Sunscreen, Meet (your name).
By Sofia Tedesco
I’m sorry to tell you, but your mother was right. You need to be wearing sunscreen every single day.
Here is why.
Believe it or not, the sun is out - even when it’s not. Those UV rays we monitor to achieve an enviable tan may give us that nice summer glow, but actually causes immense damage to our skin. I’ve taken this into consideration not only in the summer months, but also as the weather has been getting colder.
Growing up my mom would always bug me about taking care of my skin so that it would stay healthy and fresh. On sunny days, cloudy days, and even rainy days she would remind me to apply sunscreen. I never quite understood why, but I went along with it. As I got older and started taking better care of my skin, I realized how crucial this step was in my skincare routine and now, I swear by it.
The Routine
After cleansing and moisturizing my skin, I apply my sunscreen. I decided to invest in my skin and spend a little more money on my sunscreen. I went with EltaMD, a fragrance free, anti-aging product that benefits all skin types. After a month of consistently applying or re-applying it everyday, I noticed the difference in my skin. My complexion became more even, my acne went away and my skin looked healthier overall.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Do your Research.
Make sure the sunscreen contains a mineral compound that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Those ultraviolet wavelengths are associated with skin aging and skin burning. This would include sunscreens labeled “Broad-Spectrum”.
Understand your skin-type.
Whether it is oily, dry, or even both - all skin types need moisturizer and sunscreen, it is just a matter of the ingredients that will benefit your own skin the most. Some ingredients that many sunscreens use are zinc oxide (a natural mineral compound), antioxidants (such as vitamin C and vitamin E), and saccharide Isomerate (minimizes dark spots and soothes irritated skin).
Consider the environment.
Although I’m not seeing any coral reefs anytime soon, I still consider reef-safe sunscreen to be mindful of my impact on the environment. These sunscreens have safe ingredients (such as those listed above), that can be easily digested by coral reefs and will not affect their growth or other marine life.
If it’s under the sun, in the snow, or on a rainy day, invest in your skin now with sunscreen. It is the start of being proactive - and your skin will thank you later.