How to Get Gorgeous Radiant Skin For the Summer

By Charlotte Carson

radiant skin

Radiant skin and safe? Did you know that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) researched sunscreens and found that 80% sold in North America do not offer adequate protection against UVA rays and/or contained potentially toxic ingredients. So how do we keep radiant skin and lots of protection for our outdoor sun experiences.

The FDA points out SPF values greater than 50+ are misleading” and offer no more value in sun protection.

It’s definitely time to up our game and get some extra help other than just sunscreen.

Here is a list of some of our suggestions.

photo, Natasha Gerschon

fashion stylist, Michelle Paino

makeup & hair, Paola Manigat 

model, Alakiir, Next Models

Get A Lip Balm & Exfoliator!  Whether you are looking for an intense lip treatment for sun-battled lips or a simple moisturizer we suggest balms with organic ingredients effective for treating and protecting the lips, with no genetically modified “stuff” or parabens. And always have on hand a lip exfoliator for after sun care to slough off dead skin. Don’t forget you eat what’s on you lips so let’s make sure we choose carefully ! Here are a few you might like: Beauty By Earth; Hurraw!; Indie Lee

Get Protective Clothing & Accessories! UPF and organic clothes are “part of a person’s sunscreen,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City. “I wear long-sleeve zip-ups, rash guards, and long pants, to the pool, beach, hiking, and biking outdoors,” she says. Well we are taking it a step further. Get yourself eco swimsuits, beach towels, and clothing and cover up when you need to. Some brands we like: Vitamin A, Reformation, Outdoor Voices & Summersalt.

Make Sure To Lubricate & Clean Skin, After Sun!

After a day at the beach, make sure to do your full cleansing and moisturizing routine, as sun and exfoliation can make your complexion sun-sensitive. Stick with gentle milk or foaming cleansers rather than oils and balms, which leave a residue that can prevent toners, serums, and oils from absorbing, says NYC based dermatologist Mattioli. Dispense a few drops in your palm or a cotton pad and sweep over your face, steering clear of your eyes. And keeping a face mist on hand is great for a shot of instant hydration. Here are some products we love: Skincare: Renew Complete Collection, CLEARlife, Face Mist; After Sun Soothing Aloe Mist, Herbivore Body: BASD

Always Exfoliate Your Body & Face! For that smoking hot radiant skin at the beach, you have to stay consistent with your full body exfoliation. We do it daily. If your product is gentle and organic you skin will love you for this. Face; Advanced Purifying Exfoliant CLEARlife

Get Organic Sunscreen! According to a recent New York Times article, it was found the darker your natural skin tone the lower your risk of exposure to sun damage. A study by Dr. Kannan’s  also found that women who used more sunscreen that contained benzophenone or oxybenzone, two estrogenic compounds, had higher levels of the chemicals in their urine, and had higher rates of endometriosis. Dr. Kannan said he considers chemical sunscreen is a double-edged sword. It can help with protection from skin cancer, but it can also affect estrogen levels, which could lead to a variety of diseases. Some organic brands you may like: Beauty by Earth; Kiss My Face; COOLA;