Monday Musings: Over Thinking Sunscreen and Not Apologizing For It
Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was both fun and relaxing, which is not always how weekends behave.
Some of you don’t like to read the blog over the weekend, so I wanted to let you know that the biopsy at the end of my nose came back negative, and I’m over the moon about it. The area she shaved off isn’t fully healed yet, but when it is, I intend to have my dermatologist either zap the redness with a laser or do a few photofacials.
Last summer, I had photodynamic therapy, which brought up quite a few actinic keratoses in my eyebrow hairs…the few I have left 😉. That made me realize the physical zinc sunscreens I’d been using weren’t being applied there thoroughly enough to do the job. They get sticky and gooey in the hair, so I was probably avoiding that area more than I realized.
That’s when I went back to using chemical sunscreen as my first layer, letting it dry, then topping it with a physical, zinc-based sunscreen. I often finish with an SPF powder, too. Overkill? Perhaps, but here we are.
On Saturday, I came across a little shop in Vancouver that imports Korean sunscreen with some of the newest filters, so I bought a few. Do I prefer the idea of a physical block? Yes. But I’ve also decided that, at almost 70, the chemicals in these sunscreens are unlikely to be what gets me in the end. Skin cancer, however, is a real risk.
I’ve shared many of my favorite mineral sunscreens here, and I still use them. But since the U.S. FDA moves at the speed of a dial-up internet connection, many of the best sunscreen filters haven’t been available in the U.S.
YesStyle carries quite a few of them, so I ordered this Haru Haru sunscreen, my favorite, and which I just ran out of, along with this Beauty of Joseon sunscreen. I used to be able to buy Beauty of Joseon in the U.S. until it was no longer allowed to be imported here. **These sunscreens are not water-resistant, so they need to be reapplied more often.
BTW, when U.S. regulations tightened, many Korean and European brands reformulated their products specifically for the U.S. market, using our older sun filters, then put them in nearly identical packaging so consumers couldn’t easily tell the difference.
Okay, I’ll get off my sunscreen soapbox now, but I still think that was pretty shady.
The FDA has finally approved bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT or PARSOL Shield, which is the first new active sunscreen ingredient cleared for U.S. over-the-counter use in more than two decades. It’s set to be released on August 9.
We also went into the forest for a long walk, and it was glorious. There’s something about the scent of the forest that calms me like nothing else on earth. I wish you could bottle it, although I’m sure someone has tried and charged $48 for it.
The real thing is better. Damp earth, cedar, pine needles, and that cool green smell that seems to settle your whole system down. I always come out of the forest feeling like my shoulders have dropped and my brain has finally stopped buzzing.
On Sunday, I watched Canada win their FIFA match against South Africa in a small auditorium here, and the local fans went wild. Almost everyone was wearing red, and I suddenly felt as if I had missed the memo.
I’m not much of a sports follower, but it’s funny how quickly you can get swept up when everyone around you is cheering. I clapped and cheered all along, and by the end, I was wondering if I needed something red in my closet after all. My daughter insists we all do!
Apparently, team spirit is contagious.
Now let’s answer a few reader questions, because you always ask the good ones.
Q – I’m 5’2″ and can’t figure out whether midi dresses or skirts work on me. I avoid long dresses unless I’m going to something formal because they remind me too much of the “granny dresses” from when I was in high school. I’d like to try them for work and casual outfits, but I don’t know how to make them look right.
A – Petite women can certainly wear midi skirts and dresses. What matters is the proportion. At 5’2”, I’d avoid a hem that stops at the widest part of the calf because it can make the leg look shorter. Look for something just below the knee, at the narrowest part of the calf, or a few inches above the ankle.
A defined waist or gentle A-line helps keep the look from feeling covered up or overwhelming. For work, try a midi skirt with a tucked top and a shoe that keeps the leg line clean. For casual wear, a simple knit midi or shirt dress can work with sandals, sneakers, or a denim jacket.
Q – Can you recommend an easy-to-use steamer?
A – I used to have one of these giant ones on wheels, but frankly, it was a pain (literally) to use and hard to store, so I bought this one and have been thrilled with it. This mini travel steamer has great reviews if you want a smaller one.
Q – I have a great collection of totes and leather handbags, but my autoimmune arthritis is making them harder to carry. Do you know of any elegant, lightweight crossbody bags that hold the essentials without feeling like a heavy purse on a long strap?
A – You’re certainly not alone, and that may be why MZ Wallace bags have become so popular. They’re made from quilted nylon and are extremely lightweight. This crossbody would hold quite a bit, without becoming heavy. This little sling bag is even smaller and comes in several colors. If those are out of your budget, this nylon crossbody comes in 5 colors and is under $26. This Bagsmart Crossbody is very popular and comes in tons of colors.
Frank & Eileen Sale
Before I go, you may not want to miss the Frank & Eileen Summer Warehouse Sale, with discounts up to 70% off. I know many of you love the styles, but not the prices, so here you go! This cotton sweater is one of my favorites in the summer. I’ve always wanted one of these thinner cotton sweaters so I just ordered the white. I also bought this cozy dress for the fall because I consider their Triple Fleece fabric to be the very best!
Where do you stand on sunscreen? I admit I’m slightly neurotic about it, but I’m fine with that. There are worse things to be neurotic about, and my dermatologist would probably agree.
So glad to hear that your nose is cancer free! Don’t stop recommending sunscreen. Even though a lot of the damage was done in our youth, we need to do everything we can to prevent future damage. I’m going to try the Haru Haru, especially since Janette mentioned to doesn’t sting your eyes. On a lighter note, my little 5 year old granddaughter loves all Canadian sports teams and calls them the Syrups because of the maple leaf which is also on her syrup bottle!🤣
That’s so cute! Maple leaves are everywhere here. There are flags all over the city this summer.
Great post! I have a question not related to sunscreen but to a pair of pants you gave a thumbs up to a while ago. The Aritiza lodge pants are currently on sale, and I would like to try a pair. What do you think of the sizing? As true as can possibly be or?
Oh thanks, I will order another pair. I wear a short, in small, which seems about right. They also make other fabrics so you could look at those.
Good info on using the sunscreen even on the eyebrows. I always avoid that area for fear of getting too close to my eyes, but now I’ll give it try on the eyebrows too. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer – love your blog- particularly because I’m a West Coaster (Victoria who lived in Vancouver for many years) so love that you often show Vancouver scenes/stores/happenings.
I’d like to order a Frank & Eileen “Eileen” shirt – have never purchased from them. Do you recommend these button-downs?
I have one in denim, flannel, and a white cotton one, and yes, I love them. The top buttom is low, so if you’re short like me, you may want to wear a cami for coverage in front.
Layering sunscreen had never occurred to me. I will try this. Of course I hate putting sunscreen in my eyebrows because I wear glasses.
My philosophy is that the best sunscreen is the one you wear. Reapply after swimming and sweating. It’s hard enough finding one that doesn’t irritate skin, pill, stain clothing or give that Casper the Friendly Ghost cast.
The coastal grandma look (hats, long sleeves and pants, or whatever it’s called now) is also perfect for those of us who need to protect our skin.
Yes, it is and I love that style.
Hi Jennifer, You can find Beauty Josean sunscreen on Amazon, SPF 50
Yes, but it is not the sunscreen filters used in Korea. It is the reformulated version with US sun filter.
So glad to hear your happy news! What a relief…yay!
I wear a tinted moisturizer with spf 35. Due to my caregiver schedule, I’m rarely outside and even then, not for extended periods. My rosacea hasn’t liked any chemical sunscreen. Actually my rosacea doesn’t like much of anything! 😆
Glad to have these suggestions.
On another note….what size did you take in Miramar jeans? And what size fleece pant in Frank & Eileen?
Thx, Jennifer. Always enjoy your posts.
I wear a 28 in the Miramar and S in F&E fleece pants.
Has anyone tried the Versed tinted sunscreen?? I am wanting something that does double duty of sunscreen plus making skin tone look more even (like a light foundation).
I have and it’s nice.
I use Dr Jarte tinted BB cream with SPF 40. It covers nicely without being a foundation. Goes on smoothly and doesn’t pill.
Re: Sunscreen
The bulk of the solar damage we see on our skin is from exposure that occurred decades ago and is now just showing the accumulations of a lot of fun times in the sun and even worse, tanning beds. (Confession here). I use a comfortable sunscreen in moderate sun exposure places, but if I am truly out in the highest UV Index places or times of day, I will pull out a zinc-oxide based on for nose, cheeks, chin, and decolletage area extra care. I also am a fanatic about using a true sunscreen on the lips, as I was never a lipstick wearer and I can tell there is actinic damage there. I also use zinc oxide on the skin on the top of my hands and will wear sun-gloves if doing outdoor activities. I wouldn’t fuss much over the residual redness from your biopsy site, it is just a part of the healing and it will gradually fade, so some coverup would be enough.
Re: Purses: I have several bags from the MZ Wallace line. I really liked how they coordinated, but found the larger bags were just too unstructured for my carry-on bag needs such as when flying with all the essentials, and I’ve only been using the smaller clutches or cross-body when I was out sightseeing during the day.
I was in the baby oil and iodine camp in my youth so my skin would just burn, blister, repeat. What I wish I’d known then.
Great post, as always. Don’t you just hate the state of the Canadian dollar! Your $25 cross body bag on amazon.com is $55 on amazon.ca. Almost makes it worthwhile to buy an amazon.com prime membership and pay in US dollars….
Oh wow!
I don’t think you obsess too much about sunscreen. Sun exposure makes such a difference to how our skin ages. My new dermatologist was thrilled by the “much younger age” of my 70+ year old skin. I love the Haruharu Wonder sunscreen for my face and neck. Lovely feel, nice finish, not shiny at all when dried-down. BOJ sunscreen used to be my favorite before the formulation changed. It didn’t feel, smell, or look the same, and was downgraded to SPF40. I don’t buy anything less than SPF50. It’s Paula’s Choice on my arms and legs. That works very well, feels nice, is a bigger size, and more economical. However, I found that on me, it leaves my face and neck too shiny, therefore, arms and legs only. It’s always a work in progress to find what works or doesn’t for each individual.
I use this Jane Iredale SPF powder to knock down some of the shine, but I agree it is always a process.
I have fair skin and had Mohs done about 20 years ago. I always wear sunscreen. However I did not know that you could combine chemical and mineral. Great tip. Additionally I use Jane Iredale pure-pressed makeup with SPF. Thanks for all your tips Jennifer. It is nice to read each morning while sipping my hot tea.
When layering, the numbers do not add up to more coverage, but it helps ensure you’ve covered your skin well.
Quince has a few quilted bags…I have the mini tote and receive numerous compliments. I love the one I have! Don’t weigh anything and have inside/outside pockets.
I love the Haru Haru sunscreen. It is one of the very few out there that does not run into my eyes and mess up my contacts and sting. It’s a winner in my book.
I agree and it simply feels like a nice moisturizer.
Jennifer, I know what you’re going through with the sunscreen issue. I hate the texture and stickiness of most and therefore, avoid using them. I’ve had one Mohs surgery on my face and too numerous to count precancerous spots removed and some biopsies so it’s important that I wear it. After finding a light tint moisturizer with SPF 46, I asked my dermatologist what the “best” sunscreen was. The one you’ll wear everyday is what he said. Makes sense! I used DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46. Wish now, in my 70s, I used sunscreen in my teens though 50s when I was sunbathing, hiking, etc.
Your Dermatologist is right! If we only knew then what we know now.
Just got back from 3 weeks in Scotland where we had an activity every day. I had a fall the first day and must have pulled something in my shoulder, but each day it felt more painful. I decided to purchase a small, attractive daypack to replace my purse that was interfering with healing. It was like a miracle. My shoulder and back no longer bothered me at all. Lots of small stylish daypacks out there.
Backpacks are great! So sorry you fell on your trip. I hope you’re on the mend.
Good morning……I tried the Haru Haru sunscreen but the smell got me. It was alittle musky I thought and I wondered it anyone else smelled it. I used the whole tube eventually and liked it didn’t mess your foundation up. I use Elta MD tinted now just because…….derm’s office recommended and seems to do the job. Thanks for tips on midi and maxi dresses for petites.
I haven’t noticed a scent. I do like Elta MD too.
I’ve been wanting to ask this: what are your thoughts on pantyhose? At 83, my legs aren’t great looking, but with (pale) stockings they are still ok. Since NOBODY wears stockings anymore, I’ve had to rule out all but the occasional long evening dress.— Unless the dress calls for black stockings which work for me and are still in style. I miss wearing dresses. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Hedi
If you feel better wearing pale stockings, please wear them Hedi!
We need to wear what makes us feel confident and happy. If they help you to enjoy wearing dresses again, go for it. Life’s too short to care what everyone else is doing or wearing.
I hear you on the Korean sunscreen! I had one that I loved and didn’t irritate my rosacea, and I’d stocked up on them. Imagine my surprise when one of the newer ones burned my skin almost immediately. I had to wash it off it was burning so badly. I didn’t realize they’d reformulated it to conform to US standards. I threw away all of it. So glad your biopsy was negative!
I’m neurotic about sunscreen as well. I’ve tried the mineral Haru Haru but would love to try the chemical version but I can’t find a list of the chemical sunscreens that are actually in the product. The website has a list of the ingredients but not a separate list of the active sun filters that are in the product. Do you know where I could find that list? It will be a game changer for those of us in the US when the products are released with the new filter.
Are you wanting to use the Haru Haru chemical sunscreen? Google will give you the filters in it. I’m just so glad to find a place to buy it. Google told me it contains Parsol SLX, Uvinol A Plus, Mexoryl SX, Uvinol T 150, Tinosorb S
Thanks! I’m going to order it.