Some myths to bust, many mistakes we still make, and little tricks to get the most out of sunscreen. Inma Jiménez, Training Manager of Sephora Spain clarifies all doubts about these products and gives us the keys to use them in the best possible way, especially now that their use becomes essential in the summer. Heed these tips from experts!
External protection, yes – but also indoors!
“While exposure to the sun is logically not the same at home as it is outdoors, UVA and UVB rays also penetrate windows year round – plus we are often exposed to the effects of the blue light from screens indoors,” explains Inma. Jimenez out. “That’s why we recommend using good broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, all the time, even indoors.”
30, the magic number
“The American Academy of Dermatology confirms that a sun protection factor of 30 is sufficient to minimize the negative effects of sun exposure,” explains the Sephora specialist. “Sure: As long as it is applied in a generous layer and reapplied every two hours to maintain the expected level of protection consistently”, but remember that if you have very fair skin and/or extreme sun exposure you will need to reapply apply sun protection much more often and it is advisable to look for an SPF50.
Sometimes forgotten areas
“If you don’t have sunscreen for your head or scalp on high-exposure days, you can use face cream and spread it along the roots with a stick, for example. This prevents the separation from burning and protects the scalp.” The same goes for the eyebrows and lips, keep in mind that these areas are the most vulnerable and should also be protected from the sun. Stick products for these areas are most recommended. It is also advisable to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect these parts of the body.
Take care of the contour
“Often we don’t protect the eye area for fear that the photoprotector will get in and irritate them, but this is a mistake: This area has the most fragile skin on the face and especially appreciates sunscreen to reduce the appearance of spots and wrinkles. To spread the product better, I recommend applying it to the back of the hand first and then spreading it very gently with the fingertip by dabbing or dabbing,” says Inma.
Protection in different formats
“It’s not just sunscreen that protects us from the sun’s rays: day creams, make-up bases, mists and sprays or powders often contain some SPF as well. Not only is there nothing wrong with using them all, they also provide better protection – even if we apply them in a thin layer, because they work in synergy,” says the Sephora Training Manager for Spain and Portugal.
Source: Marie Claire
