How the sun affects the skin and how we best protect ourselves from it.
written by Marta @Hudvardstankar
The absolute worst effect the sun has on the skin is that it causes skin cancer, but I believe we are all aware of that. Unfortunately, many do not know that the sun also causes the majority of the “skin problems” we constantly try to work on and counteract with our skincare products and expensive salon treatments. For example, signs of aging such as fine lines, reduced elasticity, dark spots, and melasma. According to studies, the sun's rays cause approximately 80% of skin aging. So why spend all that time and money trying to counteract these “skin problems” when we don’t do the most important thing: protect our skin to reduce the occurrence of these “issues”? It is always better to prevent something rather than having to treat it later.
When to Use Sunscreen?
To make it simple to understand: The sun's radiation that negatively affects the skin consists of UVA and UVB rays.
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UVB rays are the ones that make the skin tan and possibly burn. UVB rays cannot penetrate through windows, clouds, car windows, etc., and do not penetrate deeply into the skin.
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UVA rays, on the other hand, can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause damage that is not visible to the naked eye but will appear over time. UVA can also penetrate through clouds, windows, car windows, etc.
In Summary!
You should use sunscreen every day, year-round! Even when indoors, in a car, on cloudy and rainy days. Yes, anytime you see daylight.
How to Use Sunscreen Correctly:
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The Most Important Thing! Find a sunscreen you like and will use. But remember, to get the best protection, the sunscreen should contain at least SPF 30, and it should clearly state on the packaging that it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
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Use the Right Amount. Don’t skimp on sunscreen. To get the protection stated on the product’s packaging, you should use about half a teaspoon for the face and another half for the neck. For the body, about half a deciliter is recommended. It's always better to use too much than too little when it comes to sunscreen.
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REAPPLY! Currently, there is no sunscreen filter that provides all-day protection once applied in the morning. Therefore, it’s not enough to apply just once in the morning. The protection decreases and fades due to friction, sweat, water, and sun exposure. If you’re out in the sun, you should reapply approximately every two hours. If you’re indoors, you don’t need to do it as frequently, but it’s still important to reapply 2-3 times a day.
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Sunscreen in Your Makeup is Not Enough. Why? Because you don’t apply a sufficient amount (around 1 teaspoon).
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Make it a Habit! It may feel strange at first when you’re standing in the bathroom on a dark winter day slathering on sunscreen. But if you do it every day and make it a routine, just like brushing your teeth in the morning, it will eventually become second nature.
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Apply sunscreen last in your morning routine after your other skincare products have absorbed fully, and wait at least 15-30 minutes before applying your makeup.
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Last but Not Least! Everyone should use sunscreen, regardless of skin color. If you have darker skin, you may not burn as easily as someone with very fair skin, but the sun's rays negatively affect all skin colors.
Tips!
Sunscreen is not everything. Don't forget other ways to protect yourself, such as seeking shade, wearing sunglasses and a hat/cap, avoiding direct sun when it's at its strongest, and wearing protective clothing, etc.
A common question I often get is how to reapply sunscreen over makeup. It can be a bit tricky, as you don’t want to smear sunscreen over your base for fear of ruining it. I’d recommend the Garnier Sensitive Advanced Hydrating Face Protection Mist. It’s a convenient product that comes in spray form, making it easy to apply over your makeup throughout the day without smudging it.
I’d also like to recommend the Face Fluid from Altruist, which you can purchase here at Know to Glow. It’s a fantastic sunscreen suitable for all skin types. It’s fragrance-free, hydrating, and contains a lot of wonderful skincare ingredients. It absorbs quickly, works great under makeup, and gives a lovely glow! Plus, it’s incredibly affordable!
Enjoy the summer, the sun, and the warmth, but don’t forget to protect yourselves!