If you don’t have SPF in your skincare routine, you’re doing it wrong. Dermatologists will tell you it’s the single, most important product in your skincare arsenal, and they’re right. It protects against a lot more than burning. And you need it every day. Not every sunny day. Every day.
We get it. It’s easy to skip it as you can’t see an immediate pay-off but trust us – in the long run, it’ll be your best skincare investment yet.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO WEAR SPF?
SPF protects against the sun’s UV rays that beat down daily penetrating your skin and causing skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Did you know that most skin problems are caused by damage from UV rays? That’s everything from hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, dark spots and age spots, sagging skin, dull skin, rough skin, leathery skin, dryness, oiliness, and sensitivity (due to a compromised skin barrier) – you name it! Skin damage from UV rays can take decades to show up, so the earlier you start applying SPF, the better. Fine lines might not be an issue in your 20s, but they might be in your 40s and 50s.
UVA and UVB rays are present whenever it’s light outside, so that’s not just during the summer months when it’s warm outside, but you should also be applying your sunscreen when it’s cold, raining, and snowing. UV rays penetrate clouds and glass so you still need to apply SPF even if you’re spending your day indoors too.
DO I STILL NEED TO APPLY SPF IF I HAVE DARK SKIN AND DON’T BURN EASILY?
Having dark skin, or skin that doesn’t easily burn doesn’t mean you’re off the hook either. No matter what your skin tone or type, SPF should be used daily. While deeper skin tones have more natural sun protection thanks to higher levels of melanin, UVA and UVB rays can still cause damage to the skin, resulting in premature aging and skin damage. So, lather up!
Darker skin tones are best to look for sunscreen that doesn’t create a white cast, and thankfully sunscreens are becoming more refined and more inclusive to cater to all skin tones.
WONDERING WHAT’S THE BEST SPF FOR MEN?
There are lots of SPFs out there and protection usually comes in two forms: chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens tend to be the most commonly used because they sit well with other skincare. Many chemical sunscreens promise to leave a no white cast so if that’s important to you, look out for it in the product description and reviews.
Mineral sunscreens are thicker sunscreens that tend to last longer, but they often leave a white cast. ('White cast' is when the SPF leaves a noticeable white or grey-tinged coating on your skin.)
The higher the number, the better the protection. If you’re spending lots of time outdoors, opt for at least factor 30. SPF50 is ideal and offers the most protection.
WHICH SPF IS BEST FOR ME?
Looking for an SPF for oily skin? A chemical sunscreen’s your best bet. For those who’d prefer natural sunscreen, organic sunscreen, or vegan sunscreen, they’re all available in the sunscreen world too.
Some face moisturizers and day creams now have SPF within their formula – a convenient way to have an extra level of sun protection without having to think too much. Always look for “broad spectrum” SPF – this blocks out UVA and UVB rays.
Look out for skin care products and sunscreen with anti-aging antioxidants and other skin-loving ingredients in there too – a win-win for your skin!
If you wear makeup or love an easy application, we love how sunscreens have become more sophisticated – sunscreen mists, compacts, and powders are the way forward! Just spritz or pat and go for radiant and protected skin.
HOW MUCH SUNSCREEN SHOULD I APPLY, WHEN, AND HOW OFTEN?
If you already apply sunscreen, you’re probably not applying enough. To be fully protected, apply more than you think to be safe.
Apply 15 minutes before you’re due to go outside to give the sunscreen time to absorb fully into your skin as the last step in your skincare routine (just enough time to get set up by the pool or park). You should be applying 1 ounce of sunscreen (that’s about a shot glass) on your entire body for each application.
For sunscreen application to your face, try this handy technique: apply a line of sunscreen across the length of your pointer finger and your middle finger, then slather on until it’s all absorbed.
Reapply your sunscreen multiple times a day – about every two hours – but more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
Don’t forget your lips and ears when you apply sunscreen. These often-neglected areas can burn and be affected by premature aging too!
IS SPF REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?
It’s not just about your vanity, but overall health too! Protected skin is healthy, happy skin. If you want to hold on to your youth as you age, you’ll thank yourself in years to come for making daily SPF a priority in your skincare routine. Say hello to smoother, more youthful, glowing skin with a commitment to regular sunscreen!
