Show your skin some love!
Sunscreen is very important all year round (yes, even in the winter). As I've gotten older, I have become more mindful of sunscreen application. It can be beneficial to reduce aging, as well as prevent skin cancer.
While the approaching summer means more time spent outdoors, we need to be aware of our sunscreen application. Are we applying it often enough? How should we pair it with makeup? Are we wearing the correct SPF? These are just some of the things we should focus on while increasing our exposure to the sun. Read on to discover the best practices for sunscreen use.
How to Apply
It can take around 15 minutes for the sunscreen to soak into your skin. Keep this in mind when you are thinking about applying sunscreen. While limited sun exposure with no sunscreen can be a good thing, you want to make sure you do not wait too long. The standard amount to cover your whole body is about an ounce of sunscreen. There are also areas of your skin you may not consider when applying sunscreen, such as the scalp. If you have some of your scalp exposed, it can be susceptible to burn. You should also be thinking about places such as your lips and feet. If it's not covered by clothing, put sunscreen on it.
How Often Should You Apply?
Sometimes, we think one application is good enough. (I am definitely guilty of this one at times!) However, this is not the case. Sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours. This is especially true if you are sweating or swimming. Sunscreen becomes less effective over time, so one application won't cut it if you plan on being outside for a while.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner recommends setting reminders on your phone to reapply sunscreen, or to plan your reapplications around activities such as lunch. If you aren't already doing so, carry your sunscreen with you. I like to keep mine in my purse. You can even check the weather app on your phone for the UV ray measurement. It will tell you how strong the UV rays are and what time to apply sunscreen, which can be helpful if you are unsure of what times you may need protection the most.
How to Use Sunscreen With Makeup
Before you do your makeup, put on the sunscreen. Throughout the day, you will need to reapply if you are outdoors for long periods of time. If you are someone who enjoys wearing makeup, sunscreen may be trickier to reapply. Luckily, there are different methods and products that can help make this easier. Sunscreens that come in powder and spray forms can be particularly useful here. Spray-on sunscreen makes it incredibly easy to reapply, but make sure you are doing it often enough. If you don't have any of these products, you can reapply regular facial sunscreen by blotting it on with a sponge.
Protection Type
While no sunscreen can completely block out the sun's rays, you should aim for one that has at least an SPF of 30, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. SPF stands for sun protection factor. It is important to note, however, that a higher SPF does not equal longer lasting. It is also recommended that you purchase a sunscreen that is labeled "broad spectrum" as it will protect against different types of rays.
Sunscreen is key in maintaining happy and healthy skin. Remember to reapply every couple of hours, even if you are wearing makeup. Make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of at least 30, and try to find one that is broad-spectrum. And don't neglect the parts of your body such as lips and feet! Use sunscreen on any uncovered skin. Don't forget to ask your doctor about which sunscreens they recommend for your skin type. Here's to a sunburn-free summer (and life)!
