Sunscreen: It’s the best kept beauty secret that’s not really a secret. It’s hard to resist the warm weather once summer rolls around, but over-exposure to the sun can result in serious skin damage, so it’s vitally important to make sure you’re protecting your skin with SPF!
The protection shouldn’t stop when summer ends. Even as the weather begins to cool, sunscreen should be incorporated into your skincare routine every day of the year.
What Makes the Sun Rays So Dangerous?
The sun emits UV rays known as UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths penetrating the outer layer of the skin whereas UVA rays have a longer wavelength and reach deeper into the skin. Overexposure to these UV rays can cause sunburn, premature ageing, wrinkles, and in extreme cases – skin cancer. These UV rays are always present, even when the sun may not be, so SPF is essential in keeping your skin healthy all year round.
Best Sunscreen Practices
No matter your skin tone, you should wear sunscreen. Because sunscreens naturally break down over time, make sure that you reapply your sunscreen every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating, you’ll need to apply it more often. According to the FDA, “water-resistant” sunscreens maintain their SPF for 40 minutes in the water, while “very water-resistant” sunscreens maintain their SPF for 80 minutes. Remember: even the mildest of sunburns can have damaging effects so it is important to protect your skin.
When in Doubt, Apply More than you Need
Believe it or not, most people do not get the full SPF protection advertised on a sunscreen bottle because they don’t apply enough. To cover your entire body adequately, you need to use one ounce of sunscreen. For reference, that’s about the size of a typical shot glass.
Add an Extra Layer of Protection with Makeup
Many sunscreens wear beautifully under makeup, so there’s no reason to skip this essential step. You can streamline your morning skincare routine by using a moisturizer that also has sunscreen in it. Take your sun protection to the next level by using lip balms with SPF and wearing broad-brimmed hats to protect your head and ears.
The Benefits Are Endless
Sunscreen not only protects your skin from sun damages, the leading cause of fine lines and wrinkles, it also contributes to your overall skin health. Essential proteins in the skin like keratin are protected when sunscreen is applied. These proteins are primarily responsible for keeping the skin smooth and healthy both in appearance and function.
How to Pick the Right Sunscreen
It is recommended that your sunscreen should stay between 30 and 50 SPF. The best sunscreens are also “broad spectrum” meaning it will fully protect you from UVA and UVB rays.
Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum is a silky-smooth, greaseless sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays. Enriched with Vitamins E, C, and B, SPF 40 safeguards your skin, counteracts sun damage, and prevents premature aging on your face and body.
Trying to level-up your skincare routine? Book a facial with one of our amazing estheticians and they’ll walk you through your skin’s specific needs. Call (910) 484-9922 to schedule an appointment.