SPF Is Your BFF: Why Sunscreen Matters (Especially for Beach & Outdoor Sessions!)

Aimee Sims
Jun 2
3 min read

Whether you’re stepping in front of my camera for a beach boudoir session or just living your glowiest life outdoors, protecting your skin from the sun is non-negotiable. As much as we love that golden-hour light, the truth is: the sun doesn’t play fair when it comes to skin health and aging.

Let’s talk about why SPF is Essential your skin’s best friend, the different types of sunscreen, and my favorite clean brands to help you stay radiant (not roasted).

☀️ Why You Need SPF—Every. Single. Day.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) isn’t just for beach days—it’s a daily essential, even when it’s cloudy. UV rays are sneaky and can damage your skin even when you don’t feel the heat.

Here’s what daily SPF helps prevents:

Premature aging (think wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness)
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
Sunburn (ouch!)
Skin cancer (including melanoma, which is serious and common)

And for my boudoir clients? Healthy, hydrated, protected skin always photographs better. Sunburn, flaking, or sun-induced redness can affect how your skin looks on camera—especially during outdoor or beach shoots.

Photography by Aimèe at Colby Farm in Newbury, MA.

🌿 Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

Understanding what you're putting on your skin matters, especially when you’re aiming for clean, effective protection.

Mineral Sunscreens (aka Physical Sunscreens)

Use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide
Sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays
Great for sensitive skin and acne-prone babes
Start working immediately after application
Can leave a white cast (though newer formulas have improved a lot!)
Be mindful of flashback when wearing it for a photo session.

Chemical Sunscreens

Absorb UV rays and convert them into heat
Tend to feel lighter and more invisible on the skin
Need about 15-30 minutes to start working
Some ingredients can irritate sensitive skin or cause breakouts

💚 Clean SPF Brands I Love (And So Does Your Skin)

If you’re like me and want your products to be clean, effective, and good for both your skin and the planet, here are a few of my absolute faves:

1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Invisible, weightless, and acts like a makeup primer
Great for all skin tones

2. Coola Mineral Face Organic Sunscreen SPF 30

Lightly tinted, reef-safe, and antioxidant-rich

3. Belief The True Cream Aqua Bomb SPF 45 Korean Moisturizer Face Sunscreen Marigold and Noni Extracts: Help the skin barrier recover from UV rays.

4. Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

Acts like skincare + makeup + SPF all in one

5. Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist

Easy spray-on option with clean ingredients and no aerosol propellants
Makeup & Photography done by Aimèe from Perfectly Peachy 🍑

📸 Protect Your Skin During Beach & Outdoor Boudoir Sessions

If you’re booking an outdoor or beach boudoir session, here are my top skin-saving tips:

✨ Hydrate and moisturize the night before ✨ Apply SPF generously before your session (and don’t forget your ears, chest, and shoulders!)

✨ Use a makeup-friendly SPF if we’re glamming you up before shooting ✨ Bring a wide-brim hat or light cover-up to protect yourself before and after photos ✨ Avoid tanning or heavy exfoliation the day before before your session—your skin will thank you in photos Final Glow Thoughts SPF isn’t just a skincare step—it’s an act of self-love. And that’s exactly what boudoir is all about. Whether you’re capturing your beauty in the sun or just taking care of it every day, protecting your skin helps it stay healthy, glowing, and gorgeous for the long run.