Sun Protection

I believe there are tons of articles about SPF (sun protection factor) that basically everybody has to know. But then I see those raised eyebrows (Essential oils won´t help you, Karen), no intro is needed, let´s just dive into my third favorite topic in skincare.

You know, I´m a strong believer that the days „ohhh, I only apply it on beach vacation“ are gone and I DO hope gone is this thinking. Sun is good, sun puts us in better mood, sun makes us wear that cute summer dress you told your man was half price *wink-wink*. But sun has also bitchy side.

It is responsible not only for high risk of skin cancer, but for premature aging and loss of collagen. If you are too lazy to use serums, or clean your face (...really? THAT lazy?), use at least SPF. It´s the cheapest protection for your skin you can do.

The sun emits UV rays. We are interested in UVA and UVB

UVA is responsible for 95percent of UV that reaches our skin. It can reach to dermis, cause photoaging and penetrates the window. Remember, A is for aging. Contributes to breakdown of collagen, breakdown of tissues, contributes to formation of lines. Do you really want it?

UVB is responsible for sunburns, enhancement in developing skin cancer and damages DNA. It can reach epidermis. Remember, B is for burning. When you get sunburn, your chances of developing melanoma are higher.

Remember, when you´ll be searching for the perfect SPF, look for UVA+UVB protection – so called broad spectrum – both these together are the best possible way, it´s the Joey and Chandler bromance in sun protection. PA (Protection Grade of UVA) is typical for asian sunscreens, from PA+ to PA ++++.

So, we remembered those lovely UV rays can cause shitstorm on and in your skin, and if you love all those serums, your face etc., you know you have to protect it. Why bother with serums, moisturizers, retinoids, when you don´t use SPF? It´s as if you went on some diet and every night you stuffed yourself (secretly, of course) with everything in fridge.

Recommended factor is 30-50. I am blonde, pale, my legs get tanned pretty fast, but the rest of body gets burn easily, therefore I am team „forever 50“.

Let´s not forget the division between chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens

Physical / Mineral sunscreen reflects UV light. Actually, little bith of both. They scatter visible light and the absorb UV light. Reflecting light is added benefit. Active ingredients are for example Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide. Best for little kids due to sensitive skin. I am not that big fan so far of these types of sunscreens – it dries my skin and I detest the white cast.

Chemical / Organic SPFs absorbs it. Buzzwors like Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Tinosorb S, Oxybenzone for example are typical. This formulation is easier to rub into your skin, light texture, does not leave white residue, but might irritate sensitive skin. I am fan of chemical sunscreens (no irritation ever occured).

You should reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when outside, face and body. Of course it is necessary for the sake of your juicy, youthful skin when indoors, you just sweat less, less sunglight. I usually reapply sunscreen twice a day when I´m home (we have big, french type of windows, besides, I am total SPF freak. I mean lover.) Listen, when inside, you don´t have to reapply SPF every 2 hours, it depends also on type of day, weather outside – for example rainy, cloudy day somewhere in march and if you live in darker apartment, I believe using common sense and using it just once a day is enough.

SPF is the last step in your skincare routine, before applying make up.

Don´t forget nose, lips, ears, neck.

SPF 30 offers 97% protection, SPF 50 98%. I am bit of an OCD type of persona, so I´ll stick with 50.

Hats, sunglasses, sunbrellas and UV-rated clothes are you best buddies.

Expiration date – if you used it last year, it probably will not work this year. Buy new package.

Little kids should wear SPF from 6 months, (till then, NO sun), SPF 50, try to look for special sun screens for kids. Babies till 6months – no sun exposure. Till 2 years old, you might try physical SPF due to sensitivity. I acutally never bought mineral SPF for my kid when he was younger and there was no allergic reaction to chemical sunscreen. Remember, no double cleansing for kids – when you come home after sunny day out, just use damp towel.

Reef controversy – climate change and all that mess, oil flaky are FAR worse. If you will be close to corals, eg. Diving, you might think twice about Oxybenyone, Zinc Oxide.

If your skin is oily, thinner texture is great. Dry skin is the opposite. However, I as a dry-skin person, prefer fluid light texture in summer.

Sensitive skin might better aim for fragrance-free mineral sunscreen.

Raspberry oil is NOT sunscreen.

Don´t be afraid using retinoids and AHA/BHA during summer, you only have to use SPF.

I know Pinterest offers inspiration, but be inspired more by some cute outfit, than DYI sunscreen. It´s a big no.

SPF in foundations or daily moisturizers are not enough.

If you use moisturizer with SPF 20 and foundation with SPF 15, it doesn´t mean numbers count together, your sun protection is 20 the most.

„....but I need to get tanned, it´s healthier“ Brown skin means damaged skin. I´m not saying you should live hidden inside for the rest of your life, but tanning outside 5 hours a day is not good.

Vitamin D – look, I am very specific case and I love my neurologist, but I refuse to stand at noon for 10 minutes outside on burning sun to get vitamin D. Did it twice, told him I don´t want to get sunburn, plus I never do sunbathing. You will definitely get that vitamin throughout the day and you can buy supplements. SPF has nothing to do vitamin D deficiency.

Mineral filters are natural. Enough with this bullshit, everything is chemistry.

There are biggest scandals about SPF in my opinion, but please, again, common sense, don´t let shady marketing scare you.

Dark skin can get sunburn too. SPF ladies and gentlemen.

Listen, I love sunny days. I love being outside on sunny day. I live probably in the sunniest village in Slovakia (I believe it is some special sunny Bermuda triangle haha). But I protect myself. Enjoy summer, enjoy sunny days, it´s healthy. Remember, SPF is THE.BEST. for protection and anti-aging :) .

ps: here are some brands - Uriage, La Roche Posay, Avene, Bioderma, Vichy, Biore, Eucerin, Heliocare and many, many more