Keys Soulcare’s expert dermatologist is answering questions about all things SPF, UVA, and UVB.
– KEYS SOULCARE
One of the benefits of developing Keys Soulcare alongside an expert dermatologist is having an infinite supply of smart, skin-meets-soulcare advice at the ready. And nobody does it better than Dr. Renée Snyder, who’s helping us kick off a series dedicated to answering our community’s most burning skincare questions.
Here’s a shortlist of the biggest and brightest SPF-related questions we get on the regular:
- “Should I wear sunscreen everyday?” (Yes!)
- “What SPF should I use?” (A minimum of SPF 30, please!)
- “Do I need to reapply?” (Absolutely. We’re talking at least every two hours.)
These answers are just barely scratching the surface. Inspired by increasingly sunny weather and longer days ahead, read on for more of Dr. Renée’s top, science-backed tips on all things sun protection.
HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN CORRECTLY
Did you know? Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. Apply enough to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about one ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body. Don’t forget to apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head.
Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours when outside, and don’t rely on sunscreen as your only protection. Consider wearing protective clothing like long sleeves, hats, and sun shirts.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY SUNSCREEN?
Something that many people don’t realize is that sunscreen protection products don’t automatically block both UVA and UVB rays, [so] you have to look at the label. Another thing to know is that no product is truly “waterproof,” and none protects [your skin for] more than 40 to 80 minutes. Once their specific coverage window is up (again, check the label) they are not covering you at all. So re-apply!
IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I APPLY MY MAKEUP, SKINCARE, AND SUNSCREEN?
The best thing to do is to apply your sunscreen as the last step of your skincare ritual and before applying makeup.
If you’re going to use typical [oilier] sunscreens at any point, start with serums and other offerings that are lighter in consistency, then wait a bit and follow with lotions and greasier products on top.
Some people will use a foundation that has sunblock in it as their last step. (And that’s also fine.) Remember, SPF only blocks the UVB rays, so look for sunscreen that is broad spectrum which implies it protects against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
Not sure how often to apply sunscreen? Here’s a helpful rule of thumb to remember: sunscreen only lasts for two hours (and even less time if you are sweating or submerging skin in water).
So, if you get ready for your day at 7:00 AM and you put on a full face of makeup to meet a friend for lunch? Well, you are not protected at noon.
If you don’t want to put on a “full face” each day or as you reapply, look for a two-in-one product like a face sunscreen that doubles as your daily moisturizer or a powder that has sun protection, and use as directed.
The secret to really protecting your skin is finding the right vehicle for you. That also factors in where you live and your lifestyle. If there’s a sunscreen lotion that you like, great! Do that first. If you live somewhere that’s really humid, consider using a tinted sunscreen.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU DON’T USE SUNSCREEN OR SUN PROTECTION?
As someone [who] has seen the outcomes of not using sunblock, I can say that investing [the] time and care in yourself really pays off. Reapply, reapply, reapply. That’s paramount.
Many skin cancers in the United States show up on the left side of the face because of how much sun our faces get when we’re driving, and we don’t even realize it.
(Think about that as an example of sun damage happening, whether we’re intentionally “in the sun” or not.) UVB rays are reflected by glass, but the longer more penetrating or damaging UVA rays get through glass.
Do not neglect using sunblock just because you might have a darker skin tone.
Think of sunscreen as an investment in your skin that may pay dividends down the line. Using sun protection consistently in your 20s may help you to avoid skin issues in your 40s.
Oh! And, don’t forget your lips. If you put lipgloss on your lips that does not have sun protection, you’re basically putting baby oil on them — and sizzling them. So cover those with SPF for lips, too.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REAPPLY SUNSCREEN?
Not sure how often to apply sunscreen? Here’s a helpful rule of thumb to remember: sunscreen only lasts for two hours (and even less time if you are sweating or submerging skin in water).
Reapply multiple times a day, every single day! The sun’s UV rays are harmful year-round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful rays can penetrate your skin.
Protect your skin today and throughout all four seasons of the year.
RELATED ARTICLES
Check out these beach reads on all things summer skincare from Keys Soulcare.
ASK DR. RENEE: WHAT ORDER TO APPLY SKINCARE?
How do your skincare, style, and ritual habits shift when you’re spending more time outside? Share your go-to rituals and any more q’s for Dr. Renée in the comments!
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