Spending time under the sun might feel good, but it could damage your skin if you are not using any protection. Exposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging, dark spots, sunburn, and skin cancer. In fact, research shows that UV exposure is the reason behind 80% of your skin’s aging. (source)
Hence, wearing sunscreen is essential every day.
Choose the Right Sunscreen
Everyone should apply sunscreen no matter their skin type. Hence, choosing the right sunscreen that is suitable for your needs is crucial. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the right sunscreen.
- SPF
- Texture
- Water-resistant
SPF
First of all, the rating of the SPF. The SPF rating range from 15 to 50. Anything above SPF 50 is more likely to be a fake claim (IMO). In addition, you should always get a sunscreen that labels with the term “broad spectrum” that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. (source) But I recommend using SPF of 50 if you are going for extended outdoor activities like chilling at the beach. On the contrary, if you are staying indoors most of the time, sunscreen with SPF 30 is good enough.
Texture
There are two main textures for the sunscreens. A milky, fluid-like texture such as Anessa perfect UV sunscreen mild milk, or a creamy moisturizer-like texture sunscreen like Kanebo Allie Extra UV Protector Gel Sunscreen. Both do not leave a white cast when you using it right. Do read reviews online and try out the texture before you purchase the product. You want to commit to applying sunscreen every single day so pick one that is suitable for your skin.
Water-resistant
If you are not involved in plenty of outdoor activities, such as swimming, surfing, or diving, you do not need a water-resistant sunscreen. You can use a regular sunscreen without water-resistant daily. It will be easier for you to remove it completely too.
Sunscreen or Concealer? Which one should be applied first?
You should always apply sunscreen before the concealer. Remember, your sunscreen is the last step of your skincare. Sunscreen is not a makeup product, it is part of your skincare as sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays. It’s like a shield. Your makeup always comes after your skincare routine. To clear things up, we put everything in a list that is shown under the table below.
| Products to Apply Before Sunscreen | Products to Apply After Sunscreen | ||
| cleanser | makeup primer, make up base | ||
| toner | color corrector | ||
| essence | concealer | ||
| pre-serum | liquid foundation/powder foundation | ||
| serum | cushion foundation | ||
| ampoule | loose powder | ||
| moisturizer | bronzer/blush/highlighter | ||
| facial oil | makeup spray | ||
| face mist | bb cream, cc cream | ||
| eye cream | tinted moisturizer |
There are only two things you have to remember when it comes to applying sunscreen.
- All skincare products should apply before your sunscreen
- Makeup products come after sunscreen
Skin Care Routine before Sunscreen
Cleanser
You should always start with cleaning your face first before you apply any skincare products. Squeeze a dime-sized of cleanser on clean hands. Then, slowly massage every corner of your face in a circular motion. Don’t forget the hairline, jawline, and around your nose. Lastly, rinse it off with plenty of water until there’s no residue.
Toner
Next, follow up with your toner. Toner is a watery liquid that double cleanses our skin and restores our skin’s pH level. Pour an appropriate amount of toner on a cotton pad then gently wipe your face. If you have dry skin, you can pat an extra layer to add hydration.
Essence/Serum
Third of all is your essences or serums. Essences and serums contain potent active ingredients that will penetrate deeply into your skin to combat your skin problems. A pea-sized of serum should be sufficient for your entire face. You can always add little by little if it is not enough.
Eye Cream
After your essence or serum, apply an eye cream if you have one. Eye cream is a targeted moisturizer formulated specifically for your eyes. The skin around our eyes is more delicate than other parts of our face, you might get milia, redness, or rashes if you use the wrong products around the eyes. You only need a pea-sized of eye cream for both of your eyes. Be extra gentle when applying eye cream around your eye area.
Moisturizer
Then, use a moisturizer to lock all the goodness in your skin. Moisturizers contain emollient or occlusive ingredients that trap moisture and restore the skin barrier. Get a nickel-sized of moisturizer and spread it evenly on your skin. Don’t forget your neck as well.
Sunscreen
Last but not least, use sunscreen to protect your skin. Some sunscreens are required to shake well before use, while some don’t. So check the label before you use it. Squeeze the sunscreen on your index and pointer fingers. According to the site WellandGood, two fingers worth of sunscreen is sufficient for your face and neck. (source) Make sure all your skin is covered by sunscreen evenly. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours.(source)
How to Reapply Sunscreen after Makeup
Reapplying sunscreen after makeup can be tricky as you do not want to ruin your makeup. First of all, you can use a face mist to refresh your makeup. If your skin is oily, try to gently blot it off with tissue paper. Squeeze your sunscreen on your hand, gently even out the sunscreen on your palm to a thin layer. After that, gently pat it on your face.
Neutrogena: What does face toner do & Why use a toner
Choosing The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin: Things To Keep In Mind
Here’s *Exactly* How Much Sunscreen You Should Use on Your Face
