We’ll say it over & over again: sunscreen should be a fundamental part of ANY daily skincare regimen! Just a few drops of sunscreen will help shield your skin from harmful UV rays and irreversible sun-induced skin damage.
Whether you’re celebrating the outdoors or relaxing on the beach, catching some rays undeniably improves how you feel. The sun does a lot for you too: a little sunshine helps raise your vitamin D and serotonin levels.
But, as with most things, the health benefits of sunlight depend on dosage. Too little sunlight could lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Too much sunlight can lead to irreversible sun damage, the trick is to avoid overexposure. Here’s a list of tips we put together to help you find the balance:
- Add Sunscreen to your everyday skincare routine
The easiest way to choose a sunscreen is to find one that supports your everyday skincare routine by working well with your makeup as it acts as a first layer of protection. If you’re wondering how much SPF for face protection, we recommend selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or more. Broad-spectrum sunscreens work to protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays, both of which are damaging to your epidermis. When it comes to face application, make sure you are applying generous amounts to your face, neck, and chest.
- Not a fan of using multiple products? Try a tinted moisturizer with added SPF.
Using a tinted sunscreen moisturizer will work simultaneously to protect you from the sun’s UV rays, provide needed hydration, and cover-up small blemishes. Using this dual-purpose product will help shave time off of your skincare routine and keep you from purchasing unnecessary products. Additionally, the multi-tasking abilities of a tinted sunscreen moisturizer will ensure that you’re using both products daily. We love the Tinted Sunscreen by EltaMD Skincare.
- Worried about breakouts?
Many people skip putting sunscreen on their faces altogether because they worry that heavy creams might result in greasy, oily skin, or breakouts. Luckily, the science behind skincare products has come a long way so rest assured, the sunscreen you apply to your face is actually very different from what you would apply to your body.
- Applying once is NOT ENOUGH.
Did you know that just one sunscreen application in the morning isn’t enough to last all day? While applying sunscreen in the morning is better than not applying it at all, for reliable sun protection, it’s necessary to reapply frequently. Experts actually recommend reapplying your SPF every two hours for uninterrupted sun protection because factors like sweating and swimming diminish its effects.
- Be wary of false claims
A few things to be aware of when choosing your skin protectant: be wary of high SPF claiming products over 50+ SPF. They can give a false sense of security. Apply and reapply every two hours regardless of SPF. Also, be sure to read sunscreen labels, always checking the ingredients and avoiding retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) and oxybenzone. While they save time in application, sprays often don’t provide adequate coverage and inhalation poses a serious risk. Opt for creams/lotions instead.
While one skincare routine may vary from the next, sunscreen is an essential step in every skincare regimen. Add sun protection to your routine and begin to reap the benefits of sunscreen today. If its already a part of your daily skincare routine, then congratulations! You’re well on your way to ensuring healthy skin as you age.
Here are some helpful links for further reading!
