When I sat down to write today’s blog post, I came up completely blank. I’ve shared my recent fashion finds. You know the hobbies I’m obsessed with right now. And honestly? Life has felt pretty mundane lately… in a way that I personally love… but I wasn’t sure what more I had to say.
And then it hit me: sunscreen.
I cannot stop thinking about sunscreen. At this point, it feels like our entire lives revolve around it. We have bottles everywhere: tote bags, backpacks, cosmetic cases. There’s a big one on my nightstand and another by the door we go in and out of, plus a face sunscreen for good measure. As a family of four very pale people, we’ve gone through a lot of sunscreen this summer, but really it’s something we use year-round.
Sometimes I feel like I’m on an island (a very, very shady one!) because so many people are either tanning or faking a tan. Meanwhile, I’m over here hiding from the sun. My arms are covered in freckles from growing up in Florida (pre–SPF shirt era), but overall I feel like I’ve done a decent job of protecting my skin. Now in my mid-30s, I’m grateful I took it seriously. I have fine lines and wrinkles like anyone else, but overall? I think my skin looks pretty good for 35.
At this point, applying sunscreen is second nature. In fact, I might go as far as to say it’s the one thing I’m actually an expert in. I even have a very specific, foolproof method for beach and pool days. Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough to film it, but in the meantime, trust me… it works.
Growing up in Florida in a family of naturally tan people, I often felt like the odd one out. People didn’t always understand what too much sun without enough protection meant for me. (Spoiler: it meant pain. Lots of pain.) Now as a mom, I’m strict about it. SPF shirts are a must, hats are encouraged, and sunscreen is non-negotiable. It’s just part of our routine—no different than putting on a helmet before biking. Because it’s so normalized, it’s never been a battle with the kids.
I’ll admit, it drives me a little crazy to see sunscreen bottles scattered all over the house, but the convenience outweighs the clutter. Upstairs? There’s one there. Downstairs? Same. We’re never without.
All of this said, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention how hard it can feel to be pale in today’s world. I’m very fair. And right now, bronzy skin and fake tans seem to dominate. I wish I were tanner sometimes—I really do. I feel like my muscles look “softer” without a tan, and certain clothes might be more flattering. If I’m being honest, one of my biggest insecurities when I scroll social media is how pale I am compared to everyone else. Not proud of that, but it’s the truth.
And yet, it’s exactly why I resist the pull of self-tanner, spray tans, and sunbathing. My hope is that by showing up as I am, other pale girls see themselves a little bit in me and feel less alone. That they know it’s okay to opt out of the bronzy glow trend. Maybe I’m faking it ‘til I make it—but I’m posting what I wish I saw more of.
And if you’re curious, I use a lot of different sunscreens. For face, I either use Supergoop Unseen (if I’m wearing real makeup or want a totally natural look) or Supergoop Matte (when I want a no-makeup even look) or Supergoop Glow (for days when I want a touch of shimmer for fun). For body, we’ve been using Supergoop Play. Clearly a big Supergoop fam! Happy to report zero sunburns for the boys ever and only one minor sunburn on my back (because I didn’t know my shirt scooped as low as it did, whoops).
