Complete Guide On Sunscreen With All Your Questions Answered (Part II)
While sunscreen guidelines and labels have gained a makeover in recent years, many consumers are still ignoring them. Preventing your skin from harsh sun rays is essential to avoid sunburns and inhibit premature aging and skin cancer. Moreover, SPF is not something that needs to be hidden in the back of your cupboard and only used on the beach days in the summer.
Sunscreen is appropriate for all skin types and ages, yes, even for those who say they don't usually get burned in the sun and only tan. Furthermore, SPF protects your skin from UVB, and UVA rays present all year round, even on cloudy days and cold weather. These rays can penetrate cloud coverage by up to 80%, which means if you want healthy skin and avoid skin damage, you need to apply an SPF of 30-50+ every single day.
However, I know that there are still so many questions related to sun protection in your mind, like how to use sunscreen every day? How to use sunscreen and moisturizer? And so on. So, to clear all your queries, here is a complete guide on sunscreen with all your questions answered!
When To Apply Sunscreen In A Skincare Routine?
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine is a small step that can have a significant influence on your skin. Just think of sunscreen as the string between your morning skincare regime and makeup routine. Furthermore, sunscreen comes as the last step in your skincare, mainly after moisturizer or as the first step in your makeup routine before applying a primer. Here's where to begin:
1. Select the right sunscreen for you
You already know that wearing sunscreen is vital, but it is just as essential to find the correct one. Many products are clearly labeled as SPF, while other makeup and skincare products provide little sun protection by including sunscreen.
On the other side, makeup products with sunscreen are a great substitute but don't depend on them as your crucial sun protection. Always apply sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 30, and make sure to reapply if you spend longer time outdoors during the day. Choose the sunscreen based on your skin type; there are various types of sunscreen for sensitive skin, dry, and acne-prone skin.
2. Incorporate sunscreen to the end of your AM skincare regime
If you are confused about how to use sunscreen and moisturizer in your AM routine, you don't have to. After cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, apply your sunblock. Typically, it is best to apply sunscreen a few minutes after you have moisturized your face. For better absorption and smooth surface, try 100% Pure Hyaluronic Moisturizer to hydrate your face and wait for a few seconds for your skin to dry for even application of SPF.
However, several moisturizers already contain sunscreen in them. It is best to see the label first; if it includes a broad spectrum of SPF 30, you can mix those last two steps before moving on to makeup. It will save some time and effort in the morning.
3. Reapply as necessary
Sunscreen is not only a set-it and forget-it deal; if you are going to be exposed to the sun for a longer time, you must reapply sunscreen after every two hours. After a few hours of UV exposure, the sunscreen ingredients begin to break down and lose their capability to protect your skin.
Also, who doesn't sweat their sunscreen off a little in the summer heat? Therefore, if you are going out daily for prolonged hours, it is better to know how to use sunscreen every day and all day long. You can keep a sunscreen spray, powder, or stick for touch-ups, or even you can keep a travel size moisturizer with SPF 30 or above in your bag to provide your skin a sun-savvy hike when needed.
What Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid?
There is no doubt that wearing sunscreen regardless of the weather every day is the best skincare tip out there. However, not every sunscreen is formulated equal; some scary ingredients are hiding in your tube of SPF, so it's best to avoid them. I did some digging to discover the components that you must watch out for and the safer choices that you can try instead.
Oxybenzone
This ingredient is banned in some regions because it causes harm to coral reefs. Oxybenzone is a type of synthetic estrogen that can cause a disturbance in your hormones. According to the Environmental Working Group, they found oxybenzone to be the most irritating ingredient.
Octinoxate
Similar to oxybenzone, octinoxate is also dangerous for coral reefs and may cause skin allergies. It also affects the reproductive system and thyroid.
Avobenzone
Though the avobenzone ingredient doesn't cause hormone disruption, it has a high rate of irritation and is non-stable. This means it has to be combined with stabilizers like octisalate to use in the sunblock.
So, What Ingredients Should You Choose?
I've already discussed the types of sunscreens in my previous sunblock guide. So, do check that blog if you haven't. The EWG rates mineral sunscreens more potent than chemical sunscreens because there is some data, these pass through the skin barrier and are absorbed by the body. You must look for sunblocks made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are great for protecting your skin and are not harmful.
Hence, I hope this sunscreen guide part II would be helpful, and some of your doubts might have been resolved in this blog. For more such questions to be answered on sunscreens, like how to know if your sunblock is working or how much sunscreen you should apply? Stay tuned.
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