Wearing and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is vital to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and the dangers of skin cancer. However, are you applying enough sunscreen to keep your complexion protected? A recent study shows only 37% of UK adults reapply their sunscreen throughout their day, which is crucial to ensure you stay protected from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Even if you think you will not get much sun exposure while you are at home, you may still be exposed to sun damage. UVA rays can penetrate through glass, clouds and fog, so your skin is exposed to them even when you're sitting by a window at home. Here's how to make sure you are protected at all times:
1. Wear Sunscreen Indoors & Outdoors
The most important tip to follow when it comes to SPF protection is to wear it at all times. Sunscreen needs to be worn daily, when you are indoors or when you are outdoors.
As we mentioned above, you are exposed to UVA rays when sitting by a window or driving. Furthermore, HEV light emitted from computers and phone screens can lead to premature ageing. This is why all of our UV protectors are formulated with proprietary EnviroScreen technology that provides protection against not only UVB, UVA, HEV light and air pollution.
2. Apply Sunscreen to Other Areas
It is also vital that you apply sunscreen to other areas of your body, not just your face. Make sure you cover over your entire face, including your ears, neck, décolletéarea and the parting of your hair.
Other often neglected areas of your body include include your hands, the tops of your feet, and your lips.
3. Reapply Sunscreen Every Few Hours
While applying sunscreen before going outside is important, it is even more crucial to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day to maintain good skin health.
In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying your sunscreen every two hours. However, you may need to reapply even more often if you are swimming or sweating. If you plan on swimming, it's important to use a waterproof formula.
4. Dermatologists Recommend Mineral Sunscreen
If you are looking for a daily sunscreen protection, it can be difficult to find the best product for your skin type.
Mineral formulations are often preferred and recommended by dermatologists, as they contain natural ingredients that sit on the surface on your skin and deflect the UV rays as a physical shield, meaning they are less likely to upset sensitive skin.
All Colorescience SPF protectors are made from 100% non-nano minerals and provide the highest level of protection in liquid, powder, and stick formulations to match all skin types.
5. Don't Only Rely on Sunscreen
When it comes to SPF protection, you should not only rely on sunscreen. Wear sun hats, sunglasses with an UV filter and protective clothing in the hot and sunny weather.
6. Use the Right SPF & Amount of Sunscreen
Next, you need to be sure that you use the right amount of sunscreen to get the full SPF protection listed on the label.
You should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. In practice, this means applying the equivalent of a shot glass (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body – a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone.
7. Apply in the Right Order
Sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine. If you use a moisturiser, make sure it is set into your skin before applying your UV protector.
Stand-alone SPF protection works better than using products that are combined with moisturiser.
Not sure what is right formula for your skin type? We can help! Take our quizand find the perfect match for your complexion.
