Every year, we launch a skincare guide for summer, featuring our favourite sunscreens, SPFs, and hot-weather hacks to keep you in the know. Melanoma has affected my family twice in the past 12 months, so staying on top of new products and advances is pretty much mandatory. Having the right products on hand sets you up for success. In summer, that means starting by stocking up on good SPF and remembering to wear it every single day.
SPF and Sun Protection for Every Inch
While you should be protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays year-round, the summer is a particularly challenging time to protect your skin from the sun. Not only are the days much longer, but we’re also exposed to much stronger rays, causing more potential damage. And, when being outdoors more often, the risk is amplified. Add lounging poolside, and the risks multiply.
Some supplements may help your skin handle sun exposure a little better from the inside out — though they’re definitely not a substitute for sunscreen. One of the most talked-about is Polypodium leucotomos extract, a plant-based antioxidant found in supplements like Heliocare. It’s often used to help support the skin against sun damage.
Vitamin B3 is another favourite among dermatologists, especially for people with a lot of sun exposure or a higher risk of skin cancer. Antioxidants like astaxanthin, lycopene from tomatoes, beta-carotene, and lutein — found in colourful fruits and vegetables — may also help calm inflammation caused by UV rays over time. Another reason to embrace summer salad season!
Retinol in the Summer? Yes, you can!
Vitamins C and E work well as a pair, helping protect skin from environmental stress, while compounds found in green tea, cocoa, and grape seed extract have also shown some promising benefits for sun protection support.
No oral vitamins or antioxidants replace SPFs; instead, they work in collaboration with sunscreen to provide additional internal protection. Think of it like taking Zinc in cold and flu season, every added layer brings meaningful and targeted protection.
Made in the Shade- Our Favourite SPF
We never leave the house without sunscreen. It’s like leaving the house without your phone. Choose your SPF depending on your activity and the UV rating. Have several on hand, in a variety of formats, to ensure you don’t run out. Pro tip: buy travel-sized and spray formats for on-the-go protection.
🧴 Blue Lizard- Perfect for everyday use and gentle enough for sensitive skin, Blue Lizard’s lineup of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection is formulated with zinc oxide, which gives long-lasting wear. It applies like a lotion, making for easy morning application. From sprays to sticks, creams and lip protection, this reef-friendly brand is built for the whole family. Shop the Blue Lizard Storefront.
☀️ StriVectin- The leader in wrinkle recovery has a new SPF launching this June. Merging the coverage and protection of an SPF with the brand’s NIA-114® proprietary technology, StriVectin’s bold approach to skin care brings an adaptive formula that adjusts to all skin tones (Auto-Adaptive Pearl Technology). The broad-spectrum formula not only protects skin but also enhances your texture, immediately perfecting imperfections, all in one step. Luminous skin, unlocked. Launching at Shoppers Drug Mart this June.
🧴 Shiseido– Silky and instantly absorbing, the SPF lineup from this luxury brand brings powerful sun protection that bolsters skin from pollution and the sun’s powerful rays. In stick, spray and liquid formats, we love how quickly each of these products goes onto skin. The scent is delicate and inviting, making all-over application a daily ritual.
☀️ Vivier- Hydrating and nourishing, Vivier’s Sheer SPF 45 is steeped with antioxidants to support skin and prevent dehydration. Delicate skin, like around your eyes and along your neckline, needs special attention, and Vivier delivers on both protection and TLC.
When it comes to Sun Protection, More is More
With pores protected, the final piece of the puzzle is what to wear. With prime skin-destroying rays blanketing the outdoors from 10 am to 3 pm, avoid being outdoors during these hours. Your best investment is a wide-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses.
For sports and running, long sleeves can be a burden in the hot weather. Instead, I’ve been running in my Bombas Compression Sleeves to add on-the-fly protection from the sun. Shop Bombas.com for these and more.
MEC has a fantastic line built for hiking, camping and the great outdoors. Shop MEC for the entire family, like this Kathmandu Sun Stopper Top (left) & MEC Sunburst Hooded UPF Hat (right). Easy, light and breathable, building a wardrobe of protective clothing, avoiding the highest UV hours and wearing sunscreen are the best ways to prevent skin damage this summer.