The skin, especially that of our face, is more delicate than many might think at first glance. Added to this, the sun is becoming increasingly aggressive due to climate change, making daily use of sunscreen essential, not just during summer vacations. Otherwise, we run the risk of damaging our skin’s health.
The importance of using sunscreen
Every experienced dermatologist emphasizes the vital importance of protecting the skin from UV rays to prevent sunburns. These rays are harmful not only on sunny days but also penetrate through clouds easily. Therefore, it’s essential to apply sunscreen with the correct protection daily, whether the sky is clear or if we plan to spend time under the sun. This way, we can avoid irreversible damage to our skin caused by UV rays.
Including sunscreen into your skincare routine is paramount due several reasons and selecting the best SPF for face is crucial to achieve the right sun protection. Let’s see why it is too important to use sunscreen.
Sunburns
The primary goal of sunscreen is to shield the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. By applying sunscreen, you establish a barrier that either absorbs or reflects UV radiation, thereby decreasing its penetration into the skin.
Skin cancer
One of the most serious and concerning effects, skin cancer is closely related to unprotected sun exposure. The lack of daily skin care can lead to serious issues like this, especially after experiencing significant sunburns. On the other hand, it has been shown that daily use of sunscreen reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.
Premature aging
Constant exposure to the sun and the resulting sunburns accelerate the skin aging process. To prevent common signs of premature aging, such as spots and wrinkles, and maintain younger and healthier skin, it’s essential to apply adequate sunscreen every morning.
Hyperpigmentation
Another common outcome of not incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine is hyperpigmentation. This effect is not immediately apparent but manifests gradually over time, with the appearance of small spots caused by prolonged sun exposure without protection and past sunburns.
How to select the ideal SPF for facial use?
Choosing the right SPF for your face is crucial to uphold the health and youthful appearance of your skin. With numerous options available in the market, determining which products offer optimal protection and benefits for your specific skin type and requirements can be challenging.
Selecting the appropriate SPF for facial use depends on your skin type. Recognizing different skin types is essential for preventing sun damage, categorized visually on a scale from I to VI.
Type I
This group comprises individuals with fair skin, light eyes, often redheads, who tend to burn easily and rarely tan. For this skin type, it’s crucial to opt for SPF 50 and products that contain specific ingredients to adapt the skin to sunlight and reinforce its protection.
Type II
People with very sensitive and delicate skin, blonde hair and light eyes, who also seldom tan and may experience allergic reactions to prolonged sun exposure. Similar to type I, this skin type requires SPF 50 protection.
Type III
Characterized by brown hair and medium-toned skin that reddens before tanning after sun exposure. It’s recommended to use moderate protection, equivalent to at least SPF 30, to counteract high radiation levels.
Type IV
Individuals with dark skin and brown hair who tan easily and rapidly with direct sun exposure.
Type V
People with darker skin than type IV, requiring moderate sun protection equivalent to SPF 3-5.
Type VI
Encompasses individuals with very dark skin, typically black. Their natural melanin offers effective sun protection, making moderate protection sufficient.
How to apply sunscreen effectively?
When using sunscreen on your face, it’s crucial to apply it generously and reapply regularly, particularly if you’ll be outdoors for an extended period or participating in activities that may lead to sweating or swimming. To ensure comprehensive protection, cover all exposed areas of your face generously with sunscreen, including delicate areas like the lips and around the eyes.
Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Even if using a water-resistant sunscreen, its effectiveness diminishes over time, so consistent reapplication is key.
While daily sunscreen application is essential, it becomes even more critical during trips, especially those to the beach. When heading out on your travels, simplify your skincare routine with the best travel skincare routine steps. This routine should be as basic as possible to avoid wasting time!
- Cleansing
- Hydrating
- Sunscreen
Using the correct sunscreen is essential for your health and beauty. Given the abundance of choices on the market, there’s really no reason not to prioritize sun protection in your skincare routine!