Once the summer is here, one thing to do is to apply the sunscreen. No matter how trained you are about the sunscreen during the summertime, going through the basics is fundamental. When it comes to cosmetics (and not only), there are always some new sunscreen breakthrough or fundamental hassle-free tricks so scrolling down may be more than enough for your protection this summer.
- Sunscreen is your super-power against aging
Did you know that 90% of the brown spots, large pores, and wrinkles that you’re trying to eliminate with fillers/Botox or lasers are actually caused by sun exposure? Truth be told, a dependable sunscreen is the best anti-aging cream that you can use for slowing down the aging of your skin. on top of everything else, you should apply it every single day of the year, not only when you’re going to the beach or during the summertime.
Here’s some news to you: you may increase the risk for developing wrinkles and skin cancer even when you’re driving, as you’re exposed to UVA rays.
- It may also address acne or rosacea
when you’re using sun protection, you’re also reducing the inflammation and the damage of free radicals. It seems that good sunscreen may improve symptoms in rosacea on its own. Wearing sun sunscreen on a regular basis is also going to clear up an acne-prone skin. when you’re using a sunscreen even the dark scars from acne are going to fade out a lot easier. You should go with a mineral sunscreen as it ensures broad-spectrum protection without clogging the pores.
- Don’t skip any parts
It’s quite often for skin cancer and sun damage to happen on the hairline or on the sides of the faces, simply because you only apply the sunscreen on the center of your face. You should begin at the perimeter of the face, covering not only your nose or cheeks, but all of your face and neck.
- Use the SPF sprays
All sunscreens need to apply to the same FDA standard and the market also offers zinc-based aerosols. You simply need to use the right amount for your face and neck. make sure you hold the nozzle one inch from your skin, going over all exposed areas three times. Better yet, rub it all in just to make sure. This way, you’re sure you covered everything and you didn’t miss any spots either.
Keep in mind to use the sprays in the open air so that you don’t breathe them in.
- Go with high SPFs
Truth be told, no one applies enough sunscreen to actually reach that level of protection mentioned on the bottle. A thin layer of SPF30 is actually going to ensure SPF of only 7 to 15. Therefore, you should get SPF50+ just to make sure. Even if you’re not going to apply a thick layer, you’re going to be protected enough.
- Go with tinted sunscreen
When you want to mix makeup and sunscreen together, it’s wiser to go with tinted sunscreen as it’s a lot more protective. It’s also sheer and absorbs fast into the skin, so you may be very generous about the amount.
You may not find the right shade for you, in which case you should blend your own. Some sunscreen with a drop of your foundation and apply it on your face, neck and décolleté too. The coverage is going to be pretty natural and effective for hiding the minor flaws.
- Makeup does count
SPF powders are pretty effective, but you shouldn’t use them as single option for protecting against the sun. however, a fast dusting may ensure an effective touch up in the middle of the day. If you’re not the dedicated type, this trick may work for protecting your skin after your lunch break.
- White t-shirts aren’t enough
An average SPF of a white t-shirt is 7 and it even lowers to 3 if the shirt gets wet (no matter if it’s from swimming or sweating). This is why you should go with sun-protective gear or rash guards that present ultraviolet protection factor of 50, being able to block even 98% of the UV rays.
- They’re called “sun hats” for a reason
You may think that a baseball hat is going to protect you from the sun, but it’s in fact design only to prevent glare. It’s not able to protect the sides of your face or throw enough shade over your lower face or your nose.
On the other hand, a good sun hat is going to come with a tight weave and 3-4-inch brim, providing the sun protection you actually need.
- No, umbrellas aren’t going to do it
Applying a high-SPF sunscreen is going to provide more protection against UV light than relaxing under an umbrella. 78% of the people using only an umbrella are going to develop a sunburn, as opposed to 25% from people wearing sunscreen.
Long story short, neither are going to ensure complete protection, but it’s the umbrellas that present the higher risk for burning our skin.
- Skin cancer makes no exception
Even if skin cancer doesn’t occur in skin of color that often, this doesn’t mean it never happens or that it’s never deadly. A 2016 study revealed in fact that African Americans may be diagnosed with melanoma in its later stages, presenting even worse outcomes. In addition, the survival rates are worse as well.
- It’s never too late to start protecting your skin
we’ve all seen the young mothers applying religiously the sunscreen on their little babies. Did you know that only 23% of our lifetime sun exposure is actually happening before we turn 18? Aging is a process that never stops and only daily sun protection, all year long, is going to slow down the aging process and the damage of sun exposure.
The extra-tip
We can never stress too much about how tanning is always going to mean damage to your skin. some still think that a base tan is a good way to reduce the risk for burns. Safe tan is something that never exists. The tiny amount of pigment may offer your skin an SPF of 3 or 4 which is almost nothing, when you come to think of it. On top of everything else, any change of your color of the skin is in fact a sign of damage.
Post originally published on www.essence.com
