Why is SPF so important?
Why and how to apply and reapply your spf?
Sun protection is non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining healthy skin. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the leading causes of skin damage, leading to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply, contributing to wrinkles and sunspots, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, sun’s UV rays can penetrate your skin, which is why wearing SPF daily is crucial, yes, even on those cloudy days.
Beyond its anti-ageing benefits, SPF is vital for protecting your skin from a host of other issues. It can prevent the worsening of existing hyperpigmentation and reduce the risk of developing new dark spots. For those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, SPF acts as a shield against external aggressors that can exacerbate redness and irritation. In essence, sunscreen is your first line of defence against all the things that make your skin look and feel worse.
When should I apply SPF
As a general rule of thumb, sunscreen should always be the outermost layer of your skincare routine. This means applying it after you’ve used your serums, eye cream, and moisturiser in the morning. It’s important to give your skincare products a few minutes to absorb before applying your SPF to ensure that each layer can work effectively.
If you’re planning to wear makeup over the top, opt for a sunscreen formula that is light, easily spreadable, and doesn’t leave a big white cast behind. This will not only make the application more pleasant but also ensure that your makeup applies smoothly without any pilling or uneven texture.
How many times daily should I reapply
One of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that applying it once in the morning is enough to protect you all day. In reality, SPF needs to be reapplied every three hours to maintain its effectiveness, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or in direct sunlight, but equally if you’re in an office because blue right is a real thing, people! This can be a daunting task, particularly if you’re wearing makeup, but it’s essential for keeping your skin protected throughout the day.
Why Do We Need To Reapply Sunscreen?
Sunscreens either reflect or absorb UV, so they slowly break down and become less effective as they work through more of those ultraviolet rays. And products naturally get brushed off by wearing a mask, touching your face, sweating, water, and other outer forces. Making consistent reapplications are necessary throughout the day. Otherwise, you are still exposed to the potential danger of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and worst-case scenario even skin cancer.
The general recommendation is to reapply every two hours if you are outdoors. That doesn’t only mean outdoor activities directly under the sunlight. But for example, also includes the time you spend in your car whether that’s a casual drive or a road trip because car windows won’t keep out the UV rays either. And you should also reapply immediately after swimming or sweating,
Reapplying is a bit more challenging on top of makeup without rubbing off that makeup. If you go in with your regular sunscreen, we suggest using a beauty sponge, and just lightly tapping it on top of your skin. As this only provides a light layer of protection, make sure to repeat the process often! Or touch up your makeup with a cushion foundation that has high SPF.
You can also use a spray to reapply but make sure you cover all the face and neck and probably will need to do it more often
To treat sun damage i recommend either the Herbal Peeling or the Ultra Hydrafacial, and of course you can always contact me for advice!
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