Did you know that too much sun exposure can visibly age your skin? UVA rays can actually prematurely age your skin and cause wrinkles and age spots. I think about that every time I run, play, swim or lounge about outdoors. I am a huge advocate of SPF (stands for sun protection factor), which works to protect against UVB rays. That’s another thing I recently learned, the number after the SPF only measures UVB not UVA – but UVB is important to measure as that is what burns your skin.

When I first discovered COOLA a few years ago, I was immediately drawn to the packaging and delightful array of scents their sunscreens offer. But, I was so pleasantly surprised to learn that their products are intelligently formulated to deliver the best of the best when it comes to protecting your skin. They truly know what they’re doing and they have the technology to prove it. Here are my top 5 COOLA products:

coola-sunscreen — SPF 30 Mineral Face Matte Tint BB Cream

It’s funny sometimes to think about how crazy I was about ensuring that my kids were always smothered in sunscreen… I say funny because there was a time in my life when I thought I was impervious to the sun’s power. Well, I’m not. And neither are you. That’s where COOLA comes in. I love their SPF 30 Mineral Face Matte Tint BB Cream. It’s the perfect all in one: lotion, antioxidant, SPF, and lightweight coverage. The lotion also works to reduce shine so you don’t look too greasy while sweating it out outdoors.

Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

COOLA makes it super easy for you to stay sun-safe by making their sunscreens come in a variety of options. From sprays and lotions to gels and sticks, there is something for everyone. The Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 is an organic sunscreen that has you covered… no pun intended. Every inch of your skin is reached with this spray can that works even when upside down. I love that it doesn’t feel greasy and absorbs super quickly. Oh, and it smells outstanding – I love the guava mango or piña colada.

Citrus mimosa anyone? The COOLA SPF 30 Mineral Sport Citrus Mimosa is the perfect sunscreen served up in your favourite cocktail scent. A broad-spectrum SPF with that minimum sweet spot of 30 SPF, I love this gentle formula – again, non-greasy and super lightweight. I feel like I’m spraying California in a bottle when I use this sunscreen!

coola-products — Mineral Baby Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

I use the Mineral Baby Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for my kids every day. Formulated with shea butter to nourish, coconut oil to help fight damage and organic cocoa sees butter to protect and create a strong barrier on the skin, this sunscreen comes in a moisturizing-rich formula that slathers on easily and doesn’t leave a white filmy residue.

Slathering our little ones in SPF is no joke. Our kids spend most of their days outdoors and the last thing I want to ever think about is whether or not they are protected against the sun. I taught my kids to spray on their sunscreen habitually before they walk out the door and I’ve also taught them the importance of re-applying throughout the day. The Mineral Baby Organic Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is my go-to for my kids’ delicate skin. The stick adds an extra factor of precision, so I keep this one for their little faces.

It’s so important to always cover yourself in sunscreen whenever you plan to be outdoors. I’d say at peak hours (10am to 2pm) it is ESSENTIAL to protect yourself. I usually even throw on a sunhat just for added protection. The sun is no joke – and while it is great to take in some natural vitamin D, it’s also vital to protect against burns, aging your skin, and most important of all: skin cancer. A minimum of SPF 30 applied a few times throughout the day, especially if you plan to swim, and you’re good to go! Happy Summer!