Sunscreen Basics - All You Need to Know

By now, even the little birdies on the branches are singing the song of sunscreen. Yes, you do need to use it, but do you know why exactly? How often and how much? 

Let’s get down to business and learn all that you REALLY need to know about sunscreen.  

THE WHY

The main function of sunscreen is to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These rays come in two forms - UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays are often mentioned when we talk about skin ageing. They can cause wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. 

UVB rays are guilty of giving you sunburn. Both can be cancer-causing.

THE WHEN

Most current advice is to use a dedicated sunscreen as required even if your moisturiser contains an SPF. Ideally, you’ll include sunscreen into your morning routine or right before you leave the house. If you don’t sweat too much, you’re good to go. But if you do, you are going to need to reapply it more frequently. Frequently, in this case, means reapplying it every 3 hours. 

THE HOW MUCH 

Your face is the target area. However, don’t forget the ears if your hair is in a style that doesn’t cover them, as well as the neck, lips, and hands. Every area of skin that isn’t covered, needs to be protected.

A penny-sized dollop should be enough for the face, and then add more onto it if you’re covering your neck and hands. When it comes to sunscreen, don’t slather it on so your skin can’t breathe. A thin layer will have the same function as a very thick layer. 

THE WHERE

You might not have seen this WH-word coming, but it’s something to consider. Do you wear sunscreen while you’re inside too? No? Logical. Or not…

Guess what? You need to wear it while you’re at home too.

There are also those moments where you’re washing the dishes for 10 minutes in front of the window above the sink. Or sitting in a chair that gets direct sunlight through the window. Glass doesn’t provide adequate protection - in particular from UVA. So, if you get plenty of natural light in your home, you need sunscreen.

Spring is here, so it’s the perfect time to invest in new sunscreen.

Keep your skin healthy and safe, just like any other part of your body. x