Many skin-care products contain sunscreen, not to mention all of the foundations, concealers, and face powders with sunscreen, but what do you do with all of them? That’s an important question to answer because if you don’t apply sunscreen appropriately you are not going to get the protection indicated on the label! Here is what you absolutely need to know and do:
- The major issue for the use of any well formulated sunscreen is liberal application. If you are in doubt, apply it a second time and you will be sure to get adequate coverage.
- Generally, for days when you’re exposing a lot of skin to the sun (think a trip to the beach), you should be applying at least 1 ounce (a shot glassful) of sunscreen from head to toe.
- It is best to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside. In fact, NEVER EVER go outside without sunscreen on those parts of your body that will see the sun. Sun damage begins the first minute your skin sees the sun.
- If you are applying several skin-care products, ranging from toners to acne medications and moisturizers, the rule is that the last item you apply during the day is your sunscreen. If you apply sunscreen and then apply, say, your moisturizer or an anti-acne product, you could inadvertently be diluting or breaking down the effectiveness of the sunscreen you’ve just applied. You must apply a water-resistant sunscreen if you will be swimming or sweating.
- You must absolutely reapply sunscreen every two hours after perspiring and after you’ve toweled off from swimming.
What if your foundation is the product you’ve chosen for sun protection? Then the trick is to be sure you’ve applied it evenly and liberally. For women, pressed powder with sunscreen is a great way to add sun protection during the day. A foundation and pressed powder with sunscreen are excellent options for those with oily or acne-prone skin or those who dislike the feel many sunscreens have.
Be cautious about using loose or pressed powders with sunscreen as your only sunscreen. Even though the SPF ratings on the powder may be accurate you still need to apply it liberally to get the amount of protection stated on the label. If you lightly dust the powder over the skin there is no way you will get the SPF protection the product is said to provide.
Lips need sun protection, too, so don’t forget to consider the various lipsticks and lip glosses that provide broad-spectrum sun protection! Paula’s Choice Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15 and Moisturizing Lipscreen SPF 15 are great options, and you’ll find other lipsticks and lip balms with sunscreen listed on Beautypedia.com.
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