SPF 101: Why You Need Sun Protection
It's one of the most effective yet forgotten steps of people's skincare routines. Did you know 2/3rds of people use anti-aging products as a part of their daily skincare routine yet only 11% wear sunscreen and 46% never wear sunscreen? Yes, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation are normal and inevitable when it comes to aging, but the aging process is expedited if you leave your skin exposed to the sun and its UV rays without sun protection - this is called "photo-aging". Most importantly, not using sun protection can put you at risk for skin cancer. If you're looking to delay the process of aging and keep your skin safe then SPF should be your best friend!
What is it?
SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UV Rays.
☀️A handy guide for sun protection☀️
SPF 15 = 93% Sun Filter
SPF 30 = 97% Sun Filter
SPF 50 = 98% Sun Filter
Why Use It?
Sun Protection
You guessed it! We all use sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun's harmful UVB/UVA rays. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into your skin and are associated with aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are shorter wavelengths that don't go as deep but are responsible for sunburns.
Even the mildest of sunburns can have longterm damaging effects so it is important to protect your skin!
Glowy Skin 4ever
Overexposure to sunlight can increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So using sunscreen can help protect against the harmful effects of premature aging or skin aging. Sunscreen can either create a protective layer that physically blocks or have chemical components that absorb the UV rays on your skin. Without using sunscreen, your skin will try to protect itself by creating thick splotchy spots, so give your skin some love and apply some sunscreen!
Evens Out Complexion
Sunscreen helps to keep your complexion even. Sun damage is one of the many causes of uneven skin tones and daily sun cream helps to prevent those effects. As mentioned in the last point, if you're not proactively protecting your skin, then your skin will protect itself for you - but you probably won't enjoy it. When your skin is left unprotected by not wearing sunscreen, your skin will compensate by creating uneven pigmentation.
Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer
Yes, sunscreen is the best anti-aging product in your skincare routine, but it can also save your life. Literally. Too much exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA in our cells, our DNA tells our cells how to function, and if enough DNA is damaged this can cause our cells to divide out of control causing skin cancer. Everyone is susceptible to this risk but take extra precaution if you have sensitive skin or are prone to burning.
Dark Skin Protection
People with darker skin naturally produce more of a chemical called melanin, which gives the skin colour and absorbs the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. In fact, they have a natural skin protection factor (SPF) of up to 13, and filter twice as much UV radiation as fair-skinned people. Regardless of skin colour, you should still use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Although people with darker skin won’t get sunburned as quickly, they will still burn and are still susceptible to sun-induced damage such as sun spots, wrinkles and cancer.
Our Picks
Salt & Stone SPF 30 Organic Lotion (SPF 40 + 50 also available)
Salt & Stone SPF Face Stick SPF 50 (available in SPF 30)
How to Wear Sunscreen Properly
Half a Teaspoon on Face
A good rule of thumb when applying sunscreen for your face and neck is to use two fingers or half a teaspoon.
A Shot Glass Full on Every Part of the Body
When applying sunscreen for every nook and crevice of your body, take about the same amount that would fit in a shot glass. If you feel like you need more, apply more! Overprotecting your skin > risking the skin of photo damage.
Don't Forget These Spots
Behind the ears, your scalp, your lips, your hands and feet - just some of the common places people forget to put sunscreen on.
Twentyseven Tip: You can use the Salt & Stone Face Stick on your scalp by rubbing the product on your fingers and massaging the scalp.
Our Picks
Reapply, Reapply!
The most important part of keeping your skin happy during a hot summer is by reapplying your sunscreen every 90 minutes. Keep in mind that if you spend the rest of your day indoors, reducing your exposure to the sun, reapplying as often won't be necessary.
Sources
*https://www.centerfordermatologyandlaserskinsurgery.com/skin-care/most-americans-dont-use-sunscreen-daily-report-says/
**https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=157004
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