All About Sunscreen And SPF: Why You Should Make It Your BFF

Your skin is constantly exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays which can be very harmful long-term. You shouldn’t go out without any means of protection against them.. (yes even on cloudy days.) Without sunscreen, your skin is vulnerable to an array of issues. We all know that the skin is the largest organ with many important functions such as protecting your body from germs or helping your body regulate temperature, but it is often neglected.

 Why should we use sunscreen daily?

1. To reduce the signs of aging. Going outside without any protection damages the collagen and the skin’s connective tissues. This means that you lose your skin’s elasticity, causing wrinkles appear. 
2. To limit the appearance of sunspots. Exposing yourself to the suns’ UV rays can also make sunspots appear on your skin. Sunspots are also known as “liver spots” or “age spots”, which increases the look of aging. These are caused by hyperpigmentation on the skin in different shades of brown. They appear on the face, arms, shoulders, back, and on the backs of the hands.
3. To protect your skin from sunburn. Too much exposure to UV light (including tanning beds) without any protection, could result in painful burns.
4. To reduce the risk of cancer. One of the best ways to lessen the risk of skin cancer is by wearing an spf daily. It is recommended that using sunscreen with at least an SPF15, but the higher the number is better for UV protection.

During this time that we are spending most of our  time inside our homes, the question is do we still need to wear sunscreen inside? 

According to experts, you should wear sunscreen indoors. If you’re sitting near a window, or in front of a computer, you’re still exposed to skin-damaging light. There are three reasons why you should wear it indoors:

1. Ultraviolet A rays (UVA)

2. Ultraviolet B (UVB)

3. Blue light from computers, smart devices, and TVs.

What SPF should I use?

According to Hopkins Medicine, for daily use, choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. If you’re outdoor most of the time, choose a product with SPF60 or more. You’ll need about 1 oz. of sunscreen to protect your face, neck, arms, and legs. As long as the sunscreen is at least SPF15, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum, like Face Reality Ultra Protection SPF 28, you can apply it 15 minutes before going outdoors.

How often do I need to reapply sunscreen?

Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming. If you work indoors and far from a window, you may not need reapplication. Be mindful of how long you are staying outside under the sun. Always have sunscreen handy to be safe because even a quick lunch run could put your skin at risk.

Sunscreens available in this article:

Vivant Day Treatment Lotion SPF 15

Face Reality Ultra Protection SPF 28