Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
Sunscreen is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to keeping our skin healthy and youthful. It's like a magical potion that fights off wrinkles and other pesky signs of aging, all while shielding us from the scary risk of skin cancer.
So, here's the deal. Incorporating sunscreen into our daily skincare routine is an absolute must, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Not all sunscreens are created equal either, so read on to find out our secrets and best practices to safeguard your skin.
How Does Sunscreen Protect Your Skin?
Prevents Burnt Skin
Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Australia, signs of sunburn can be felt in as little as 11 minutes. Although it can fade within a few hours or days, ongoing and repeated exposure to the sun resulting in sunburn can increase the risk of other skin damage and diseases. That’s why it’s important to shield yourself from sunburn by applying sunscreen whenever you step outside, no matter the weather!
Minimises Early Development of Skin Ageing
Unprotected sun exposure can speed up the skin ageing process, which is why using the right sunscreen is important.
Finding the right sunscreen protects your skin from a million different things, from loss of strength and elasticity to deep wrinkles, freckles, and dark or discoloured spots, which are all signs of the early development of skin ageing.
Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer
Once again, you don’t need to be sunburned to be at a higher risk of skin cancer. Spending too much time in the sun without enough sun protection is a major risk factor for damaging the DNA of skin cells, causing skin cancer such as melanoma. If you spot a new skin growth, an odd change in your skin or a mole, or a sore that won’t heal, see your doctor and get it checked out.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
Not All Sunscreens Block UVA & UVB Rays
UVA rays can speed up skin ageing, while UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn. Both types can increase your risk of getting skin cancer and not all sunscreens provide protection against both. So choose wisely and make sure you find a product that provides complete protection!
The Verdict - Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
The short answer is yes, you should be wearing sunscreen every day. Applying sunscreen daily no matter what the weather is like outside ensures you’re protected against the harsh UV rays and lowers your risk of developing skin cancer. It’s also recommended that the sunscreen chosen provides the right protection against both UVA and UVB rays, whether SPF 30 or higher.
Top Tips for Applying Sunscreen Properly
See below our tips for applying your daily sunscreen properly to get the protection you need.
Before you head out, make sure to put on sunscreen on dry skin about 15-20 minutes beforehand. That's how long it can take for your skin to soak up all the good stuff that keeps you protected from the sun’s rays.
A little dab won’t do. Be careful with applying too little, you can end up with streaks and lower SPF protection. Apply the product evenly and cover all areas that aren’t protected with clothing. Be mindful of areas such as the eyelids, lips, ears, hands, and feet, which are the ones commonly missed.
A single dose won’t last you the whole day. Especially on beach days or when you’re mostly outdoors, reapply sunscreen around every two hours. Also, don’t forget to reapply after swimming or sweating to stay protected!
Just because you don’t see or feel the sunshine hitting your skin, it doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk. Up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds, so make it a habit and wear sunscreen daily.
Be cautious of the expiry date on your sunscreen. Using it after it’s expired won't give you the proper protection needed since the protective ingredients would have faded. If the sunscreen you bought doesn’t have an expiration date, write down the purchase date on the bottle so you remember when to throw it out. In saying that, if you do see a change in colour or consistency, it’s probably time to buy a new one.
Which Facial Sunscreen Should You Start With?
Our luxurious SPF50 provides advanced UVA and UVB protection. It is the ideal 2-in-1 product offering skincare and hydrating benefits due to its chemical and mineral-protecting ingredients and nourishing hyaluronic acid.
The chemical ingredients penetrate the skin and absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays, the mineral ingredients deflect UV rays for advanced solar protection, and the hyaluronic acid hydrates and nourishes the skin for a luminous and radiant finish.
For best practices, apply a generous amount to your face, neck, and decolletage 20 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply every 2 hours or more when necessary. Use as a final step after our Day Elixir.
Whether you’re looking to add the perfect products to your skincare routine, treat a specific concern, or are interested in finding out if medical grade and prescription skincare is the right option for you, The Secret is here to guide you on your journey to clear, glowing skin.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us online.
