If you’ve just started getting into skincare, you might be noticing a lot of sunscreen advice everywhere you look. As one of the most powerful skincare products, sunscreen can help you against concerns like premature aging while also decreasing the risk of diseases like skin cancer.
But exactly what is sunscreen, how does it work, and what are the best ways to use it? To help you answer these burning questions, here’s Sunscreen 101 to guide you along your skincare journey.
What is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a topical product that protects you against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays not only have the potential to burn your skin but also carry the power to accelerate the symptoms of aging. With it, UV rays can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. When you apply sunscreen regularly, you can protect the looks and health of your skin. That is why sunscreen is often a part of beauty tips that make you look good.
What are the different types of sunscreen?
There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. If you look within either of these categories, you can find a variety of additional sunscreen types, like lotions, creams, and powders. Most sunscreen products are also covered under your flexible savings account (FSA), which helps you save money on taxes. You can look for FSA sunscreen through popular vendors to see how different products suit your requirements and skin type.
What is SPF?
Sun protection factor (SPF) is a way to categorize the effectiveness of sunscreen products. Typically, dermatologists recommend that you choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 because that helps you block 97% of UV rays. In this category, you also need to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA rays that cause skin damage and UVB rays that increase your risk of skin cancer. Even when you use a cashback app to save money, you can easily find these types of sunscreen.
Does a higher SPF mean double or triple the protection?
If you choose a higher SPF, it doesn’t mean that you will get double or triple the protection. For example, if you choose SPF 70 sunscreen, it only protects you against 98.5% of UVB rays. However, getting a sunscreen with a higher SPF is still beneficial because even an additional 1% of efficacy can go a long way. This is why many people wear things like a sun-protective bandana even after wearing sunscreen.
Can You wear sunscreen every day?
You can and absolutely should use sunscreen every day. Even if you are going outside for half an hour, wearing sunscreen can significantly lower your chance of experiencing sun damage and developing skin cancer. In fact, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours to ensure you continuously protect your skin. Similar to finding the perfect blush for your complexion, you can browse around to see what type of sunscreen sits more comfortably on your skin.
How much sunscreen should you use?
If you are unsure about how much sunscreen you should use, the answer is easy: Dermatologists recommend that as little as 1 ounce of sunscreen is enough to cover your entire body. In case you are just covering your face, a little portion of that amount is fine. Like soaps for your skincare routine, you should use sunscreen as much as it’s required. You can also use different types of sunscreen, like lotions and creams, before deciding what’s best for you.
How do you use sunscreen with makeup?
While it’s pretty straightforward that you should apply sunscreen before your foundation and wait for at least 2 minutes before wearing any makeup, reapplication can be a little tricky. But that’s where products like sunscreen powder enter the picture. You can easily put this type of sunscreen over your makeup and protect your skin against sun damage. You can also use a makeup looks app to try different products that can lead to easy sunscreen application.
With these suggestions, you can effortlessly use sunscreen to maintain healthy skin that glows from within. This way, you can also protect your skin against risks like photoaging and skin cancer.
