and busy weekends outdoors, we tapped Coppertone’s Dermatologist Partner, Dr. Nava Greenfield, to answer our most pressing sun care questions, and share the summer skin care essentials she shops and recommends.
The summer staple she’s stocking up on this season is the new Coppertone Glow Spray–a convenient, easy-to-apply lightweight spray sunscreen from Coppertone, that is blended with an illuminating shimmer to give your skin a beautiful glow, while stopping up to 98%* of the sun’s most damaging UV rays (*97% for SPF 30; 98% for SPF 50).
“I recommend this for anyone who is looking for a convenient, lightweight spray sunscreen that not only protects skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays but leaves an illuminating shimmer on your skin. It’s so easy to reapply and perfect for those long sunny days by the pool!”
Not only does Coppertone Glow offer broad spectrum sun protection, but the new, convenient spray format helps achieve that healthy-looking summer glow while keeping skin protected from the sun, making it the stylish glow-getters go-to.
Ahead, Dr. Nava Greenfield shares her tips for summer ready skin, and three ambitious and radiant women share how they incorporate the Coppertone Glow Spray into their sun care routines. Keep scrolling for the ultimate glow-getter tips to help you maintain that glow, all season long.
What does summer do to our skin?
The summer affects our skin in many ways, but the most significant effect is exposure to more ultraviolet light from the sun.
How much sunscreen do I need?
Generally you need to apply about one shot glass full of sunscreen to any area of your skin that will be exposed to the sun, and about two finger-sized dollops to the face alone.
Should sunscreen come before or after other products?
Sunscreen should be applied last, and right before any makeup. It comes after your face wash, your antioxidant, and your moisturizer.
How do I know what sunscreen is best for my skin?
There are so many different types of sunscreen on the market, it can be confusing! Regardless of your skin type, Coppertone Glow Spray SPF 50 gives all skin tones a beautiful, illuminating glow while protecting skin from up to 98% of the sun's most damaging UV rays. It provides both UVA and UVB protection and leaves skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and silky after application. Coppertone Glow is also a great option because it is water-resistant (80 minutes).
Do I need to wear sunscreen indoors?
I would recommend wearing sunscreen every day, whether or not you plan to go outside. This is because if you are near a window, the UV rays from the sun can travel through the glass and still damage your skin. I ask my patients to incorporate sunscreen into their skin care routine every single day, and that they will be happy about making it a habit for years to come!
Does makeup with SPF work?
Yes it definitely does, but it is usually not enough to protect your skin. You would need to apply a lot of makeup for your skin to truly be protected. For that reason, I recommend using a broad spectrum SPF every day in addition to your makeup.
Do I really need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day?
Yes, you do. Thinking you are protected from only your morning application is misleading.
Does sunscreen expire? Can I use last year’s sunscreen this year?
Sunscreen does expire, just like everything else that is liquid based and bottled. The chemical structure of ingredients and preservatives break down over time and may no longer be effective after their expiration date. Check to see if last year's product has expired. If not, go right ahead and use it this season! But if it has, do your skin a favor and buy a new bottle.
What is the ideal pre and post sun skincare routine?
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! One day in the sun can have effects for many days after. Moisturize before you go outside and then apply your sunscreen. The sun dehydrates your skin. After a day in the sun, wash with a gentle cleanser and apply a glycerin or ceramide or hyaluronic acid based serum or moisturizer liberally to your skin, and twice daily for the next week.
Jessica Franklin
Share your sun care routine. How do you get your skin summer-ready?
Growing up I wasn’t as consistent with protecting my skin from the sun as I am now. I used to actually lay in the sun for hours tanning with barely any sunscreen. Now that I’m older and more aware of the damage the sun can cause to my skin, my sun care routine involves making sure my skin is both moisturized and protected. I use the Coppertone Glow Spray because it is lightweight, easy to apply, and blended with an illuminating shimmer that gives me a beautiful glow while protecting my skin from the sun’s most damaging UV rays. This leaves my skin not only protected, but photo ready too!
Beauty is being confident in your own skin. What are your tips to maintain your glow?
Self-love is one of the most important ways to maintain a glow from the inside out. I’ve realized that if I truly love who I am, then I won’t worry about what other people think as much, and my confidence will radiate. It’s not always easy because insecurities are inevitable, but I try to remind myself of this daily–I often talk to myself and repeat affirmations such as, “I love you, you’re beautiful, you’re amazing,” etc, and this helps me maintain my glow!
Share your sun care routine. How do you get your skin summer-ready?
I change my skin care routine each season because my skin always needs different things throughout the year. For summer, it’s all about SPF, exfoliating and achieving the perfect glow. I exfoliate to keep my skin bright, I apply SPF like Coppertone Glow at least every 2 hours to keep my skin protected and I constantly moisturize to keep my skin glowing all day long.
Beauty is being confident in your own skin. What are your tips to maintain your glow?
For me it’s always about being my authentic self and being intentional with everything I do. Also, taking care of my mental health is key for glowing from the inside out!
Share your sun care routine. How do you get your skin summer-ready?
I am all about some summer skin! Here's how I get my skin summer ready:
Exfoliate! Love a good scrub while showering.
Moisturize! Slather it on everywhere!
Self tan! I usually mix in some self tanner drops into my moisturizer.
Protect and glow! Before getting dressed, I use my Coppertone Glow to both protect myself from the sun, and to give me a lil of that summer shimmer!
Beauty is being confident in your own skin. What are your tips to maintain your glow?
Here are my three tips to maintain your glow from the inside out:
Fill your cup with what gives you joy! Whether that's moving your body with yoga, taking walks with your dog, or reading a good book. Take time away from your screens and from work to tap into the things that make you happy.
Embrace your quirks and as I love to say, "let your freak flag fly!" Our personality is what makes us unique! So often we're afraid to stand out due to fears like "what will people think?!" or "what will people say?!" The truth of the matter is, not everyone is going to jive with you, and that's ok because you weren't put on this earth in order to receive everyone's approval. The more you can step into YOU, the less you'll seek other people's validation and the more authentic you can truly be... and that is a beautiful thing!
Find the humor in the day-to-day and try not to take life too seriously. There is nothing more gorgeous than a big smile or laughter, and the more than you do so, the more you can spread that same feeling and energy to others.
The first 100 readers to enter their information below will receive a complimentary Coppertone Glow box, which includes the NEW Coppertone Glow Spray, Coppertone Glow Lotion and some additional summer essentials to help you get your glow on. Make sure to share how you’re getting your glow on this summer tagging @CoppertoneUSA and using #CoppertoneGlowUp.