Spring and summer are right around the corner, which means it’s time for the annual reminder to protect your skin. This year, major retailers, drugstores, dermatologists, and The Skin Cancer Foundation are joining forces for an unbranded campaign called Sun Responsibly—a push to get people to take sun protection seriously.

CVS and Walgreens — longtime rivals on street corners across America — are putting competition aside to promote sun care safety, joining forces with other major retailers for a common cause.

The nation’s biggest drugstore chains are joining Ulta Beauty, Meijer, Hy-Vee, several dermatologists and The Skin Cancer Foundation to support an unbranded campaign called Sun Responsibly. The concept emerged from L’Oréal’s Dermatology and Retail Alliance event when retailers called for a unified approach to amplify the need for greater sun safety. – WWD

 

A couple of personal notes here:

I grew up in the era of baby oil, iodine, and baking in the sun for hours without a second thought. We didn’t know then what we know now, and honestly, I’m damned lucky that—so far—my skin hasn’t paid the price.

My husband, The Gent, wasn’t as fortunate. Growing up on the coast and working a career that kept him outside for years, he’s had to have spots of skin cancer removed from his face and now gets checked annually.

Don’t ignore that “small” spot! Even tiny basal cell carcinomas can grow deeper and cause bigger problems over time. That’s why doctors often recommend surgery.
Get your skin checked regularly. Learn more: https://t.co/pWxpR8oiWx pic.twitter.com/3UECm1Bjpc

— The Skin Cancer Foundation 👒 (@SkinCancerOrg) March 6, 2025

These days, I do think people take sun protection more seriously, but even the best of us need reminders. So consider this yours.

The goal of the Sun Responsibly campaign is to encourage more brands—beyond CeraVe and La Roche-Posay—to get on board. By leveraging social media and maintaining a strong presence in doctors’ offices, the campaign aims to build momentum and attract other major players to the cause.

I could probably step up my sunscreen game too. I use CeraVe moisturizing cream, but I just realized the one I’ve been using doesn’t have SPF. Luckily, CeraVe makes moisturizers with built-in sunscreen, so I’ll be fixing that. In fact, I’ll be making a stop at Walgreens today to pick one up.

So here are a few key points to keep in mind…

Wear Sunscreen or Enjoy Looking Like a Leather Couch

Sunscreen. It’s not optional. It’s not a “maybe if I remember” thing. It’s the one thing standing between you and looking like a sun-dried tomato by the time you hit 40.

Yet, somehow, people still act like slathering on SPF is a personal attack on their freedom. “Oh, I don’t burn.” Cool, neither does a car seat, but give it enough sun and it still cracks and fades into oblivion.

Skin Cancer Is Not a Vibe

Let’s get the serious part out of the way: Skin cancer is real, and it’s common. Basal cell carcinoma? Squamous cell carcinoma? Melanoma? These aren’t just scary medical words—these are real consequences of too much sun exposure. And before you think, Well, that won’t happen to me, just know that people say that about everything right before it happens to them.

Aging? Faster Than You Think

You know those people who look way older than they actually are? Sun damage. Premature wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots—congratulations, you’ve just signed up for the fast track to looking 15 years older than you actually are. And no, your “hydrating” foundation isn’t going to save you.

The “I Hate Sunscreen” Excuses Are Weak

• “It feels greasy.” Then find a good one. There are matte, lightweight, and even gel formulas now.
• “It makes me break out.” So does not washing your face, but you still find time for that, right?
• “I want a tan.” Then use self-tanner like the rest of civilized society.
• “I don’t need it if I’m inside.” Unless you live in a windowless bunker, yes, you do. UV rays come through glass.

The Bare Minimum SPF Rules

• SPF 30 or higher, every single day. Yes, even when it’s cloudy. Yes, even in winter.
• Reapply every two hours if you’re outside.
• Don’t forget your ears, neck, and hands unless you want them to age separately from your face.
• If you think your makeup’s SPF is enough, it’s not.

If you think your foundation’s SPF is enough to protect you from the sun, hate to break it to you—but it’s not. That said, using a foundation with built-in sunscreen isn’t a bad idea, especially for extra coverage on top of your regular SPF. If you want makeup that does more than just sit there looking pretty, here are some foundations with sun protection that actually deliver.

Remember that the video I have embedded here is just one person’s experience and views on this topic.

But here are some makeup brands that have SPG built-in.

Higher SPF (Better Protection)

• IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (SPF 50) – Full coverage, hydrating, and packed with skincare benefits.
• Supergoop! CC Screen (SPF 50) – Clean beauty pick with good coverage and strong sun protection.
• Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream (SPF 50) – Great for covering discoloration and has serious sun protection.

Medium SPF (Decent Protection, But You’ll Still Need More)

• Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue (SPF 45) – Lightweight, radiant finish, great for dry skin.
• Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow (SPF 27) – Natural, medium coverage with skincare benefits.
• bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel (SPF 30) – Sheer but buildable, good for casual wear.

Lower SPF (Better Than Nothing, But Don’t Rely on It)

• Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint (SPF 25) – Lightweight and natural, but you’ll still need extra SPF.
• NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30) – Sheer, dewy, and nice for everyday use.
• Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation (SPF 25) – Hydrating, medium coverage, and gives that glow.

Reality Check: Foundation SPF is Not Enough

Even if a foundation has SPF 50, you’re probably not applying enough to get the full protection. Think of it as a backup—not your main sunscreen. Layer a real SPF under your makeup, and you’re good to go.

Final Thought: Just Wear It

Wearing sunscreen isn’t about being high-maintenance. It’s about not looking like a beef jerky model and, more importantly, keeping yourself healthy. So slap it on, reapply, and stop acting like SPF is an optional accessory. Your future self will thank you.

More Spring Glam to read about – click here.