SPF SELECTS
It’s SPF season, and while we’re ecstatic about it: we want to make sure we’ve got you covered (literally). While wearing any sunscreen is better than going out without sun protection at all, it is recommended in all situations that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30, regardless of your skin tone or skin type. You should apply every morning and reapply throughout the day.
With that being said, there are many situations in your day-to-day life that may leave you wondering: what kind of sunscreen should I be wearing? When should I reapply? Can I apply sunscreen over makeup? Should I choose mineral or chemical? It isn’t easy!
But we promise, it can be. Hence, we decided to pull together all of the sunscreen fast facts in order to help you align with the perfect products and make sure you protect your precious skin every day, in every situation.
THE SITUATION: A DAY AT THE BEACH
If you plan to spend a full day outside in conditions that enhance the power of the sun’s rays (think the reflections from the sand and sun), it is imperative that you wear sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours. This includes those who like to go for a quick swim––you should always reapply after leaving the water or excessively sweating. Keep in mind that shade nor water protects you from sunburns and photoaging!
Sensitive skin types should consider opting for mineral sunscreens, as they sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. Oily and acne-prone skin types would benefit most from a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic SPF.
ELTA MD UV CLEAR BROAD SPECTRUM (TINTED) SPF 46 $64
COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE® BODY SHIELDS SPF 50 $61
THE SITUATION: WORKING AT THE OFFICE
Plan on staying inside all day? Doesn’t matter––SPF is a must. Even indoors, UVA rays can penetrate and damage the skin, resulting in the early onset of fine lines and wrinkles. However, if you aren’t planning any direct sun exposure throughout your day, a moisturizer or makeup with a base of SPF 30 built-in is most likely sufficient.
Oh, and don’t forget: this also goes for cloudy or rainy days as well!
IMAGE SKINCARE PREVENTION+ DAILY MATTE MOISTURIZER SPF 32+ $76
TIZO ULTRA ZINC FACE & BODY SUNSCREEN SPF 40 (TINTED) $61
THE SITUATION: MAKEUP TOUCH-UPS
It’s Friday 5 o’clock: you’ve got your Aperol Spritz in hand, sitting on a terrace and you suddenly remember you’re due to reapply your SPF. Or worse: you forgot to put it on before your makeup this AM.
No need to panic––mistakes happen! Don’t let that deter you from reapplying an SPF over your look. While sunscreen should be applied directly onto the skin and underneath any makeup, in this case, you can put sunscreen over your foundation. You can either use a liquid sunscreen and gently pat it across the face (protecting your skin from cancer is more important than flawless foundation!), or you can reach for a loose mineral powder such as:
COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE® BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50 $83.20
ZO SKIN HEALTH SUNSCREEN + POWDER BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 40 $82.50
Want to learn more about SPF? Make sure to check out our past blogs and visit our entire sun care section online.
On that note: protect the beautiful skin you are in!
Until next time,
Mathilde