Old Town Road: Blasting.
Finals: Over.
Sunscreen: Slathered.
Sunscreen has been having a moment lately and it is about time. Jennifer Aniston and JLo both swear by the anti-aging effects of it and, honestly, that’s enough for me to use it religiously! The benefits of sunscreen are immeasurable but generally speaking, it is being slathered onto faces for two reasons: to prevent skin cancer and slow down the aging process.
Whether Neutrogena’s ClearFaces sits atop the self or the cult favorite Gwyneth Paltrow’s SuperGoop! is the move, let’s talk about implementing sunscreen into a daily skincare regimen.
In the mornings, after cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, apply a dime sized amount of sunscreen on the face and down the neckline is perfect. Pro-tip: rubbing the leftover product into the hands will leave them looking younger over time (one can always tell a woman’s age by her hands). If makeup is going to be applied, letting the sunscreen sink into the skin first and then spritzing the face with a tonic mist will allow the makeup to sit evenly.
As a proud oily skin gal, the last thing I want is to make my skin any shinier, but after talking to my dermatologist, I realized that like anything else in skincare, it is essential to pick products that are suitable for the skin type. Looking for the words “comodeogenic” and “paraben free”, regardless of skin type, also ensures the product won’t clog pores and is guaranteed safe for skin. As far as SPF numbers go, an SPF ranging from 30 to 50 is perfect for daily use, however when spending prolonged time in the sun, a higher SPF should be used and reapplied frequently. Another key difference in daily sunscreen and “beach” sunscreen is the fact that the aforementioned is made for what the title says, daily use. Because of this, the product shouldn’t smell or feel like actual sunscreen.
Starting with combo and oily skin, staying away from “moisturizing sunscreen” is top priority. Using a separate moisturizer formulated for oily skin is key to ensuring pores stay clear.
On the higher end of the spectrum, La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 AOX Serum has an SPF of 50 and is made to combat anti-aging.
For a high street product, Sun Bum’s Face Lotion is life changing. Oil free and lightweight, this sunscreen, with an SPF of 50, is perfect for a no-fuss gal on the go!
Moving onto drier skin, sunscreen still should not be viewed as a moisturizer (although the added nourishment is definitely a plus) and therefore, a moisturizer is still required.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer, with an SPF of 30, is still light weight but definitely has hydrating properties.
Aveeno’s Protect Hydrate Face Sunscreen Lotion, with an SPF of 50, is made for dryer skin in mind and is perfect for daily use.
VT Vogue 