Hey there, sunshine lover! If you're a woman in South Denver who enjoys your morning coffee on the patio, a good Pilates class, and healthy, glowing skin—you're in the right place. As your local esthetician and skincare bestie, I'm here to make SPF a whole lot less confusing (and way more fun to use).
Let’s talk about the real deal when it comes to protecting your skin: sunscreen. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, there’s no better time to get serious about your SPF game. But don’t worry—we’re keeping it light, helpful, and glow-up approved.
In this blog, we’ll chat about:
The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens
Why medical-grade SPF is the skincare upgrade you didn’t know you needed
My go-to favorites from Image Skincare and Lira Clinical
How to choose the right SPF for your vibe (a.k.a. skin type + lifestyle)
Ready? Let’s glow.
Why SPF Is the Real MVP (All Year Round)
Not Just a Summer Fling
So many people treat SPF like a seasonal fling. But the truth is, your skin needs sun protection every single day. Even when it’s cloudy. Even when you’re just running errands. Even when you're sitting near a window (yes, UVA rays go right through glass!).
Here’s a fun (okay, slightly scary) stat: 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. That’s a lot. But the great news? Daily sunscreen use is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from both cancer and premature aging.
Chemical vs. Mineral SPF: Let’s Break It Down
You’ve probably seen these words on every sunscreen bottle, but what do they really mean? Let’s simplify it.
Chemical Sunscreen
Think of this as your smooth, invisible bodyguard. It uses ingredients like avobenzone and octinoxate to absorb UV rays and break them down.
Pros:
Lightweight and easy to wear under makeup
No white cast (yay!)
Water-resistant = perfect for sweat sessions or pool days
Cons:
Not always ideal for sensitive skin
Some ingredients have raised eco/health questions (read those labels!)
Mineral Sunscreen
This one plays defense with a literal shield. Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on your skin and reflect UV rays.
Pros:
Ultra-gentle on sensitive or acne-prone skin
Broad-spectrum protection
Great post-facial or after a treatment
Cons:
Can leave a white-ish cast (but newer formulas are much better)
A bit thicker in texture
Why Professional Grade SPF Is 100% Worth It
Let me guess—you’ve got drugstore SPF sitting in your bathroom drawer that you barely touch. Here’s why professional-grade SPF is a total game-changer:
Better ingredients = better results
Includes anti-aging perks like antioxidants and peptides
Sits beautifully on the skin (no weird residue)
Actually makes you want to use it daily
At Pure Excellence Esthetics, I carry the crème de la crème: Image Skincare and Lira Clinical. These brands combine serious science with skin-loving formulas.
My Favorite SPFs That Clients Can’t Get Enough Of
🌟Image Skincare DAILY PREVENTION Pure Mineral Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 50
Type: Mineral
For: Dry or mature skin
Why I love it: It deeply hydrates while offering powerful sun protection. Think of it as a drink of water + a shield for your skin in one easy step.
🌟 Image Skincare DAILY PREVENTION Advanced SmartBlend Mineral Moisturizer SPF 75
Type: Mineral
For: All skin types, especially sun-conscious babes
Why I love it: High protection, smart blend technology, and a silky smooth finish that doesn’t feel heavy. It’s basically your skin’s new BFF.
🌟 Lira Clinical BB Solar Shield SPF 30 (Tinted + Non-Tinted)
Type: Mineral
For: Sensitive or post-treatment skin
Why I love it: Tinted version gives a sheer glow with coverage, while calming irritated skin.
🌟 Lira Clinical Solar Shield Oil-Free SPF 30
Type: Hybrid (mineral + chemical)
For: Normal to oily skin
Why I love it: Super breathable with top-tier protection. Perfect for daily wear.
It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month, So Let’s Get Smart
Here in sunny South Denver, we soak up over 245 days of sunshine a year. That means you need your SPF more than ever.
Wearing SPF daily can prevent:
Painful sunburns (ouch!)
Skin cancer (seriously)
Wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin (no thanks!)
And remember, UVA rays are sneaky. They’re around rain or shine and love to sneak through windows. So if you’re sitting at your laptop by the window with your oat milk latte, yes girl, you still need SPF.
How to Pick the Right SPF for Your Skin + Lifestyle
Here’s the quick and easy cheat sheet:
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Try a matte or oil-free option. You want protection without the grease.
For Dry Skin
Look for moisturizing formulas with added hydration. Your skin will thank you.
For Sensitive Skin or Post-Treatment Glow
Mineral sunscreens are your BFF. They're gentle, calming, and protective.
Love a No-Makeup Look?
Tinted SPFs are magic. Think light coverage + sun protection in one. Chef’s kiss.
Don’t Forget to Reapply!
This might be the biggest skincare sin: not reapplying SPF. Set a reminder or toss one in your purse. Every 2 hours is the rule. Choosing an additional SPF spray can help not mess up makeup while still protecting you. I love Image Skincare SPF Mist Spray.
SPF Myths: Busted!
Myth #1: "I’m only outside for 10 minutes."
Truth: That’s all it takes to damage your skin.
Myth #2: "I never burn, so I’m fine."
Truth: Even if you don’t burn, UV rays still cause aging and cancer.
Myth #3: "My makeup has SPF."
Truth: You’d need to cake it on. Real SPF first, makeup second.
Why Clients Love Pure Excellence Esthetics
I’m not just slinging SPF—I’m giving you customized skin confidence. As a seasoned esthetician in South Denver, I get how overwhelming skincare can feel. I’m here to help you make smarter, easier choices that fit your real life.
Whether your goal is:
Smoother, younger-looking skin
Serious sun protection
Glowy, low-maintenance mornings
I’ve got you covered.
Come Visit Me + Let’s Find Your Perfect SPF Match
Don’t play sunscreen roulette anymore. Come see me at Pure Excellence Esthetics for a one-on-one consultation. We’ll test out what works for your skin and get you glowing with zero guesswork.
Book your appointment today and start protecting your skin like the queen you are.
Need help choosing the perfect SPF or want to revamp your skincare routine? Visit www.pureexcellenceesthetics.com to schedule your visit.
Here’s to healthy, radiant, sun-protected skin ✨
Your Fun + Friendly South Denver Esthetician