The sun is necessary for our body, including the skin. We all love tanning season because a bronze complexion hides many imperfections such as cellulite. We also look thinner and many skin diseases subside thanks to the strong sun. It gives you healthy-looking skin.
The sunrays stimulate the production of vitamin D, the metabolism accelerates and our mood is therefore improving. However, the sun can quickly become the biggest enemy of our skin if we are not careful enough. Excessive exposure to UV rays has major consequences for people who are prone to allergies and hyperpigmentation.
It also contributes to the appearance of premature wrinkles, reduced elasticity, and triggers the formation of melanoma. If you want to keep your facial skin clear and tight throughout the seasons, be sure to get the proper sun protection factor (SPF). I will explain to you all the benefits of SPF, and along the way, you will learn how to use it properly.
What is SPF?
Creams with SPF are not sunscreens that we apply all over the body. Sunscreens should be an integral part of the daily skincare routine. There is a laboratory measure of protection against UVB rays in the form of a factor, and those factors imply how long you can stay in the sun before you burn.
However, you won’t go wrong if you opt for SPF 30 or 50. You all know how harmful UVA rays are because they lead to photoaging, allergies, spots, etc. It is especially important to use protection if you are on retinol therapy.
Otherwise, you will cause the opposite effect. Retinol and other actives work on hyperpigmentation problems, but also cause spots if you expose yourself to the sun without protection.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen?
You will choose the product based on your skin type, but some products simply suit every skin type. For example, these are fluids with a light composition without perfumes and other irritants. It is recommended to use different SPF products during winter and summer days.
During the summer we need a high level of protection, but also a lighter texture due to the amount of sweat our body produces. Pay attention to labels such as water resistant and waterproof, because they are not the same.
If you choose a product with a water-resistant label, you can get wet without a problem, but you will be protected for a maximum of 90 minutes.
During the winter days, we are exposed to bad weather and wind, which means we need more hydration. In that period of the year, the UV index is very low, so a daily moisturizing cream with SPF 25 will be enough in most cases.
What is sunscreen pilling and why does it happen?
Many times I have heard someone complain about an SPF product that most people are happy with. One of the most common reasons for this is sunscreen pilling. Have you ever heard of it?
You have probably experienced this situation at least once with a certain product. For example, you applied a cream and instead of being absorbed into the skin, you saw tiny granules similar to a skin scrub. That is a common occurrence when SPF is applied incorrectly.
In this way, its effectiveness is reduced and there is a risk of burns or hyperpigmentation. The peeling of the product is a sign that the skin is not absorbing it, and there are several causes. Maybe you just need to exfoliate your skin, so there is too much sebum and dead cells on the surface.
Another reason is too many layers of cream or using products in the wrong order. Choosing the wrong creams can also be one of the causes of peeling. Rubbing SPF products into the skin will also do damage.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly?
After you have chosen a product according to your skin type and skin-care routine, it is time to learn how to use it. SPF can be used alone or in combination with a hydrating cream. Sometimes you need additional hydration, but in that case, we recommend only hydrating, fast-absorbing serums.
Avoid creams that are rich in silicone, talc, iron oxide, perfume, and other irritants. It is also advisable to reduce your skincare steps to avoid unwanted interaction with certain ingredients.
Otherwise, you will get a pilling effect, comedones, blackheads, or acne. So, if you’re self-applying SPF, wash your face thoroughly before using it. Gently apply the contents of the cream to the entire face, don’t forget the neck and décolleté.
The amount of product depends on the size of your face, the texture of the cream, and your skin type. The universal rule for one application is an amount of cream equivalent to the length of the index finger. If you have dry skin, use a hydrating serum on a clean face and then apply protection.
How Long Does Sunscreen Last on Skin?
People tend to be quite extreme when it comes to sunscreen. For example, there is a group of people who claim that no one needs it. Some apply SPF every two hours.
Do not follow their example, because they are not right. SPF should be used year-round, as UV rays pass through clouds. No matter if it’s rainy days or it’s bright and sunny outside, SPF should protect your skin from external influences.
During physical activities, we sweat excessively and should apply the cream more often. However, if you go from home to work and spend a few hours indoors, it is enough to renew the protection when it is time to leave.
Use a mist with a protective factor to restore so that you do not have to repeat the entire process of applying the cream. You can find them in various sizes and are very practical to use.
The most important thing is that you do not feel any sensations on the skin and that it does not turn red. These are the first signs that it is time to renew the protection.
What should you do if you get sunburned?
It’s natural to want to soak up the sunrays when you are on the beach. If you’re lucky and there’s a fresh breeze, the experience is priceless.
Because of such pleasure, we often forget about protection. You forgot to apply SPF cream or to renew the protection, you left your hat somewhere, and you are exposed to the strong sun.
What happens then? After a while, you start to feel a slight burning sensation that gets stronger. This means that the skin starts to burn, but you can minimize the damage. The first thing you should do is seek shade and avoid sun exposure for the rest of the day.
Wear light, breathable clothing, and drink something to relieve pain as soon as you get to your place. A cooler shower may also help. Staying in water for too long can dry out the skin, so be careful.
Hydrating creams based on aloe vera, water, and panthenol help the most in this situation. Avoid oil and paraffin-based products, as these ingredients trap heat. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids and don’t touch your skin.
The most important thing is that you don’t let this happen to you again. Burns increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Always carry your SPF product with you and use it properly.
Conclusion:
SPF products are available in a variety of formulas for different skin types. They will work great with other beauty products you use. It is the best anti-aging therapy, so include it in your skincare routine right away.
