Sunscreens dos and don'ts

We all know SPF is an important factor of our lives and is non-negotiable! Here are some dos and don’ts that you need to know: 

Use SPF of at least 50

The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from UV damage and free radical damage. At SPF30, your sunscreen can block out at least 96% of UV rays, but with SPF50, it can give you maximum coverage and protection! 

Use it with Vitamin C 

When Vitamin C is paired with sunscreen and used together in your morning routine, it can boost protection of your skin from premature ageing and free radical damage! It acts as a second layer of defence, to catch any UV rays that may escape the first and outermost layer of shield - which is your sunscreen. Incorporating both as a habit can therefore help increase the efficiency of both products and protects you from sun damage! 

Use at least 2 finger length

Are you using a sufficient amount of sunscreen needed for maximum protection from UV rays? For easy reference, pump 2 lines worth of sunscreen on your index and middle fingers as a gauge. Use this amount and spread evenly on the face, eyelids, under-eye areas, around the nose and mouth regions, as well as your neck! This will ensure you are using enough sunscreen and stand guard against premature ageing! 

Don'ts:

Don’t use a tinted sunscreen alone 

Tinted sunscreens alone are not enough to cover the minimum protection you need. They are typically used in place of foundation, but it does not actually protect you from harmful UV rays! In order to have the full SPF protection listed on an actual sunscreen, you would have to apply 7 times of a 2-in-1 product! Instead, use sunscreen by itself, or use at least SPF50 sunscreens underneath your tinted ones! 

Don’t apply expired sunscreen

Always check the expiration date on the packaging to ensure you are not using one that is past its shelf life! Expired products have a reduced efficiency, which means it would not be able to work at a 100% as promised, and have decreased protective coverage as well. It can also cause a burning or stinging sensation that can lead to acne, skin irritation, or increased skin sensitivity. The down sides are definitely not worth it, just bite the bullet and toss it out if it has already expired! 

Don’t apply only once a day

Ideally, reapply your sunscreen every few hours to ensure optimal protection! The protective effects of sunscreen can wear down as you go about your day, due to sweat and pollution. By applying another layer throughout the day, you are protecting yourself more and prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles! 

If you are currently looking for an effective sunscreen, opt for Morning Glow Physical Sunscreen - it does not have a white cast and sits perfectly well under makeup! It is also hydrating and filters out UVA and UVB rays while being extremely lightweight!