Skin care is important for a healthy, youthful appearance. There are many ways to care for your skin, including moisturizers, serums, exfoliants, etc. However, many people ignore to protect their skin from harmful sun rays or never think about it until they get into big trouble.
Sun protection may seem less helpful, extra, or very basic to many people. But it’s the most important thing for long-term healthy skin. Everyone’s skin is different and has different types of vulnerabilities, such as premature aging, sun spots (liver spots), unappealing spots on different parts of the body, etc.
On the other hand, many of us may have different expectations, such as glowing, shining, tightening, bright skin, etc. No matter what your expectations are, proper sun protection can minimize the risk and maximize the benefit of other skincare products.
In this post, I will discuss these topics further and explain the advantages of sun protection, provide practical tips, and recommend products.
Why Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable In Your Skincare Routine
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that are extremely harmful to your skin, especially when exposed for long periods. Based on their wavelengths, UV rays are primarily categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
All these UV rays have damaging effects, but they impact your skin in different ways.
- UVA rays penetrate into the deep of your skin and pass through glasses. These rays cause premature aging and wrinkles and damage collagen and elastin. After elastin damage, you may receive fragile skin and permanent frown lines. They can also trigger hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- UVB rays do not penetrate the deep layers like UVA. They primarily affect the outer/top layers of the skin and are responsible for sunburn. Prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause DNA mutations that can develop melanoma or other types of skin cancers.
- UVC‘s penetration and impact are very low. However, it can cause skin burns and eye injuries, which can be resolved within a week. Since the penetration depth is shallow, the risk of cancer or other damage is also very low.
It’s easy to assume that sun protection is necessary at the beach or outdoors on a hot, sunny day. However, UV rays are present all year round, even on cloudy or winter days.
These rays can also penetrate glass, meaning you’re exposed even while driving or sitting near a window.
That’s why daily sun protection should be a staple in your skincare routine—whether you’re going to the office, running errands, or simply lounging at home. The long-term benefits are well worth the extra step.
How Sun Damage Affects Your Skin
Understanding sun damage is important to make your sunscreen routine. Here, I mentioned some of the UV exposures that can happen from sunlight:
- Premature Aging: Sun exposure accelerates the aging process and causes skin to lose elasticity, wrinkle, and develop age spots much faster than it would without UV damage.
- Hyperpigmentation: UV exposure can trigger melanin production, which can cause uneven pigmentation and dark spots. This is common in people prone to melasma or sun-induced discoloration.
- Dryness and Rough Texture: Over time, UV damage gradually causes your skin to lose moisture, leaving it dry and more prone to peeling or rough texture.
- Skin Cancer: As mentioned earlier, prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause DNA mutations, which can cause melanoma or other skin cancers.
Proper sunscreen use is more than preventing sunburn—it protects your skin from long-term harm and many other problems.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin
Finding the right and best sun protection product is difficult and complex among the numerous products on the market. Also, the eye-catching marketing and advertising make people puzzled.
To eliminate these problems, here are some tips on finding the right sunscreen for your unique skin type.
Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection
Ensure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, shielding against UVA and UVB rays. This ensures that you protect your skin from both aging and burning effects.
Choose the Right SPF
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how well a sunscreen can protect against UVB rays. I suggest an SPF 30 or higher for everyday use.
If you spend extended time outdoors or have fair skin, you may opt for SPF 50 or above.
However, SPF 30 is sufficient for most people’s day-to-day activities. Remember, SPF only measures UVB protection, so a higher SPF number doesn’t mean full coverage against UVA rays, making broad-spectrum crucial.
Consider Your Skin Type
- If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog pores.
- For dry skin, opt for a hydrating sunscreen that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- People with sensitive skin should look for sunscreens with physical blockers (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) because they cause less irritation compared to chemical filters.
Water-Resistant Options
If you plan on swimming or sweating, use a water-resistant sunscreen. Even if you don’t plan to get wet, water-resistant sunscreens tend to last longer in humid conditions.
Consider Different Formulas
Sunscreens come in various forms—lotions, creams, sprays, and sticks. Use one specific formula that best suits your routine. For example, spray is suitable for reapplication, but creams may offer better coverage.
When and How to Apply Sunscreen
Knowing the right way to apply sunscreen is as important as picking the right product. Here’s how to make sure you’re fully protected:
Apply Sunscreen in the Morning
Apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, after your moisturizer, but before any makeup. Sunscreen needs time to absorb and activate, so apply it 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Don’t Skimp on Quantity
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too little sunscreen. You need approximately a teaspoon for your face and about an ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) for your entire body.
If you’re using a spray, apply until you see a sheen on the skin, then rub it in.
Reapply Every 2 Hours
Sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done deal. To maintain protection, you should reapply every two hours, especially outdoors. After swimming or sweating, reapply immediately.
Remember Often Missed Areas
Remember to protect commonly overlooked areas like the back of your neck, ears, lips (use a lip balm with SPF), and hands.
Incorporating Sun Protection with Other Skincare Products
Some of you may think that you are not allowed to use other skincare products with sunscreen. But this is not the case.
Mixing with other skincare products with sunscreen does not conflict with each other if you do it in the right direction. Don’t worry; it’s not a complex process. You can use sunscreen with other products very easily. Here is how:
Pair Sunscreen with Antioxidants
Sunscreen is the first line of defense, but pairing it with antioxidants like vitamin C can provide even better protection. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which minimize damage to skin cells.
Look for moisturizers or serums that contain antioxidants, and apply them before your sunscreen.
Tinted Sunscreens for Extra Coverage
Tinted sunscreens provide an extra layer of protection against blue light emitted from screens. These products also offer a more even complexion and can double as a light foundation or primer.
Use SPF-Infused Makeup
Many modern foundations, BB creams, and powders contain SPF which provides an added layer of sun protection. However, they shouldn’t replace your main sunscreen, as they usually provide lower SPF protection. Think of them as a supplement to your overall sun care strategy.
Sun Protection Beyond Sunscreen
While sunscreen is the cornerstone of sun protection, there are additional ways to keep your skin safe:
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
- Seek Shade: Whenever possible, avoid staying in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
- Use Umbrellas or Shade Structures: If you’re spending a huge amount of time outdoors than usual, setting up a sunshade or using an umbrella can reduce exposure to harmful UV rays.
Final Thoughts on Sun Protection
The role of sun protection in your skincare routine cannot be overstated. It’s a fundamental step in preventing premature aging, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and keeping your skin healthy and radiant for years to come.
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, no matter the season, is one of the best decisions you can make for your skin.
At R·MEDYᴹᴰ Aesthetics, we emphasize the importance of sun protection to all our clients. Contact us to get the best skincare treatments.