Summer is almost here!  The past week has been filled with beautiful sunny days–which us Portlanders lap up in large quantities. But as we coooo and ahhh while basking in the warm sunlight, we must remember the sun’s rays can cause harm too!

Most of us know by now that SPF must be worn daily, because UV rays are the number one cause of premature aging, skin damage and skin cancer. Sunscreen is no longer something you only put on when you are at the pool–SPF has to be part of your daily regiment.

Portlanders!! –Gray skies don’t shield us from the sun’s UV beams. Yes, the UV rays reaching us through the clouds is less, however we are still receiving some sun. To be safe SPF should be worn daily to block those cancer-causing rays.

For less sunny, normal Portland weather, your daily make-up with an SPF 15 or 20 should keep those UV beams off your delicate skin–keeping you looking young forever.

 DAILY WEAR:
Alima Pure locally made, mineral foundation has an SPF 15 and Epicuren’s tea tree lip balm has an SPF 15 (this is the BEST lip balm you will ever use).These are some quick and easy ways to be sure you are protected AND they can all be found right here, at “the moon”

SUNSCREEN SHOPPING:
When finding the perfect sunscreen, look for something with broad-spectrum protection. This means something that wards off both UVA & UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for skin cancer and premature aging and UVB rays cause sunburns.

Epicuren’s Active Sport Sunscreen SPF 30: Non-greasy, Broad-Spectrum Protection. Water resistant. Also has moisturizers and antioxidants to counteract sun damage.
Epicuren’s X-Treme Cream SPF 45: Anti-inflammatory sunscreen helps protect the skin from the harsh outdoor elements like; windburn and sunburn.
Epicuren’s Zinc Oxide SPF 20: Contains the natural mineral, micronized zinc oxide, which naturally combats UVA and UVB rays. Epicuren also added protein enzymes and moisturizers to protect your skin from sun damage.
Epicurens Lip Balm SPF 15–just try it –you will love it!

WHAT IS SPF?:
SPF tells you two things: how long you can stay in the sun and how well the sunscreen filters the sun.

SPF 2 blocks about 50% of UVB rays.

SPF 10 blocks about 85% of UVB rays.

SPF 15 blocks about 95% of UVB rays.

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.

SPF 30+ the % protection is minimal.

–APPLY EVERY TWO HOURS regardless of SPF.

Find out more ….http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunscreen.pdf