In this article, we will be breaking down the basics and briefly explaining the ‘role’ of sunscreen protection or SPF for dry sensitive skin. We will be looking at what it is, what usually causes sun damage, its main benefits and what we should be aware of on sunscreen protection.
What is SPF and what causes sun damage?
Sunscreen protection, also known as SPF (sun protection factor), describes how long your skin can be protected under the sun without suffering damage mainly due to its UV rays.
Many unfortunately are not aware that the sun can cause damage to the skin even on rainy or cloudy days, given the invisible radiation that it produces. These two main forms of UV radiation are known as UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B).
UVA is a ray that is hard to feel (since it has lower light energy), but it usually penetrates deep into the skin and destroys all
In its path, including the essential supportive substances that make the skin look healthy and young. This ray is present at any hour, and if you see daylight, it means that it is silently damaging unprotected skin.
UVB on the other hand is the ray that impacts the skin which can affect the skin surface and cause sunburn (a factor that many people witness themselves). In addition, UVB damage can also cause the skin to become abnormal. This ray is more present during the day between 10 am and 4 pm. And
given the fact that this UV radiation can cause sunburn; many would argue that the sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of the amount of UVB radiation protection.
Sunscreen or SPF is therefore an extremely important factor to use in protecting the skin against the sun’s harmful rays. Both rays are unfortunately the primary cause of skin cancer. The first thing that sunscreen helps with is preventing sunburn, as well as keeping the skin protected from skin cancer.
Having sensitive and dry skin means that you are not only exposed to these harmful rays, but your skin also gets irritated more easily by the UV rays. In addition, given the fact that your skin tends to be more dehydrated than normal, the surface of your skin is more likely to face damages and further complications.
Furthermore, SPF is generally a number and there are many types of them, but the most well known ones are: SPF15, 30 and 50.
They normally claim that the higher the SPF the more protection it gives, however some would tell you otherwise. To find out more, please check this article here for more details.
*What are the main benefits of a ‘proper’ sunscreen?
By ‘proper’, I mean the kind that protects your skin. It does not mean that it fully protects your skin, but at least you’re getting between 95 and 98% of guaranteed protection!
According to research conducted by the journal Dermatologic Surgery, it’s vital to distinguish a quality SPF. The latter can indeed help protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
In addition, many would claim that wearing a ‘good sunscreen’ can help repair the skin itself which means that you are not only maintaining the status quo by wearing it daily to protect the skin, but you are also improving the texture of the skin by preventing premature ageing.
So, as we have seen, sunscreen helps keep the skin young and healthy thanks to its key factors in delivering the best protection to the skin.
It helps prevent sunburn which, in most cases, can result in skin cancer from the UV rays we discussed earlier.
It also helps reduce dark spots by reversing signs of damage and boosting skin brightness. This is especially true for those who suffer from hyperpigmentation (you should always protect your skin guys!).
It is then extremely important to wear sunscreen on your face every day! And depending on how long or how much you are generally exposed to the sun, you should use it accordingly. Check out this article here for more info.
Pretty much every dermatologist out there (including mine) insists on constantly implementing sunscreen into our daily routine. It is the best way in protecting the skin no matter your skin complexion or tone!
*What to be aware of on a sunscreen?
It is hard if not almost impossible to find a good sunscreen that is not sticky, gloopy or appears to be too white on top of your skin.
It is then important to choose a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for your face to help obtain the results that you need.
According to experts, you should be looking at sunscreens that contain components such as skin brightening botanicals or antioxidants that gives additional advantages to your skin.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider the following factors when choosing or using sunscreen:
The most basic thing is to *Know your skin type: if you have dry sensitive skin you should look for sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides and are chemical-free.
Although some sunscreen that contains chemicals can offer some protection to your skin, some would argue that it can irritate sensitive skin, causing additional problems.
Furthermore, if using a sunscreen that has chemicals, they usually require a head start of 20 mins to be fully absorbed before the skin is exposed to the sun.
*Considering your skin tone is also an important factor to consider. This is because you do not want to use a sunscreen that either makes you lighter or does not match your skin colour. However what tends to work best for sensitive skin is sunscreen that contains a mineral formula.
Moreover, when using sunscreen, you should *layer it on last since it is usually applied to skin that has been cleansed, and moisturised. Sunscreen should be the last product that you need to apply in your morning skincare routine before applying makeup.
Some, however (as a tip) would advise using sunscreen before moisturiser, but most dermatologists (including mine) recommend using a moisturiser first and then applying sunscreen.
It is also important to note that you should never put sunscreen directly onto your face. Instead squeeze a moderate blob into your hand and apply it. This helps absorb the cream more quickly and evenly.
To conclude, now that you have an idea of the benefits and importance of sunscreen to your face, let’s highlight the key factors that we must remember!
*Sunscreen is key! Try to use it every single day to protect the skin!
*UV radiation is one of your worst enemies when it comes to your skin!
*Knowing the ‘good sunscreen’ for you is vital!
*Sunscreen not only protects you from the sun, but it repairs the skin and makes it healthier!
