Fine Hair Secrets

This Fourth of July, ask yourself something new. If our Founding Father Benjamin Franklin were alive, which sunscreen would he choose?


Silly? No, not when you consider how many Americans are at risk of of skin cancer because of poor habits. There are lots of sunscreen lessons to be learned from our esteemed forefathers. (Lumpy, white skin aside).


Let’s look at some Franklin themes as they relate to protecting your skin during the summer.


Women. Always modern, Franklin advised young men to seek the company of older women. Today both sexes are concerned about premature aging of the skin. Men-folk can enjoy the manly-scent and forceful sun protection of MD Formulations Men's Total Protector 30. Lassies can choose sunscreen rich in emollients such as vitamins E, C, and B found in Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30. And both sexes take note: a hat never hurt, either. Just skip the fur one like Franklin wore.


Science. It is rare for a genius like Franklin to be so talented in social endeavor as well as scientific endeavors. One thing we know today that Franklin and his generation didn’t know were the dangers of UVA/UVB sun exposure. Unfortunately many people today still don’t get the message. Show your skin — and science — some respect by protecting yourself from both types of damaging rays. Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen and use it daily.


French. Franklin didn’t always love the French. Too bad he never met the folks at La Roche Posay. Their Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains a chemical block not easily available in these United States (and my personal favorite).


Money. Franklin was famous for his frugality. Today the slang “Benjamins” means money thanks to Franklin’s famous face on the $100 bill. Do you have to spend a lot of money for proper sun protection? Nope; how about NeoStrata Lip Conditioner - SPF 15 for only $5? Protection at that price would make Franklin proud.


Declaration of Independence. We all know Franklin played a role. Overcoming colonial rule is one thing; and yes, that struggle doesn’t exactly compare to protecting yourself from the wrath of the sun. But did you know Franklin’s famous quote? He looked at the sun carved into the back of the chair he used while working on the Declaration of Independence and declared it was a rising sun over a rising country.


If you’re outside this summer commemorating the courage of Benjamin Franklin and others make sure you’re protected. If you don’t like to slather on sunscreen, just mist it over your bare bits. A good one to try is Peter Thomas Roth Ultralite Oil-free Sunscreen Mist SPF 15. Then raise an ice-cold tea to Franklin.


Bottom line: rising summer suns demand proper skin protection.


Make sure the history you’re making won’t show up on your face and body years from now. Protect yourself with suitable SPF this summer as you read Franklin’s biography on the beach!


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by Katie McCaskey, a contributor to FineHairSecrets.com