We hate to break it down like this but using sunscreen alone is not enough. You have to use the right sunscreen and use it correctly for it to work. Sun damage unfortunately accelerates the ageing process so here are anti-aging tips that could come in handy.
Our in-house skincare esthetician, Becca Kisyake, also offers expert guidance and more personalised help to address burning skincare-related questions and concerns. Book a 30-minute in-person session with her here if necessary.
Here are 6 quick sunscreen tips:
- Apply daily
Sunscreen should be used daily regardless of whether you’re indoors or outdoors. This is because we’re constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation – yup, even in cloudy weather. Check out our NEW Aloe Invisible Sunscreen perfect for daily use.
- Apply 30 minutes before going into the sun
Some sunscreens take longer to work so it’s always advisable to wear your sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before going outdoors. Failure to do this may cause the very sun damage we’re trying to avoid in the first place (not cool). Remember to apply generously for full coverage.
- Layer correctly
For people with normal skin, a 3-step routine consisting of a cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen works. A moisturiser that locks in moisture in the skin barrier, boosts collagen production, and doesn’t clog pores is ideal for all skin types.
Sunscreen should always be applied after moisturiser before makeup. If you’re a makeup lover, toner or toner pads, when used in the AM will help makeup glide onto your face and deeply cleanse your skin and pores in the PM. This is a SAVIOUR particularly if you have oily skin. Find more tips for managing oily skin here .
NB – Be careful with sunscreen around the eyes to avoid irritating them and patch test all new skincare products to ensure they go well with your skin. Click here for more on the difference between purging and breaking out.
- Reapply every 2 to 3 hours
Sunscreen wears off when we sweat or submerge ourselves in water for instance when swimming. It’s one thing to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine and a completely different ball game to make reapplication a ritual and we totally get that. Here’s a pro tip – apply sunscreen in the morning if you’re going to be indoors and reapply when outdoors.
- Remember commonly forgotten areas
Commonly forgotten areas include the back of the neck, ears, and top of the hands and feet. Our lips are also exposed to the sun on a daily basis which makes them highly susceptible to skin cancer. A sunscreen stick designed for the lips or lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher will offer protection to the lips, and especially the lower lip. Using spray sunscreen for hard-to-reach areas such as the back is also a great way to ensure full body coverage.
- Supplement with hats and protective clothing
Hats and other protective clothing are great for guarding the skin against direct sunlight which helps to reduce sun damage that sunscreen works hard to prevent in the first place. Perfect tag team maybe? We’ll let you be the judge and share your experience with us in the comments.
For factors to consider when buying sunscreen and check out our blog on how to clear dark marks on the face.
