Tips on When to Apply Sunscreen
When to apply sunscreen? In today’s day and age, Skincare and self-care have come a long way. Today we have products for every skin type. From early teens to mid-20s to late 30s, we have a skincare routine for everyone. Salicylic acid for acne, Retinol for anti-ageing, Hyaluronic acid for hydration, we have an ingredient to combat every skin concern. But do you know all these ingredients and routines are ineffective without that one product? Yes, you guessed it correctly! It's SPF, BFF of every skincare product and every skincare routine.
Sunscreen is a mixture of organic and inorganic chemical molecules that will absorb and filter the light that will reach your skin. The organic molecules in the sunscreen absorb ultraviolet sun rays and release them in the form of heat. Without the use of sunscreen, all the hard work and consistency can go in vain. SPF is that one product which can completely change your skincare game. Today there is an SPF for every skin type and age. Today sunscreens are available in various formulations and textures. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, acne-prone or sensitive skin, today there is something for everyone in the SPF store.
Now the question is why should you be applying sunscreen? What does it exactly do?
1) It helps you protect your skin against harmful UV A and UV B rays
2) Prevent premature ageing
3) Prevents hyperpigmentation, sunburns and freckles
4) Helps protect against skin cancer
5) Help fight against dust, pollution and sun damage
Today there are sunscreens with SPF protection as high as 50 and 60. Choosing the right one for you is very important as each type of sunscreen has benefits and limitations. For example, many spray sunscreens are clear and absorb into the skin quickly, but this feature can make it challenging to see if you’ve missed a spot. Today sunscreens also contain ingredients that benefit your skin along with providing sun protection.
Gold Rush Vitamin C Sunscreen by Light Up Beauty has SPF 60 PA ++++ with Gold Standard Vitamin C and 1% Ceramide Complex which not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays but the THD ascorbate aka Gold Standard Vitamin C also reduces pigmentation and dark spots while the Ceramides helps in repairing the damaged skin barrier and provides nourishment to the skin.
It is India’s only sunscreen with Gold Standard of Vitamin C which is a more stable variant of Vitamin C which goes deeper into your epidermal layer and helps in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots while protecting your skin against harmful rays. Along with that it has zero white cast and is a non-sticky formula so does not feel heavy or greasy on the skin. It gives a dewy finish with a broad spectrum of protection, perfect for Indian weather and skin.
When to apply sunscreen
A common myth about sunscreen is that you don't require it indoors. Even though the UV exposure is less indoors, the blue light exposure from our mobiles, laptops and cameras also causes skin damage. Sunscreen helps you protect your skin against such damage too. Another common myth is that sunscreen is only required when it's sunny outside. This is absolutely false as even on days when the sun does not feel strong as usual, chances of sun damage and need of protection are equal. So sunscreen is necessary even on cloudy, windy days and even in winter.
It is important to use SPF 50 or 60 outdoors with UV A and UV B filters. However, when indoors sunscreen with SPF 35 will also work as UV exposure is less. Another common myth is that people with darker skin do not need sunscreen. This is absolutely false as sun protection has nothing to do with skin color. Here are some tips on how to use SPF
- Always wear sunscreen with high sun protection
- Always follow the 3 finger rule to apply a generous amount of sunscreen covering your face and neck.
- Apply your sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before leaving the house or before starting your makeup application
- Make sure to cover the entire face, neck, ears and all the body parts exposed to sun damage.
- Keep your sunscreen in a cool and dark place to ensure your sunscreen efficacy is not lost.
- Do not use your sunscreen beyond expiry date and keep replacing it every 6 to 12 months.
- Reapplication of sunscreen is also very important. So pop your sunscreen in your bags and keep reapplying it every 2 to 3 hours.
- For additional protection wear hats, scarves, and sunglasses to protect your skin when outdoors
- Remember to protect your lips as well from sun damage. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or more to avoid sun damage.
- And remember there is nothing such as “too much SPF”. so apply your SPF generously.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SPF is the BFF of every skincare routine. Whether you are a teenager, in your mid-20s or your late 30s, sunscreen is a must-have in your skincare routine. It is very important to know when to apply sunscreen and choose the right type of sunscreen for your skin type. Understanding the significance of SPF, selecting the right product for your skin type, applying it generously and regularly, and complementing it with other sun protection measures, can significantly reduce your risk of sun damage, premature ageing, and skin cancer. No matter the SPF number, chemical absorber sunscreens only work for about two hours and should be reapplied after swimming or sweating.
Regardless of the SPF level you choose, you need to reapply with the same frequency. Light Up Beauty Gold Rush sunscreen with SPF 60 PA ++++ is India’s first ever sunscreen with Tetrahexyldecyl(THD) Ascorbate aka the Gold Standard of Vitamin C which is a more stable variant of Vitamin C along with 1% ceramides which helps in building and repairing skin barriers. So choose your SPF accordingly and apply it consistently to achieve healthy skin!