Here Comes the Sun

We couldn’t live without our sun’s glorious radiance, but it’s that time of year when skin most needs protection from its rays.

What’s the best strategy? When in the garden or at the beach, I use physical sunblock—a big hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved T-shirt and a sarong. While that might sound a little dreary to some, I swear it’s easier than ever to look chic and to keep skin safe this season. There are so many elegantly creative options out there, from classic broad-brimmed straw hats to fun straw fedoras. Super chic surfer rash guards are offered by swimwear designers from J Crew to Orelebar Brown. And there has never been such a range of cool beach coverups available. Have you seen Proenza Schouler’s tie-dyed sarong?

During long days outdoors, I always include sunscreen as part of my daily skincare protocol, applying a thin layer over my Tammy Fender crème. I recommend finding a sunscreen that lists Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient, as it protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and because it has a long history of safe use. It’s also important to remember that sunscreen is only effective for two hours, at most.

I’ll post again later in the season about what to do when you’ve had too much sun. But in the meantime, I hope that your summer is truly wonderful, full of all the fun with friends and family that you’ve been hoping for.