This might sound pricey for a sunscreen, but consider the important role it will play in your skin's health. Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, keeps this one in her medical cabinet at all times. In fact, she claims it is by far one of the best physical UV protection products available "It is made of 11 percent zinc oxide and still manages to maintain a cosmetically elegant, absorbable formula, so you won't have to worry about layering multiple layers and looking white or ashy," she says. "Additionally, this formula contains an encapsulated DNA repair enzyme, photolyase, which helps correct damage caused by UV exposure as well as powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin E to protect against environmental stressors."
Who said dermatologists spend all their money on skin care products? Of course, in addition to a top-notch SPF, Lily Talakoub, MD, owner and chief dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center, always packs this texturizing spray in her beach bag. "We all know that blow-drying your hair before heading to the beach is a lost cause—straight hair gets frizzy, curly hair is even more frizzy—so whenever I know I'll be beaching it, I give into what nature gave me and try to work with it," she says. "I let my hair air dry and spray this texturizing spray which de-frizzes, highlights and sculpts waves and holds the style all day." She claims that it gives her hair those natural beachy waves without unbearable frizz and also builds volume at the crown—always a plus!
When it comes to sun protection, lips often get left out, but they shouldn't! In fact, according to Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at South Shore Medical Center in Norwell, Massachusetts, lips are one of the most dangerous places to get a skin cancer. "It's a location where cancer can metastasize quickly," she says. Her go-to protection is to use Lip Shield by Hydropeptide, which has a broad spectrum SPF 15 and is waterproof. "It doesn't leave my lips looking chalky white like other lip sunscreens that I have tried and it's extremely hydrating thanks to shea butter and jojoba oil."
Coolibar Women's Chlorine Resistant Bucket Hat UPF 50+, $39.50
UPF clothing is one of NYC dermatologist Debra Jaliman's favorite items for the summer. "Clothing, hats and other fabrics that protect you from the sun have a UPF rating," she explains. "The UPF value is the measure of the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that enters the fabric and reaches the skin." She recommends Coolibar UPF clothing, which has swimwear, casual wear, hats and many other accessories, to both adults and children. One of her favorite items is the Women's Chlorine Resistant Bucket Hat UPF 50+, which she says is great for lounging at the pool or beach, or just walking around in the sun. "Not only does it have a sun protection rating of UPF 50, but it is chlorine- and saltwater-resistant," she says.
If you're a dermatologist, you know that protecting your skin at the beach means doing more than just applying sunscreen. "You should also pack an umbrella so you can seek shade during the sun's strongest hours from (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), wear protective clothing and accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats and UV-protectant sunglasses, and my favorite secret beach item—a neck gaiter or neck bandana," says Jerome Garden, MD, director of the Physicians Laser and Dermatology Institute in Chicago. He, like Jaliman, also recommends Coolibar products to most of his patients, specifically the bandana scarves. "Protecting your neck from the sun can help avoid changes to your neck as you age, such as poikiloderma of civatte (the so-called 'red neck'), cutis rhomboidalis nuchae and general neck skin laxity," he adds. "While many of these skin changes can be helped with various lasers and devices, save yourself some money and invest now in a simple way to protect your neck!"
