How to Use Sunscreen Effectively to Prevent Premature Skin Aging

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You’ve likely heard it before, and it’s for a good reason: applying sunscreen daily is the most essential step in your skincare routine to prevent unnecessary premature skin aging.

I speak from experience because I have been diligently using my SPFs for a short time now (previously, I used it regularly but not every day) and have seen visible improvements in my skin.

UV rays damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to early wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation spots. If you’re looking for a minimal anti-aging routine, sunscreen is your ultimate go-to.

However, there are many misconceptions about its use. Proper sunscreen application to prevent premature skin aging goes beyond just a small amount in the morning. Want to make sure your sunscreen is effective every day? Keep the following points in mind.

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How to Use Sunscreen Against Skin Aging:

1. The Amount Matters:

The quantity of sunscreen you apply matters. Want to cover your face and neck adequately? A good rule of thumb is to use a strip the length of two fingers if you’re using a tube. Aim for about a teaspoon if you’re using cream from a jar.

2. The Right SPF:

SPF indicates how much UV radiation the sunscreen can absorb or reflect—using an SPF of 10 or 15? It won’t last very long. The recommendation is to use at least SPF 30. With SPF 30 and 50, applying enough and reapplying during the day is essential.

Choose a broad-spectrum SPF—this type of sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF rating only covers protection against UVB rays, which cause tanning and burning. Meanwhile, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, responsible for premature aging and contributing to skin cancer.

3. Even If You Stay Indoors:

Another difference between the two types of UV radiation is that UVA passes through glass, while UVB does not. So, even if you sit near a window indoors, your skin is exposed to harmful radiation, making sunscreen important even on days you spend mostly inside.

My six favorite SPF products this summer:

4. Keep Applying, or Spray:

To truly protect your skin from the sun, it’s necessary to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. The effectiveness of sunscreen filters gradually decreases from the moment of application. How quickly this happens depends on the sun’s strength and your time outside. Generally, sunscreen remains effective for about two hours.

We understand this may not be practical for everyone, especially if you put effort into your makeup two hours ago. Fortunately, handy solutions, like SPF mists, are designed to be applied over your makeup throughout the day, keeping you protected. Even with an SPF mist, starting your day with a layer of sunscreen cream is essential to set a good base you can replenish with the fog.

5. Wait a Moment Before Applying Makeup:

Want to optimize the effectiveness of your base layer of SPF? Wait about twenty minutes after application before applying makeup. This allows the sunscreen to form its protective layer on your skin, ensuring it remains effective even under your makeup.

Following these guidelines ensures sunscreen works effectively to protect against premature skin aging. Embrace these steps in your daily skincare routine to maintain youthful, healthy skin.