There’s something we all agree upon, and that’s the importance of using sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine. The big question is though, whereabouts in that routine do we apply the sunscreen? We’ll take you through this in our handy little guide.
Applying Sunscreen as Part of Your Skincare Routine
A great skincare routine will ensure your skin looks and feels its best. Cleansers, toners, moisturisers and oils make up a collection of skincare products designed to help your skin look plumper, younger and healthier. Then there is sunscreen, which helps protect your skin from sun damage. But whereabouts in your daily skincare routine should you apply it?
There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical/mineral. Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin and protects the skin by absorbing the UV rays. For many years, physical or mineral sunscreen was said to reflect the UV rays away, creating a protective layer over the skin. This means that over the years, dermatologists have mostly recommended that chemical sunscreen be applied before moisturising, and mineral sunscreen after moisturising. But recent research says that this type of sunscreen also works predominately through UV absorption, with less reflection than originally thought.
However, our recommendation is that unless the sunscreen specifies, always apply over the top of all skincare products, before you put on any makeup.
Importance of Applying Sunscreen Daily
There are two types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UVA forms 95% of radiation which reaches the earth’s surface and penetrates the skin more deeply to damage lower layers of the skin. UVB makes up only 5% of UV radiation but can also contribute to skin cancer and damage to the upper layers of the skin. Wearing sunscreen helps to prevent sunburn and lower the risk of skin cancer, reduce the likelihood of developing extra wrinkles, a loss of skin elasticity and solar acne.
Wearing a high SPF or sun protector factor sunscreen reduces the amount of UV rays that your skin absorbs. It should be applied at least 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and then reapplied every two hours, or after sweating, swimming or having rubbed off. Sunscreen should also be used in conjunction with other sun protection tools, such as reducing your time in the sun from approximately 10am to 4pm, wearing a hat and a top with sleeves, and staying in the shade as much as possible.
Thanks to the famous ozone hole, New Zealanders are continually exposed to damaging UV rays. This means that on every day ending in a Y, sunscreen should be applied, and this goes for everyone!
