Everyone talks about using sunscreen but not many people talk about the dos and don’ts of using sunscreen in skincare.
Being sun kissed is excellent for your selfies, but the sun itself has a damaging impact on the skin. UV rays from the sun are known causes of skin problems like cancer, wrinkles and fine lines. This is why it is important that you keep your skin safe from the sun at all times using sunscreen.
SPF or sunscreen is an everyday essential, whether in dry or cold weather, because the sun never takes a break, and you shouldn’t. Spending so much money on skincare would go to waste without a protective barrier, ensuring that the active ingredients are kept safe while they work.
However, when it comes to sun protection, questions arise, including what formula is best and how much sunscreen should you apply.
In this post, we have created an expert guide on the dos and don’ts of using sunscreen in skincare:
Do: Choose a broad spectrum SPF
One of the most important dos when choosing a sunscreen is to ensure that you choose a broad spectrum SPF. A broad-spectrum SPF protects the skin against the damaging effects of UVA and UVB.
UV rays are present all year round, and they can come in through glass, so whether indoor or outdoor, you need to be well protected, seeing as UVA rays form the bulk 95% of UV rays that comes to earth. On the other hand, UVB is more visible and responsible for skin problems like hyperpigmentation, coarse skin, and loss of collagen.
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures your skin is well protected against UVA and UVB rays and is advised for all skin tones.
Do: Pick the Right Type of Sunscreen for Your Skin
Sunscreen can be chemical, containing ingredients such as octinoxate and oxybenzone. These chemical ingredients act as a filter absorbing UV light, thus preventing damage to the skin.
Sunscreen can also be physical, mineral-based with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which direct sunlight away from the skin by reflecting and absorbing it.
While both types of sunscreen offer broad-spectrum coverage, your skin type also matters. Some skin types react to chemical formulas while others don’t. In this case, you should consider a physical one, and your only problem with this might be a white cast left behind from the sunscreen.
As a tip, for sensitive skin types, opt for mineral sunscreen, while dark-skinned people should look more towards chemical sunscreens over physical ones depending on their skin type, of course.
Sunscreen Don’ts in Skincare
Now for the sunscreen don’ts, be sure not to scrimp on how much sunscreen you apply to your skin. Be very generous with your application, making sure to cover every part of your skin. Try out the 13 dot method, which simply involves applying 13 dots of sunscreen generously on your face and then rubbing them in together.
Another sunscreen don’t is to avoid relying on beauty products, especially makeup, for SPF. Choose a dedicated sunscreen and stick to it rather than depending on the SPF 15 your moisturiser might offer.
While following the dos and don’ts of using sunscreen in skincare, remember that the more SPF you apply, the more efficient it would be. Be sure to opt for sunscreen over SPF 50 for maximum protection.
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