Sun and UV Protection

Solar Power Protection: Your Skin & Sunscreen

We know how important sun protection is through summer, but did you know that sun exposure, even in the fall and winter, can lead to visible signs of premature aging? We’ve created a range of broad spectrum anti-pollution sunscreens using innovative methods and the power of plants that you can use year-round as part of your daily skincare routine to take advantage of the best facial sunscreen on the market.

Why it’s important to use sunscreen

These days, sunscreen goes into the beach bag without a second thought. But do we always remember to wear sunscreen when heading out for a run or when sitting next to a window in the office?

Whenever we expose our skin to the sun, we need sunscreen to help reduce the risk of early skin aging from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB.

UVB rays cause sunburn — visible redness and inflammation, and a painful burn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to long-term effects like wrinkling and premature aging. Both types of ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology,¹ one in five Americans will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. Applying sunscreen daily, when combined with other sun protection measures, helps reduce your chances of getting skin cancer. Experts recommend adding face sunscreen to your morning skincare routine, and applying sunscreen to exposed areas of your body before coming into contact with the sun. You should then reapply exposed areas every two hours – and more regularly if you are swimming or sweating it off.

UV rays are just as harmful during the winter as they are in the summer. What’s more, UVA rays can penetrate window glass. This means you are exposed to harmful rays during your drive to work and even at your desk if your office is filled with natural light. While you might not think it, UV rays are especially harmful on snowy days, since the rays are multiplied by the reflective nature of the snow. So even if you’re in full winter gear, it's important to apply sunscreen to your face every day of the year. Generally, 1/4 to 1/3 of a teaspoon should do it – blend well and remember to cover your ears, temples, hairline, and neck too.

How sunscreen works to protect your skin

A daily multi-protection sunscreen not only helps protect your skin from the sun, it also locks out pollution and free radicals, forming an invisible shield that minimizes the appearance of dark spots and decreases the risk of early signs of skin aging.

Sunscreens come in two main varieties: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens are made up of active ingredients that absorb UV rays before they can penetrate your skin. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which act as a physical barrier to the sun's rays. Both are effective, so selecting your sunscreen should come down to your skin type and personal preference.

How to choose the best facial sunscreen for your skin

When choosing a sunscreen, you’ll notice that each tube displays an SPF number. This stands for Sun Protection Factor. It’s an indication of the product's ability to block rays, and the amount of time you can be in the sun before burning. SPF ratings start at 2 and can reach as high as 70. If you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure without any cream, an SPF of 15 will allow you to stay in the sun for up to 150 minutes without burning.
When selecting the best face sunscreen for oily skin, look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores. When looking for the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, be sure to opt for a gentle, fragrance-free formula with minimal ingredients. Additionally, try to avoid products that contain parabens, fragrances, and alcohol as these can be irritating to the skin.
One of the easiest ways to be consistent with your sunscreen application is by streamlining your beauty routine. This can be done by choosing a foundation that contains SPF or by opting for a tinted sunscreen to reduce the number of products in your routine .

The best way to use face sunscreen

Check your sunscreen’s expiration date before applying. Replace it if it’s past its expiration date to ensure you get the most from your daily sunscreen. To minimize the visible signs of photoaging and dark spots, use in this way for best results:

1. Shake well before applying over your daily moisturizer.
2. Apply with light pressing motions, working from the center of the face outward.
3. Follow with makeup if desired.
4. Reapply every two hours – or more if necessary

Now that you know how to protect your skin all year long, you’re more than ready to face the sun — come rain, snow, or shine!

¹https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer