Introduction
We’re sure you’ve heard all the dermatologists and beauty industry rave about the importance of sunscreen and why you absolutely have to include it in your routine and how your morning skincare routine is incomplete without sunscreen. Sunscreen is an essential product for everyone, regardless of skin type, tone, or age. Sunscreen protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the sunscreen benefits for skin and your morning skin routine.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen, also known as sunblock or sun cream, is a lotion, spray, gel, or other topical product that absorbs or reflects the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is applied to the skin to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun, including sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer.
UV radiation exists in two forms, UVA and UVB. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and can cause premature ageing, while UVB radiation is responsible for sunburn. In addition to protecting against UVA radiation, sunscreen also offers protection from UVB radiation.
How does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen works by either absorbing or reflecting UV radiation. In chemical sunscreens, ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone absorb UV radiation, which is then converted into heat. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect UV radiation away from the skin.
It is important to note that sunscreen is not a complete shield against the sun's harmful effects. It is still possible to get sunburned or suffer skin damage even when wearing sunscreen. Therefore, it is important to also take other measures to protect the skin, such as wearing protective clothing, wearing hats or caps, carrying umbrellas and seeking shade.
How to choose the right sunscreen?
Choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming, given the variety of options available in the market. So how do you choose the right sunscreen? Let’s find out:
- SPF: SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how much UVB radiation a sunscreen can filter out. Higher SPFs offer enhanced protection. You should use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
- Broad-spectrum: Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against UVA and UVB radiation.
- Water-resistant: Make sure your sunscreen is water-resistant if you plan to swim or tend to sweat a lot.
- Skin type: Choosing a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin type is crucial. For example, if you have oily skin, look for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen.
- Ingredients: Avoid sunscreens with ingredients that can irritate your skin, such as fragrances or alcohol.
How to apply sunscreen?
To get the most out of your sunscreen, it is important to know how to apply sunscreen on the face correctly. The best way to apply sunscreen is to follow these tips:
- Start with a clean face: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
- Apply moisturiser: Apply a lightweight moisturiser to your face to hydrate your skin.
- Apply sunscreen: Squeeze two fingers worth of sunscreen onto your fingertips and apply it to your face in dots.
- Spread it evenly: Gently spread the sunscreen all over your face and neck, making sure to cover all areas, including your nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.
- Reapply if necessary: If you're spending time outdoors, swimming, or sweating, reapply sunscreen every two hours or as directed on the label.
- Don't forget your neck and ears: Apply sunscreen to your neck and ears, as these areas are often exposed to the sun and can also be prone to sun damage.
- Wait before applying makeup: Wait a few minutes for the sunscreen to absorb into your skin before applying makeup or going outside.
- It is always recommended to apply sunscreen prior to sun exposure, about 15-30 minutes is ideal.
- Don't rely on sunscreen alone. Take precautions by wearing protective clothing and seeking shade whenever possible.
Benefits of sunscreen
Here are some of the sunscreen benefits for the skin:
- Protection from UV rays: Sunscreen can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, which can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer.
- Protects against skin cancer: Exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Regular use of sunscreen can help to reduce this risk by protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
- Prevents premature ageing: UV radiation can cause premature ageing of the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Sunscreen helps to prevent these signs of ageing by protecting the skin from UV damage.
- Reduces the risk of sunburn: Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable, and it can also increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen helps to prevent sunburn by blocking UV radiation from reaching the skin, and hence preventing excess melanin production.
- Helps to even out skin tone: Sun exposure can cause uneven skin tone, with some areas of the skin becoming darker than others. Sunscreen helps to prevent this by protecting the skin from UV radiation and reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation or tanning.
- Prevents dark spots: Sun exposure can cause dark spots on your skin. Sunscreen helps to prevent these spots from forming and can even help to fade existing ones.
- Protects against other environmental stressors: In addition to UV radiation, the skin is also exposed to other environmental stressors such as pollution and blue light from electronic devices. Sunscreen can help to protect the skin from these stressors and keep it healthy and radiant.
- Keeps your skin looking younger: Sun damage can cause your skin to age prematurely, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines. By protecting your skin from UV rays, sunscreen can help to keep your skin looking youthful.
Morning skincare routine & why it’s important?
Your morning skincare routine is the foundation for healthy and radiant skin. It is important to take care of your skin every morning, as it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Your skin goes through a lot during the day, from exposure to environmental pollutants to stress and fatigue. A morning skincare routine helps to remove dirt and impurities, moisturise and nourish the skin, and protect it from further damage. A good morning skincare routine can also help to prevent premature ageing, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more even skin tone.
Step 1: Cleansing
The first step in any morning skincare routine is cleansing. Cleansing helps to remove dirt, oil,
and impurities that have accumulated on your skin overnight. It is important to use a gentle
cleanser that does not strip your skin of its natural oils or cause irritation.
If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a foaming cleanser that helps to control excess oil. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is recommended to opt for a cream or lotion based cleanser. Massage the cleanser into your skin using gentle circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Try SkinQ’s Daily Gentle Cleanser, a gentle cleanser that is pH-balanced and gives a moisturising effect to the skin with cleansing.
Step 2: Treat
The next step in the morning routine is to treat your skin. You have to start by identifying the
skin concern you may have whether you have oily, dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin. Skin
serums deliver concentrated active ingredients to the skin in a lightweight, fast-absorbing
formula. They can help to target specific other skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and
dark spots.
Look for a serum that is suitable for your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have dry skin, you may want to opt for a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid. If you have hyperpigmentation or dark spots, a serum containing vitamin C may be beneficial. Apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck, then gently massage it into your skin using upward motions. Dry SkinQ’s Hydrate Serum, this deep hydration serum is for all skin types and is effective for dry and normal skin barrier restoration. It’s made with double the goodness of hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate.
Step 3: Nourish
Moisturiser is an essential step in any morning skincare routine, as it helps to hydrate and
nourish the skin. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent
moisture loss.
Pick a moisturiser that is appropriate for your skin type. Oily skin may benefit from a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser. If you have dry or sensitive skin, a rich, creamy, ceramide-based moisturiser may be more suitable. Apply a small amount of moisturiser to your face and neck, then gently massage it into your skin using upward motions. Try SkinQ’s Moisture Balm, this face moisturiser is for all skin types, the four-in-one combination of actives repairs the skin barrier of normal to dry skin.
Step 4: Protect
Finish your morning skincare routine with the most important step by applying sunscreen with
an SPF of at least 30 as this helps in protecting your skin against harmful UV rays, which can
cause sunburns, premature ageing, and in some cases it could cause skin cancer as well. Try
SkinQ’s Sun Protect Ultra Light Sunscreen Gel, this non-sticky sunscreen with ultra-light formula
contains Vitamin C that brightens your skin as SPF prevents UV damage making it the best
sunscreen for the face & neck.
Step 5: Boost
The last step in your skincare regime should be to boost your skin. As we age, our skin’s ability
to heal and bounce back to its youthful self will deteriorate and hence, we have to take steps to
boost our skin with various masks. Based on the ingredients used and the purpose of the mask,
face masks trap moisture in the skin and create a film that either hydrates, moisturises, dries or
exfoliates the skin.
Therefore, face masks allow ingredients to penetrate better into your skin in a short amount of time and leave you feeling nourished and give your skin a much-needed boost. Also, do not forget to top off your skin with sunscreen or moisturiser after you use a face mask based on the time of the day you applied the mask. Try SkinQ’s Glow Bright Mask, this face mask exfoliates and seals pores instantly for even-tone radiant skin and it’s a clinically tested clay mask that gives you an instant glow in 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Overall, understanding how sunscreen benefits your skin is key to being more mindful in incorporating it into your morning skincare routine as it protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental stressors. Make sure to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF and apply it generously to all exposed areas of skin, including the face, neck, and hands and should be worn every day, regardless of the weather.