The Importance of Sun Protection: How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen

Sun protection is the no 1 thing in skin-care to keep a healthy flawless and spotless. Whether you lay out at the beach or run errands during a cloudy afternoon, UV rays are present & lifestyle its consequences on your skin. The best way to avoid these crazy rays is by protecting your skin with an effective sunscreen, but which of the numerous products works most effectively? Then when you have one, how do you use it properly so that its protective properties are maximized?

This blog will brief you about the significance of sun care and benefits of wearing sunscreen for skin protection.

Why Sun Protection Matters

In addition to being necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D and beneficial for our general well-being, sunlight also contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can be dangerous and harmful to your skin. You need to watch out for these two categories of UV rays

UVA Rays: Causing deeply penetrable rays that act like slow poisons on the skin leading to wrinkles, age three aging and so much. This overexposure to UVA light can also result in skin cancer.

UVB Rays: These rays are responsible for causing sunburn and affecting the top layer of skin. UVB rays are highly carcinogenic.

Prolonged exposure to these rays with unprotected skin can cause many types of problems on the face:

Sunburn: First degree burns immediately experienced in response to UVB rays, present as red, painful skin that later may blister and peel.

Premature Aging: UVA rays result in the breakdown of collagen and elastin fiber which causes premature aging, like wrinkles, fine lines,and sags.

Hyperpigmentation: Long exposure to sun rays can lead to skin spots or uneven discoloration called hyperpigmentation.

Skin Cancer: UVA and UVB rays can break the DNA within skin cells, making it even more likely that sunburn will turn into a tan, less so for tanning but certainly an increased risk if left unprotected. One of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is by protecting your skin from sun damage.

Choosing a Sunscreen - The Safe Way

There are so many sunscreens available, it can be daunting to pick the right one. Key things to think about

Always seek an SPF of 30 or above, and be sure it says "broad spectrum," which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This would be vitally important in providing holistic cover.

SPF Rating: SPF is short for Sun Protection Factor and rates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. You should use at least a 30 SPF on your face every day. An SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and aRead moreMain SPFs you can get are only effective up to around ×95-98%. Bigger SPF numbers offer a bit more protection, however no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.

Water Resistant: Go for the water-resistant sunscreen if need be – you are swimming or working out. Even with a water-resistant product, it must be reapplied every 40–80 minutes in the water!

Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens

Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens: These formulas include active mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which remains on the surface of your skin to act as a physical barrier against UV rays. They are relatively nonirritating and great for sensitive skin.

Chemical Sunscreens: These have components like avobenzone or oxybenzone that absorb UV rays to some degree and subsequently transform it into heat, which is discharged from the skin. They are generally light and comfortable to wear but can cause irritation in some people.

Skin Type Considerations:

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen that will not stay in the pores.

Dry Skin: Sunscreens with added moisturizers, or hyaluronic acid and glycerin for extra hydration.

For Sensitive Skin: Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate.

Proper Way to Apply Sunscreen

Picking the perfect sunscreen for you is only half of it: You also have to put on that SPF correctly so you set yourself up with a fighting chance in sun damage prevention. Here’s how:

Be Generous With Application: Many people under-apply sunscreen, lowering the level of protection. A rough guide to all around is one ounce (a shot glass), full body. A nickel size canister full for the face.

Ears, back of the neck and scalp (especially if exposed), tops sides of feet, upper thighs (back)Backs/backsides/close of hands. The skin here is just as susceptible to UV damage from the sun.

Sunscreen Needs Time to Absorb: Sunscreens need time to be absorbed into the skin, so apply at least 15-30 minutes before you go out.

Reapply: A general rule is that sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours, or more often if swimming/sweating and towel drying. Yes, even water-resistant sunscreens must be reapplied after swimming.

For extra protection, layer it with other products: If you are applying makeup or any other skincare product then apply the sunscreen as a last step that comes before your make up. While a few makeup products actually do have SPF, you likely need more than what they offer. Don’t forget to apply a separate sunscreen before using any makeup.

Expiration Date: Sunscreen can become ineffective as time goes on, so be sure to check the expiration date of the bottle. Expired sunscreen will not protect your skin, and therefore it should be thrown away.

How to Use Sunscreen in Daily Life

Always protect yourself from the sun. Even on a cloudy or cool day, you should be wearing sunscreen every single morning as part of your daily routine. Clouds and windows cannot prevent UV rays from taking a shot at you year-round.

Noon: Start with a sunscreen as the last layer after cleansing and application of moisturizer. Decide on a comfortable level of sunscreen for your skin type, so you will use it regularly.

On-the-Go: For quick touch-ups while you're out, have a travel size bottle of sunscreen in the car (or purse for us ladies).

GET INTO THE HABIT : And It is true that the more you use Sunscreen, The better it becomes a natural part of your daily lifestyle. You will thank yourself later for your flawless complexion.

Protect Your Skin with Skin Story Studio

At Skin Story Studio, we consider sun screening as a basis for both health and beauty of skin. From trying to figure out which sunscreen is best for you, to address a current issue of sun damage on your skin — we've got the answers. Cooler temps can lead to more dryness and sensitivity; our personalized skin care treatments help keep you looking good through winter.

Ready to step it up with your sun protection?

Contact us now, for a consultation and let's work together to create that glow.