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The Significant Role of Sunscreen in Regular Facial Skin Care Regimens
Having healthy, clear skin is something that we all strive to achieve, yet sometimes the elements working against us can be difficult to avoid. The sun’s UV rays are a prime example of this, and taking the necessary steps to protect our skin should be an essential part of our daily skincare routine. Even on cloudy days and in the winter, UV rays are still being emitted, and unfortunately many of us don’t realize the importance of the protection that sunscreen can offer when applied to the face, neck and chest.
Understand the Types of Sunscreen
The first step to acquiring a facial sunscreen routine is understanding the differences in types of sunscreen, as mixing the wrong types can actually leave your skin less protected than ever. Broad spectrum sunscreen is the preferred form for providing protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as the former can cause premature wrinkles and the latter is linked to skin cancer. However, it can be hard to differentiate from regular sunscreen, as both types come with an SPF label. Therefore, when shopping, make sure to check that the label reads broad spectrum protection, otherwise you might not be getting the full benefits.
Women Should Reapply Every Two Hours
Once you know the type of sunscreen to buy, you must also understand the best practices for application and reapplication. In general, sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before stepping outside, as this gives it sufficient time to absorb properly into the skin. Reapplication is also a key factor when staying out in the sun, as the initial application begins to wear off after two hours. Furthermore, individuals should be sure to reapply any time after engaging in activities that involve water or extreme perspiration, as the dissipating components rob the sunscreen of its effectiveness.
Check the Ingredients’ Level of Weight
Moreover, it’s important to consider the weight of the sunscreen’s ingredients prior to purchase, as creamier and thicker products provide more protection than lighter formulas. In this sense, opting for a cream or lotion-based sunscreen may be the preferable route due to the higher level of protection that it provides. Additionally, it’s important to invest in facial sunscreen that’s specifically designed with the delicate skin of the face in mind. This means reading the labels to make sure that the product is free of fragrances and dyes, as these can cause unwanted irritation to the skin.
It’s Not Just About Sunscreens
Finally, sunscreen should be coupled with other methods of protection when venturing outside, as its effectiveness is far from having a 100% success rate. Fortunately, there are a number of skincare defenses that can be implemented at little to no cost. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to reduce the amount of direct sunlight that makes contact with your face, as is buying a bottle of facial moisturizer with built-in SPF protection.
In conclusion, regular UV radiation can have many negative effects on our skin if not treated properly. Sunscreen is one of the more reliable forms of prevention, yet it’s important to understand the types, weight of the ingredients and frequency of applications. Moreover, coupled with other forms of protection such as hats and SPF moisturizers, the effectiveness of sunscreen can be raised to combat the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.
