True confessions… I do not use SPF on a regular basis in the summer months. To be honest, I don’t spend a ton of time outside and I like my skin to have a healthy sun-kissed glow. But, with that said, there are certain times that I will not venture out without strategic application of SPF.

Before I get into the times I use SPF to protect my skin and keep it looking young, what do I use? Recently I made the switch to Olay Complete - a daily moisturizer with sunscreen - SPF 15 to be exact. My skin tans easily but that also means even a low SPF will protect my skin completely from the sun’s rays, so I never wear more than a 15 anyway. The broad-spectrum SPF is made for sensitive skin, which means it doesn’t have me breaking out on my face like a lot of other moisturizers and SPF lotions do. Yay for that.

Four times I ALWAYS apply SPF (though I should everyday):

#1:: Outdoor Runs.

Now that I am training for the Chicago Marathon I am tracking a number of miles every week outside. These runs are usually at least an hour long and since I’m also working, that often means my runs happen around 3pm - in the heat of the day when the sun is bright and bold. For those runs I apply Olay Complete to my face and ears to avoid getting burnt.

#2:: Days at the Beach or Pool.

If I am going to be spending all day out in the water and the sun, my skin will inevitably burn. And that’s just painful, not to mention, not good for my skin. So, for those days, I always apply SPF all over my body, paying special attention to the spots that don’t often see sun - like my upper legs and back.

#3:: Long Hikes.

One of my favorite ways to spend a day in the summer months is hiking. Depending on the type of hike and the terrain I will encounter, my SPF regime will change. I’ve hiked 14 miles along the ocean in the wide-open air through sand and covered my body completely in SPF. But I’ve also hiked through the woods where the sun isn’t as direct, in which case I apply the SPF to only my face, ears and tattoos, to protect them from the harshness of the sun.

#4:: Backyard BBQs.

Similar to the days spent at the pool or beach, a day spent outside grilling, drinking, and playing games means a lot of sun exposure. Usually, for these days I’ll begin with application to my face and ears and add it to the rest of my body if it is a particularly open yard or if the sun seems to be strong that day.

Olay Complete is a really great option for all of these SPF-necessary moments. It feels light when being applied and doesn’t cause breakouts because it is oil free and non-greasy. One application in the morning will give you all day protection. Plus, it doesn’t smell like the traditional sunscreens that leave you feeling like you are leaving a cloud of SPF smell in your wake. Plus, this formula is packed with antioxidants to further aid my skin’s health and vitality. You can get your own bottle of Olay Complete at Sam’s Club here!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine.