More and more of us know what sunscreen benefits are by now. It prevents aging you probably don’t care about (just yet), protects you from those sunburns, saves your life and all that. Yada yada yada.
Here I will try my best to break it down for you like I wish someone explained it to me back in the days.
There are two types of sunscreen.
Physical:
Active minerals sitting on top of the skin reflecting those UV rays for good. Sometimes better known as the white cast (hello, zink oxide).
- heavier consistency
- good fit for sensitive skin
- might not work well under makeup
Chemical:
Simply put – chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays, chemicals in it transform those rays into heatwaves and release it all back off your skin surface.
- lighter texture
- glides and melts into your skin pretty quickly
- works great under makeup
- could irritate those with sensitive skin, so always better to patch test
Sun Protection Factor.
Those numbers – 3, 15, 30, 50.. What do they mean?
So here is how it works:
Minutes it takes your skin to burn without sunscreen x SPF number = Maximum sun exposure minutes.
Or in my case:
10 min (fair skin) x 50 = 500 min – quite some time ha?
That, of course, considering you applied enough and weren’t exposed to water/wind. If that’s the case – I recommend reapplying throughout the day when needed.
How much do you need to apply?
Golden rule is 1/4 tsp. That in most cases is enough to cover your entire face and neck.
My makeup already has SPF in it. Is that enough?
Many makeup brands incorporate SPF in their products nowadays, and that’s great.
The trick is – remember the recommended amount? Rules are no different for makeup.
Let’s take the most popular one there might be SPF at – foundation. 1/4 tsp is roughly 10 -12 pumps.
That is enough for you and five other friends of yours!
Powders are similarly unreliable as the only sun protection to use. But are a great fit for a touch up with a hint of SPF during the day.
My advice is to use sunscreen as the last step of your morning skincare routine and then go on with the glam. And if your favorite makeup already has SPF in it, magnifique! No such thing as too much over here.
With that said.
Here are some of my true favorites. I normally go for higher SPF and light textures that work well under makeup. It took me a while to find a perfect fit, hope that helps you to cut that journey short!
PURITO Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+
My every day sunscreen for the past year. Everything I wanted in it – it has. Sinks right in, leaves a dewy (not greasy) finish, does not dry the skin out and just restores your faith in humanity.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+
Another cult favorite. Dries in seconds, does not show under makeup and leaves no cast! Back in the days that was the one to get me hooked on sunscreens in general. Fits darker skin tones like no other too!
REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30
For those looking for matte finish. Leaves a sheer white cast when applied, yet that disappears once it fully settles on you. Highly recommended online by consumers with sensitive skin.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
This one made to bag and serves me a great replacement of a hand cream.
You see, not many of creams sold in stores have SPF in them. Not to say that the usual body sun protection products are not enough, for me that was just a way to repurpose a sunscreen that didn’t quite work on my face.
Tarte SEA Set & Protect Mineral Sunscreen Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Great way to retouch makeup during the day. Transparent and comes with the brush already. Just a little something to zhoosh your skincare game up, you know.
You got this.
Sunscreen and it’s countless benefits will serve you big time once incorporated in your busy day. Find the one that fits you and I promise it will become your second nature to put it on every morning.
Be diligent and consistent. Golden rules of seeing results down the road.
Muah!