Whether you are hitting the beach, lounging by the pool, or hanging out in the A/C, esthetician Kristen Holder believes that one of the most important things you can do to protect your skin is use a good sunscreen and apply it liberally.
How to choose the right sunscreen for you
With all of the sunscreen options on the market, it can be difficult to know which sunscreen to choose. Holder recommends selecting a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are more likely to cause skin cancer, and UVA rays can cause wrinkles and premature aging. Both cause sunburn.
Chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing the UV rays. It takes about 20-30 minutes to become effective and should be applied prior to sun exposure. Chemical sunscreen is usually more water or sweat resistant than mineral sunscreen.
Avoid chemical sunscreen if…
The ingredients that provide chemical sunscreen with broad spectrum protection can irritate sensitive skin. Those with sensitive skin should avoid chemical sunscreen and instead opt for mineral sunscreen. If you have blonde extensions, avoid using chemical sunscreen. Avobenzone, an ingredient found in chemical sunscreen, can turn light-colored extensions pink.
Mineral sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, does not absorb UV rays; it reflects them. This allows the sunscreen to begin taking effect immediately following application. Mineral sunscreen is made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, ingredients that offer strong protection and give mineral sunscreen its broad spectrum quality.
How to apply sunscreen
Holder recommends incorporating SPF 30+ into your daily skincare routine and reapplying it every 2 hours — rain or shine. We may not realize it, but our skin is often exposed to harmful UV rays while we are driving, sitting by a window, running errands, etc. All of that time spent without sunscreen adds up throughout the year and can lead to sun damage, premature aging, and collagen breakdown.
But I’m staying inside today…
You may have heard that blue light can be harmful for your eyes. Blue light can also damage your skin. Holder informed me that it is important to wear sunscreen even if you aren’t planning to leave the house. Nowadays, we are constantly surrounded by screens and the blue light they emit. So even if you are working from home, it is still important to wear sunscreen daily.
Bump up the SPF at the beach
While at the beach, Holder recommends bumping your sunscreen up to SPF 50+. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Make sure to wear a hat to protect your scalp and give your face additional protection. If you do get sunburned, apply Aloe Vera after sun exposure to help hydrate the skin and prevent it from peeling. As tempting as it may be, avoid picking at skin that is peeling because it can actually harm the layer of skin underneath.
If you are searching for a great sunscreen to incorporate into your daily routine, check out the Nelly De Vuyst SPF 30 mineral sunscreen. To purchase this sunscreen or to book services with Kristen Holder, call Modern Salon and Spa Birkdale at 704-339-0909.
Images courtesy of Modern Salon and Spa and Pixabay
Morgan Pink is a Team Leader and Marketing Associate at Modern Salon and Spa. She loves working in the beauty industry because promoting self-care and empowering women to feel their best are two of her passions. Morgan is a Huntersville resident, avid reader, animal lover, and coffee and wine enthusiast.
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