You apply your morning makeup and rush out of the house. You wonder: “Did I forget anything? … nah”, and life continues with your skin paying the price of neglecting UV rays!
You’re preparing your bag for a long day at the beach: swimwear, towel, tanning oil … “What about sunscreen? … no need”, you’re on the way to get the perfect tan anyway.
How often do you go through such situations and end up crossing sunscreen off your routine? Don’t you think it’s time for a little change up? If you’re still wondering, read on for the ultimate answer.
Sunscreen is Essential!
In order to answer you, we reached out to the dermatologist Dr. Mohamed Kafafi who stressed on the importance of integrating sunscreen into your daily skin care routine. He also added that it protects your skin’s barrier from harmful UV rays, which can affect your skin in many ways such as the below:
- Burns, especially for light-skinned people
- Premature aging and signs of aging
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin tumors, benign or cancerous
So, whether you have light or dark skin, it’s crucial that you wear sunscreen. Though light-skinned people are more likely to burn, people with dark skin are at risk of skin cancer when skin is exposed to the sun without protection.
Summary, the answer is definite! You should apply sunscreen no matter the reasons that might tempt you to do the opposite. We can assure you that this step is the most important one in your skin care routine.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen?
Dr. Mohamed Kafafi refers to a set of criteria that must be taken into account when choosing your sunscreen:
- Look for a sunscreen with a transparent formula, leaving no white marks on the skin. It is also preferable that you choose one with fluid texture.
- For people with sensitive skin, go for an inorganic or physical one made of ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Make sure it is free of fragrance and alcohol and it contains moisturizing, anti-redness and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, in order to be effective against UV rays.
- Look for water-resistant sunscreen, which stays effective when exposed to water.
Tips for Applying Sunscreen
Sunscreen is only effective when used correctly. Therefore, Dr. Mohamed Kafafi puts forward the following tips:
1- Reapply it every two hours if you’re going to stay long in the sun.
2- If you’re using a chemical sunscreen, apply it 20 to 30 minutes before going outside so your skin gets enough time to absorb it.
3- If you’re using a physical one, also called mineral sunscreen, apply it directly to your skin right before sun exposure. There is no need to wait as it directly reflects the sun’s rays off your skin.
It’s important that you understand how these two types of sunscreen work. Chemical ones absorb UV rays, convert it into heat and release it from your body without harming your skin whereas physical or mineral sunscreens simply sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from your body.
If you have any questions about the best sunscreen for your skin type and condition, you can always consult your dermatologist.
Finally, we’d like to share with you our favorite sunscreen to keep you protected this summer and beyond. Eau Thermale Avène, the leading skin care brand, brings you Very High Protection Fluid SPF 50+. This sunscreen isn’t only considered a shield for your skin against UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also fast-absorbing, water-resistant and gives you the light nude skin feel you’ve always looked for. So, no excuses anymore!
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
