THIS CONTENT WAS PRODUCED FOR ULTA BY the Foundry @ MEREDITH CORP. People En Español EDITORIAL STAFF WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION OR PRODUCTION.
Under the Sun
Growing up in mountainous Colombia under the equatorial sun, Kika Rocha spent much of her childhood enjoying the beautiful weather—and along with that came intense UV rays! “My grandmother owned our family ranch and spent a lot of her time in the rice fields,” says Kika. “Whenever we got together for dinner, we were always shocked to see how tan and freckled her arms and hands were compared with the rest of her body. She referred to her dark spots as ‘war wounds,’ and explained that her skin damage was a result of years in the sun without proper protection.”
Though Kika’s grandmother didn’t have many options to shield her skin from Colombia’s high-altitude rays until late in life, she made sure that things were different for her grandchildren. “All 25 of us grew up well-aware of the dangers of sun damage and our mothers constantly chased us with sunscreen,” says Kika. “But that doesn’t mean we weren’t obsessed with getting a golden tan! We still believed that our darker skin didn’t need much protection, but the truth is that all skin tones are vulnerable to sun exposure.”
Now, as the Beauty Director of People en Español and a mother herself, Kika is on a mission to share this message with the next generation. “I stopped tanning my face more than 20 years ago, but I still notice signs of accumulated sun damage in the form of dark spots and freckles on my face. These little things accumulate over time, so it’s important to make sun care a priority in our daily routines,” she says. “The amazing selection of products at Ulta Beauty makes it easy to find the best sun protection for every skin tone and type.”
When it comes to incorporating sunscreen into her beauty routine, Kika swears by Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. “I apply it every morning after cleansing and before I put on my makeup,” she says. “This product is one of my greatest allies to protect and hydrate my face. It’s made with a special soy complex that helps to brighten dark spots and care for damaged skin,” says Kika. “Bonus: It’s a lso hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-greasy!”
Kika also loves CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30, which provides multiple benefits for all skin types. “This moisturizer has a light tint and offers all the protection of sunscreen with a sheer veil that covers blemishes and spots. It’s like three products in one!”
Despite what you may have heard, higher numbers don't always lead to higher sun protection. SPF 30 products can block up to 97 percent of the sun's harmful rays. So, if you're looking for a trusty, everyday sunscreen, head to Ulta Beauty and shop their wide selection of SPF 30 products. It's the best thing you can do for your skin!”
For those who are looking for a great vegan option, Kika recommends TULA Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad-Spectrum SPF 30. “This sunscreen also protects against pollution and blue light, so it works indoors and outdoors,” she explains. “It has amazing ingredients like probiotic extracts, pineapple and papaya. It won’t clog pores or leave a white cast, either. It’s also reef-safe and smells delicious.” Another must-have is Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face—a lightweight formula that Kika touts as “virtually invisible, comfortable to apply, and ideal for sensitive skin.”
All of Kika’s favorites have one thing in common: they all feature SPF 30 protection. That’s because it’s the mostrecommended level for daily use by doctors and dermatologists, Kika explains. “Despite what you may have heard, higher numbers don't always lead to higher sun protection. SPF 30 products can block up to 97 percent of the sun's harmful rays. So, if you're looking for a trusty, everyday sunscreen, head to Ulta Beauty and shop their wide selection of SPF 30 products. It's the best thing you can do for your skin!”
SHOP KIKA’S SUNSCREEN SELECTIONS
Visit Ulta Beauty to shop sun care essentials.