All things sunscreen || SPF

We made it to our last product type in the “all things” products category. Yay! So naturally, I left the best, and most important for last: sunscreen. I say the best not because of its fun factor but because of what it can do for your skin, and that is protection. This skincare step is so so so important that it should not even be seen as a skincare step, but rather a habit. It should come as naturally as brushing your teeth or even eating because unfortunately, the sun is not always your friend.

SPF stands for sun protection factor and can be found in some foundations and moisturizers, but the best and most effective method would be to use sunscreen as a product on its own. So SPF itself is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UV-A and UV-B rays, yes even on cloudy days and yes even indoors. These UV rays are the main cause of premature aging and pigmentation, overexposure to UV rays could produce wrinkles in as little as a weeks time and pigmentation in only a few hours, furthermore, it is necessary for your health as its main benefit is prevention and protection from skin cancer. An unknown fact about SPF is that daily protection allows your skin to repair itself from previous damage caused, so it’s never too late to start using sunscreen!

SPF should always be the last step in your skincare routine, above all the other products, and depending on your preference it can be applied before or after makeup. It should ideally be applied every 2-3 hours, especially if you are sweating, outside most of the day, swimming, or partaking in any other outdoor activities. The best route to take would also be to look for an SPF 30 and higher (however too high, such as 100 is also a waste) I would personally suggest anywhere between 30 and 50. I know many individuals are after a tanned look or believe that because they have a darker skin tone they don’t need SPF. NOT TRUE. Everyone needs it, every day, all day. It is detrimental for your health and skin if you do not use this simple and easy product. Literally, if you just wash your face and skip all other steps, always always always at least SPF. Your face tends to be the prime focus when it comes to premature aging, but your neck, décolletage, and hands are also prone to show early signs of aging, so make sure to give them a good application as well. The rest of your body is crucial when exposed, but not necessary when clothed for the day. I usually only apply to which parts of my skin are showing, such as my arms or legs and always my face, neck, and hands. Another spectrum of using SPF is so you can freely soak up some vitamin D without any harmful consequences that arise from the UV rays. Vitamin D is great for healthy bones and teeth (and muscles I believe). A last great thing about sunscreen? It is formulated to work for your skin type in most cases, so, as always, I present to you B’s recommendations:

• My favourites: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Ultra Protection Ultra Resistant SPF 50+ (this is my holy grail skincare product); La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral ultra-light fluid (Heidi Klum swears by this one); Kiehls Ultra Light Daily UV defence sunscreen SPF 50; The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-protection face mist SPF 30

• Oily skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30; Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50; La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen SPF 50; Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector 40 SP.

• Sensitive skin: hey gorgeous Oh So Natural sunscreen; Aveeno Positively Mineral sensitive skin sunscreen SPF 50; nimue sun-c environmental shield SPF 50; Heliocare oil-free compact SPF 50.

• Dry skin: Aveeno Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 30; La Roche-Posay Anthelio AOX Daily SPF 50 Sunscreen; Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 PA Hyaluronic Acid; Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sun Care UVA/UVB 50+

• Mature skin: Dermalogica dynamic skin recovery SPF 50; La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen With SPF 100; Lancôme UV Expert Sunscreen Aquagel Defense SPF 50; L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Moisturizer With SPF 30

• Body: Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Body; CeraVe 100% mineral hydrating sunscreen SPF 50 (body); Neutrogena Beach Defense sunscreen lotion SPF 70; Techni Block SPF 40 Sun Protection Clear Spray; Nivea Sun Protect & Refresh SPF 50

There you have it my lovelies. Please look after yourselves and your health, you might just inspire the next person to do the same.

Keep going, keep glowing & keep growing. You’re doing amazing. I mean it every single time.

• B x