Sun Protection Inside & Out (Win! A Coppertone Prize Pack!)

Summer’s here and, though the season may look a little different this year due to social distancing (backyard barbecues are good to go, outdoor music festivals not so much), sun protection is as important as ever for your skin’s health and safety. Below, Coppertone Marketing Director Julia Geissen gives us her top tips around sunscreen—even if your summer vacation extends no further than your own patio this year. —Vita Daily

Hi Julia! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I’m currently the Marketing Director at Beiersdorf Canada for Coppertone, NIVEA and Eucerin, and have been in my current role for the past three years. I was born in Germany but raised in Canada, and like most Canadians love spending my free time outdoors. Summers at the cottage and spending time biking, hiking or swimming is a must! However, I’m aware of the damage that the sun can cause and I try to protect my skin as much as possible. Even in our current situation, using SPF every day is essential.

While some people may not see how sun protection applies while we’re stuck indoors due to the pandemic, can you tell us why it’s still important?

One of the best ways to de-stress during this time is by getting outside in the backyard or going for a walk (while practising social distancing). Even if it is just for a stroll, it’s always a good idea to protect your skin from the sun, no matter what the weather. You can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day—up to 90 per cent of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds and concrete reflects them back to you.

After a long winter and lockdown measures due to COVID-19, many of us are feeling the void of vitamin D. What’s a healthy/safe amount of sun to get each day?

When it comes to the sun, moderation is key! The sun’s UV rays are strongest during the summer months, but UV rays reach the earth every day, year-round, even in winter. The longer you are out in the sun, the more exposed you are to UV rays. UV rays are usually strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so it’s best to try to avoid the sun between that period, make sure to wear protective clothing, wear sunglasses, stay in the shade and protect yourself.

What are your top tips for ensuring the sunscreen we’re using is still going to provide the right level of protection this summer?

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Remember that UV rays can penetrate clouds, and that concrete, sand, water and snow reflect them back to you! Make sure you choose the right sunscreen product, based on your skin type location and activity. You will inevitably find what you are looking for among Coppertone products which offer a large choice of textures, formats and SPF. Apply sunscreen generously and often. Cover all exposed areas. Don’t forget ears, nose, the tops of feet and the backs of knees. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and use at least 30 mL (1 ounce) of sunscreen lotion to help protect an average-size body and reapply at least every two hours.

Knowing what SPF to use can be so confusing. Any advice?

The SPF or “sun protection factor” number on a sunscreen’s label is a guide to the product’s level of sunburn protection. In general, the SPF number indicates how much longer you can stay exposed to the sun before getting sunburned when wearing sunscreen, as opposed to without sunscreen. However, whatever the SPF number, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours after swimming or sweating, and towel drying. Many dermatologists recommend using a product with a minimum SPF 30, which can help protect you from approximately 97 per cent of the sun’s harmful rays.

Are you excited about the new product launches from Coppertone for summer 2020?

Just this year we have introduced two new products to keep your skin protected! Sport Clear is a new transparent gel that rubs in clear, is lightweight and doesn’t leave any white residue. It is available in SPF 30 and SPF 50 and is perfect for anyone who doesn’t like to apply sunscreen. Also, Glow, a unique addition to the Coppertone family, is a sunscreen with shimmer that is lightweight, fast-absorbing and provides a beautiful glow from head to toe. It is free from parabens, PABA, phthalates and oxybenzone and is available in SPF 15, 30 and 50.

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Win! A $150 Coppertone Prize Pack!

We have a winner! Congratulations Tehilla K. of Thornhill, Ontario, who will receive a Coppertone prize pack valued at $150, including a towel, tote bag and four sunscreens (Coppertone Glow, Sport Clear, Pure & Simple Kids, and Pure & Simple Baby)!