How to Use Sunscreen on Face
Using sunscreen every day is a must and for all the obvious reasons. Going out in the sun without taking preventive measures can cause serious harm to your skin such as sunburns, sun-induced pigmentation, dark spots, tanning and whatnot! To prevent sun damage, applying sunscreen is a must. Not just on sunny days, but on cloudy days too, your skin needs protection from the harmful UV rays that have become quite powerful in the past few years due to depletion in the protective ozone layer.
These harmful UV rays penetrate the clouds and can cause serious damage to your skin like the risk of skin cancer and other harms caused by the sun. Whether It's sunny or not, you must wear sunscreen every day and in all weathers. It is important to choose the right sunscreen with the right ingredients that cater to the needs of your skin for maximum protection from sun damage. Before you learn how to use sunscreen on face let's learn about:
How To Choose A Sunscreen?
Here’s what you should keep in mind while choosing a sunscreen:
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A Higher SPF: The Sun Protection Factor or SPF is the first thing to check when choosing a sunscreen. A higher SPF gives more protection than a lower one. Sunscreens in the market are available from an SPF of 15 which blocks 93% of UVB rays, an SPF of 30 which blocks 97% and an SPF of 50 which blocks 98% of the UVB rays. So, it is very important to check for the SPF in the sunscreen you choose
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PA Rating: Many people make the mistake of just checking the SPF in sunscreen. SPF blocks UVB rays but there are also UVA rays that cause immense damage to the skin. PA or the Protection Grade of UVA blocks the harmful UVA rays. PA+ blocks 40 - 50%, PA++ blocks 60 - 70%, PA+++ blocks up to 90% and PA++++ blocks up to 95% of UVA rays. So besides the SPF, it is also important to check the PA rating when choosing a sunscreen.
- Texture and White Cast: Most sunscreens in the market with a high SPF have a thick texture and leave a white cast. While choosing a sunscreen for you, you must see the texture and how it feels on your skin. A sunscreen that feels heavy and leaves a white cast after application is not very handy for everyday use, and as it is to be applied every day, you should carefully choose the one you that feels comfortable on your skin.
Light Up Beauty’s Gold Rush Vitamin C Sunscreen has a high SPF of 60 and PA++++ UV filters for maximum sun protection. It has the Gold Standard of Vitamin C which is 50 times more effective than ordinary Vitamin C. It brightens the skin while giving additional protection from the sun and is very gentle on the skin.
It has a 1% Ceramide Complex that strengthens the skin barrier. It is ultra-lightweight, leaves zero white cast and absorbs in just 3 seconds. This blend of ingredients and features makes it an ideal sunscreen and that too for all skin types.
How to Use Sunscreen on Face
It is important to know the right way of applying sunscreen so that your protection is ensured. Here’s how you should apply sunscreen:
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Apply An Adequate Amount: Think of sunscreen as a layer of mask spread over your face to protect you from the sun. The areas that layer does not reach or are thin in some areas compared to the others are exposed to the sun. It is important to spread an appropriate and even layer of sunscreen on your face.
It should not be applied the way you would apply a moisturizing cream but how you would apply a face mask covering all areas of your skin. It forms a protective layer and hence should be generously applied. If you are still confused about the amount you should take, you can use the three-finger rule - take sunscreen for 3 full finger lengths and there you have the perfect amount you should apply to your face.
- Reapplying Is The Key: Applying sunscreen and going out in the sun is not enough for the whole day. You need to Reapply it every 2 to 3 hours, and especially when you are swimming or sweating. For maximum protection from sun damage, it is important to not just apply but reapply sunscreen. Reapplying ensures that your skin is protected from sun damage throughout the day and you can go confidently out in the sun or have a beach day without worrying about sun tan.
What To Keep In Mind?
It is also important to avoid some common mistakes while using the right sunscreen. Here’s what you should pay attention to:
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Do Not Apply Sunscreen A Minute Before Stepping Out: Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. It takes about 20 minutes for sunscreen to work. Most of us apply it just a minute before going out in the sun and think that we are protected now but it is the biggest mistake to make with your sunscreen.
Well, a placebo doesn’t work in the case of sun damage. You can apply sunscreen all you want when you are in haste before leaving your home but it won’t work. So always apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun.
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Sunny Or Not, Apply It Every Year Round: Many people make the mistake of not applying sunscreen on cloudy days. It is important to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days because the harmful UV rays are quite powerful and penetrate through the clouds to reach your skin and cause damage to your skin.
So, when going out, do not just wear sunscreen when you see the scorching sun but also when there are pleasant clouds. Sunscreen has to be a part of your skincare routine year-round, that means in winters too because you are exposed to the harms of the sun in winters as well. So make it your everyday buddy if you want to keep safe.
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Use When Staying Indoors As Well: If you do decide to skip going out in the heat and have a relaxing stay at home, don’t make this mistake of skipping sunscreen. While staying indoors, the harmful UV rays can still reach you through the windows or any area which is a little exposed to the sun.
It is like they are saying ‘We are everywhere’ and that is quite true too. So to ensure complete protection, you should apply sunscreen even when staying indoors. You can however skip reapplying while staying in as the exposure as compared to going outside is way less.
Also Read: Importance of SPF in Sunscreen
Conclusion:
It is important to understand how to use sunscreen on face for protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. But it is also very important to choose and use sunscreen in the right way. A sunscreen with a high SPF and PA rating that does not feel heavy on the skin is ideal for protection against the sun and everyday use. Glowing skin products for face like Gold Rush sunscreen have SPF60 and PA++++ broad-spectrum protection. It is ultra-lightweight and leaves no white cast. It is comfortable on the skin making it perfect for everyday use.