I promise you this is one is a good read, and when you get to it, your mind may be blown away like mine was when I first learned this myself.
As a former sun lover, and looking back at my younger nineteen year old self who used baby oil and worked at a tanning salon, where she could tan for free (and yes, even did double sessions somedays), I know we get so tired about hearing about sunscreen all the time.
But sunscreen is truly one of the most powerful tool to protect your skin from skin cancer, UV exposure, and helping treat skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne, and aging.
And honestly, I won't perform chemical peels or any advance treatment on someone if I know they are not consistently wearing their sunscreen.
One of the most common mistakes I see, is people are incorrectly applying their sunscreen.
Yes, incorrectly.
When we apply sunscreen we want to apply a generous amount all over the face. The guideline I always tell people is about two finger lengths.
Now, you probably have heard me mention to never neglect your neck, and to always apply any remainder product you may have down your neck. But when it comes to sunscreen, we don't want to give our neck the leftovers.
Apply a generous amount to the face and also reapply two finger lengths and a generous amount to your neck, along with applying it to your ears, hairline, and chest if it's exposed.
Now, lets add an additional layer of protection to the skin.
Here's the fun fact you may not know, but almost every singly makeup product whether foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, or highlighter, all contain iron oxides. Your cosmetic products such as your foundation, concealer, or anything you may use to enhance your beauty add another layer of protection.
Now here's the question I love getting asked, "Sam, if makeup blocks light, why doesn't it count as SPF?" or "If my foundation has SPF in it, why can't I use it alone?"
The answer comes down to two reasons: formulation and application.
Let's answer the first question. Iron oxides found in makeup are perfect for blocking visible light, meaning any light that we can see. Iron oxides don't cover the whole UV spectrum. They block visible light including lamps, the microwave, blue and violet lights.
SPF is going to block those invisible lights, such as UVA and UVB rays.
Now to answer your second question, when a makeup product has SPF, its primary purpose was designed for makeup. It has the added bonus of including an SPF. To get that actual SPF protection listed on the bottle, you'd have to apply two finger lengths or even more, and typically, we don't apply that much foundation.
SPF is legally classified as a drug. The reason makeup lines don't market and put SPF on label of their cosmetic products is simply because they would have to go through strict, expensive, and lengthly testing to prove it protects the skin. And because most makeup brands know people typically apply a thin layer of makeup, they don't want to go through the hassle of getting it classified as a medical drug.
If you don't wear makeup or prefer to keep it simple, that's completely okay too. Use hats, shade, sunglasses, and clothing are perfect to protect your skin when exposure is high.
Always, always, always, protect that beautiful skin of yours.
Your skin will thank you. And if you're struggling and targeting a specific skin concern such as acne, pigmentation, or want to age gracefully and look like a grape instead of a not a raisin...
Your SPF is your non-negotiable and insurance policy.
Thank you for reading and learning with me.
Until next time,
Stay Barefaced
Providing customized facial treatments for acne, pigmentation, anti-aging, and bridal skin prep designed to deeply cleanse, clarify, decongest pores, reduce inflammation, and support healthier, more radiant looking skin throughout Westborough, MA, including Westborough South, Wayside Estates, The Ridings, Silver Hollow Estates, Wessonville, Town Center, and Jackstraw Village.
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