The Importance of Sunscreen in Your Skincare Routine
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. For all the healthy benefits the sun provides, it can still harm us if we don’t employ the best skin care routines. Especially in the midst of summer, it’s important to be vigilant with your sun protection. The best way to keep it consistent is to make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine. Let’s dive into everything you need to know, from understanding UV rays to how often to reapply sunscreen.
Understanding UV Radiation
What exactly are UV rays? They’re ultraviolet rays the sun emits that can have an adverse effect on the skin without protection, and they fall into two categories: UVA and UVB. UVA rays can penetrate the skin and lead to premature wrinkling. Meanwhile, UVB rays are the ones that affect the surface of the skin and cause sunburns. Both types can be detrimental in the short term and long term, potentially causing skin cancer.
A lack of understanding of UV rays and their effects leads to plenty of myths related to the skin. One common misconception is that tanning is always safe and only burns can be harmful. In reality, a change in skin color as a result of UV exposure can indicate damage and increase the risk of cancer. While we’re on the subject, don’t let a cloudy day give you a false sense of security. UV rays can still reach you even if it’s overcast, so protection is still recommended.
The Benefits of Sunscreen
Okay, it’s finally time to get to the skincare part! We mentioned earlier that skin cancer affects several people. That’s because it’s the most common form of cancer in America, seeing millions of diagnoses every year. An easy and effective way to avoid becoming part of that 20% is to apply sunscreen. It acts as a barrier that absorbs or reflects UV rays and saves you from their damage.
Enough exposure to UV rays without any form of barrier can degrade collagen and elastin fibers, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. Adding sunscreen into your daily regimen will provide the best skin care for that youthful appearance by shielding you from damage!
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Of course, not all sunscreen is created equal. There are plenty of levels of protection that are meant for a wide range of skin types. On top of that, some sunscreen brands are simply higher quality than others. Here’s a quick explanation of SPF and broad-spectrum protection:
- SPF: The Sun Protection Factor measures the sunscreen’s ability to guard against UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection. This is why it’s recommended that people with fair skin use products that offer a higher SPF.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: These sunscreen options offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, meaning you get all-around protection from the sun’s harmful effects.
SPF and broad-spectrum protection aren’t the only factors you should consider when purchasing sunscreen. To achieve your best skin care, consider the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens.
- Chemical: These absorb UV radiation. They’re lightweight and generally easy to apply. However, they can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
- Physical: This is the type of sunscreen that leaves a white layer on the skin due to its thickness. Though that may not sound appealing, physical sunscreen is less likely to cause irritation to the skin.
There are other features that may sway your purchasing decision, as well. Going in the water? You may want a water-resistant product. There are even sunscreens that have bonus benefits like moisturizing, antioxidants, and anti-aging properties. Keep these in mind if you want multiple benefits every time you apply lotion!
Here’s a valuable piece of advice: Don’t be cheap when your skin is on the line. If the price of sunscreen seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Incorporating Sunscreen into Your Daily Routine
So you’ve made a decision and purchased the sunscreen that will provide the best skin care routine for you. It’s time to implement it into your routine! Generally, this should be the last thing you apply in your daily routine (unless you plan to apply makeup). Be sure to do it at least fifteen minutes before you walk out into the sun. Perhaps the biggest unknown to most people is just how much sunscreen to apply. We recommend a nickel-sized “dollop” for your face. Use that ratio for the rest of your body as well.
Another unknown to many people is how often to reapply sunscreen. If you’re spending a lot of time outside, try to reapply every two hours. We further emphasize this point if you’re sweating a lot or swimming.
Want to reapply without ruining your makeup? Not a problem! Powder sunscreen and setting sprays with SPF are available, so you can protect your skin and keep looking great!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Despite knowing sunscreen’s benefits and understanding how your skin can be at risk without it, there are still a few common mistakes to be aware of if you want to enjoy the best skin care possible:
- Missing Key Areas: We’ve all seen people who clearly missed some spots when applying sunscreen. Not only does this mistake become apparent to everyone, but it leaves these spots—ears, neck, hands, etc.—open to sun damage. When applying sunscreen, be thorough!
- Not Reapplying: We can’t reiterate how important it is to apply more lotion. Knowing how often to reapply sunscreen could be the difference between healthy and damaged skin!
- Relying on SPF Makeup: There may be makeup options that offer SPF, but it’s not enough for them to provide adequate protection on their own. Using a dedicated sunscreen is the most effective method.
Ready for Your Best Skin Care Routine?
Implementing sunscreen into your daily skincare routine may seem odd, but it can protect you from wrinkles, aging, and even skin cancer. By understanding UV rays, knowing how to select ideal products, and applying at regular intervals, you can help your skin stay youthful and healthy!
Need some more tips on the benefits of sunscreen and other life-changing skincare routines? We’re happy to help! When you trust us with your youth and beauty, your skin will thank you!
