At this time of year, with all the new fall trends to try, it can seem like nothing is constant in the world of fashion and beauty.  Are skinny jeans still in?  Is burgundy nail polish so 2008 or a thing of the past?  Here's the thing though: I find comfort in the things that never really go out of style, like a perfect-fit cardigan or shiny hair.  There's something calming about looking beyond the trends and focusing on the things that always look and feel right.  Without a doubt, one accesory that is constantly in style is healthy, beautiful skin.  In order for skin to be healthy, though, we have to protect and nurture it, and that can take effort especially after a hot, sundrenched summer.  Consider this autumn your chance to undo some past damage and learn to protect your skin 24/7 to reveal the beautiful skin you've had all along. 

 Sun protection should extend to your entire body: slapping some SPF5 on your cheeks just doesn't cut it.  Even clothes don't fully protect your from the sun's damaging rays, so you really need to wear SPF anywhere that is exposed or covered by only a thin piece of material like a light shirt.  That doesn't mean protecting your skin has to be difficult or even time consuming.  Here are a few of my tips and tricks for protecting your skin without adding too much to your daily routine.

Double Duty: Moisturizers with SPF are a great option, especially for those of us who are crunched on time in the morning.  Pick a good one and apply liberally: often the problems with SPF lotions is that people don't apply enough.

For the face: Aveeno Positively Radiant with SPF 30 and Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Daily Moisture Lotion with SPF 28 both claim to moisturize, provide protection, AND fade old sun damage over time.  Talk about multi-tasking: they're also great for the next and chest area.

For the body: Eucerin Everyday Protection Body Lotion has SPF15, just enough to keep you protected under your winter clothes.

Super Speedy SPF: I'll admit, sometimes I'm too lazy even for lotion in the morning, or maybe my skin just isn't dry enough.  That's when I reach for a good spray sunblock, one that will feel light and non-greasy and still give me the protection I need (especially on that hard to reach area on my back).  Bonus: it's super fast to apply.

My favorite pick for fall is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 45.  It keeps me well protected and I don't even notice I'm wearing it.  Aveeno Continuous Protection is a close second, and it comes in SPFs up to 70!

 Green Protection:  Chemical sunscreens are less than entirely eco-friendly, I must admit.  They also carry an increased potential of skin irritation.  For these reasons and others, you might prefer to try mineral protection.

My ultimate favorite chemical-free line is Juice Beauty.  Their SPF30 Mineral Moisturizer protects skin without harsh chemicals, but is still just as effective.  They're a little more expensive, but you can find mineral protection at all price points.  Just look for "chemical free" on the label, but make sure it's also broad spectrum first so it's effective against both UVA and UVB rays.

Don't forget the hands:  women often forget this part of the body and can pay for it later in life.  Skin cancer is common on the hands, as are brown spots from too much sun.  To avoid both, you can look for a hand lotion with SPF or just rub a little of your usual sunscreen on the back of your hands.  

Unfortunately, washing your hands can un-do this protection.  Another sneaky little trick is to use one of the new face washes that deposit SPF even after you rinse them off- they're not great for sensitive or acne prone faces like mine but they work great on hands!  Try St. Ives Elements Protective Cleanser, which leaves behind SPF 10.  It's not fantastic coverage for your face, but works great to cover up spots that might get washed off your hands.  

Pucker up, just not permanently:  Last but not least, don't forget your lips.  They're one of the most prominent points on your face and you'll want to keep them looking as soft and young as possible, but sun damage can make them look thin and puckered.  Skip this without adding a ton of time to your routine by adding a balm with SPF.  These can be found anywhere: my favorites are Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Balm with SPF15 and Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25.

 Play Around:  It's less about what you use, and more about being able to fit adequate protection into your daily life.  So feel free to play around until you find products that fit your budget and lifestyle.  One great place to start is with Sephora's Sun Safety Kit, which comes with over ten great samples of sun protection products for you to try. It's a great starting point, plus profits go to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Find a few key products that work for you and stick with them.  Remember, great skin is always a great acessory.