UV rays not only cause visual damage to the skin, but can eventually lead to skin cancer. Alisha Merlo, executive director of professional relations for Colorescience, joins us to “smack down” all the dumb excuses we use for not wearing enough sunscreen and bust common myths about sun protection.

Whether you’re not wearing sunscreen to save money, to keep your makeup looking cute, or because you think you look better with a tan, find out what happens when you don't wear sunscreen and get answers to your burning (ha ha, see what we did there?) questions about sun protection, including:

• How much sunscreen do I need?
• How often should I reapply?
• Are there any effective drugstore brands?
• What types of hats actually protect from UV?
• Are the chemicals in sunscreen safe for children?

When searching for the right sunscreen for you, Alisha recommends asking these questions:

• Is it a mineral sunscreen?
• Is it broad spectrum?
• Is it SPF 30 or higher?
• Is it tested and proven to protect against UVA?

Learn more about Colorescience, a San Diego-based global skin health company

Purchase Colorescience Sunforgettable® Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 on our skin care store

See the photo of the 92-year old woman who Monique used to illustrate what happens when you don’t wear sunscreen

Read how sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are recognized by the FDA as safe and effective

Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide

Skin Cancer Foundation


La Jolla Cosmetic is located just off the I-5 San Diego Freeway at 9850 Genesee Ave, Suite 130 in the Ximed building on the Scripps Memorial Hospital campus. 

To learn more, go to LJCSC.com or follow the team on Instagram @LJCSC

The La Jolla Cosmetic Podcast is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io