People are often confused about whether or not to wear sunscreen when they are inside. Let me explain. While you are outside, you are constantly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, but the mistake is that you think you are safe from UV rays when you are inside the house. Even indoors, you are exposed to high levels of UV radiation from windows and door cracks. If you stay indoors without wearing sunscreen, UV radiation from nearby buildings and cars will reflect into your room, penetrate your skin, and cause damage to your skin. For this reason, you should wear sunscreen even if you are not leaving the house.
Moisturize first, then shield your skin!
Sunscreen is the final step in your skincare routine. After moisturizing, apply a generous layer of sunscreen as your final skincare step. Sunscreen forms a protective barrier on the skin against uv rays.
Apply it generously and evenly 20 minutes before sun exposure. Don’t rub it in like moisturizer and apply it gently; let it sit on the surface to shield your skin effectively from sunrays. It might feel a bit oily at first, but that’s your shield forming to block harmful UV rays. Let it dry and enjoy the sunshine safely!
CONCLUSION
The aforementioned paragraphs highlight three key points: (1) UV rays can enter your home
(2) sunscreen should be applied even if you are indoors
(3) use it every day as part of your routine.
How much sunscreen/sunblock/SPF
should I apply to my face?
The majority of people aren’t aware of how much sunscreen they actually need to put on their face, which results in less effective sun protection. Studies have shown that most people do not use enough sunscreen; therefore, if you apply a thin layer of SPF 50 sunscreen, only 10 to 15 percent of your skin will be covered.It is essential that you apply the right amount of sunscreen if you want to benefit fully from it.
You can adhere to the measuring parameters mentioned below.
15-Dot Technique for application of sunscreen
I follow a 15 point technique, which I have given below , there are other measurement’s as well which you can follow.
1.A 15-point technique: to apply the right amount of sunscreen to your face.
Dispense a half-fingertip amount for each dot.
Three on the forehead
Two on each cheek
One on the nose
Two on the chin
One on each ear
Three on the neck
Two-Finger Rule for Easy Measurement
Two-Finger Rule for Easy Measurement: Applying a strip of sunscreen along the length of the index and middle fingertips is known as the “two-finger rule,” and it’s an easy way to figure out how much should be used for the face.
For both methods, lightly pat on the sunscreen and let it sit on the surface for 20 minutes.
To ensure your skin receives the most protection possible from your sunscreen, give it 10 to 15 minutes to set before leaving the house. Thus, always remember to wear sunscreen, even if you’re not going anywhere. Develop the habit of wearing sunscreen first thing in the morning, immediately following a shower or change of clothes.
No matter how you apply sunscreen, always make sure to protect your neck and ears. People often forget to apply sunscreen to their ears
What is the proper way to apply Sunscreen?
In the central image, I’ve applied sunscreen and let it sit on my skin for about 15 to 20 minutes without massaging it in, leaving it as a layer on my face. The pictures on either side show how my skin looks 20 minutes after applying the sunscreen. You can see it not only protects me from the sun but also gives my skin a nice glow. The sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen, which might leave a bit of a white cast, like you can see on my cheek in the left photo. But it’s easy to smooth that out just by using your fingers.
You might notice there’s some mild pigmentation on my forehead and beside my lips. To cover this, I first apply a regular sunscreen, and then I use a tinted sunscreen on top, though not in the way depicted in the image. In the image, what you see is a mineral sunscreen. Over that, I apply the tinted sunscreen just as I would apply a foundation. Sometimes instead of tinted sunscreen I aslo apply a concealer or foundation, it entirely depends on how you want to deal with it.
Tinted sunscreen has been a game-changer for me; it’s such a great find! I’ve stopped using regular foundations because this tinted sunscreen covers just as well, and I don’t even need powder anymore. Before, foundation and powder made my skin look heavy and cakey. Now, tinted sunscreen gives me an even tone as well as a dewy look. It’s key to pick a tinted sunscreen that matches your skin color and use it like a foundation. This way, you don’t have to worry about clogged pores, which can happen with regular foundation and powder. The sunscreen you see in the image is mineral one , so it leaves a bit of a white layer on my skin, but I can just blend it away with my fingers.
Do you apply moisturizer or sunscreen first?
To maintain healthy, glowing skin, always apply moisturizer before sunscreen. If you skip this step, your sunscreen may not adhere properly, leading to a dry, flaky appearance. For oily skin types, consider using a sunscreen with built-in moisturizer. However, if you have dry skin, don’t skip moisturizing, as it helps prevent common issues like pigmentation and dry patches. After your morning shower, when your skin is still damp, apply your moisturizer to lock in hydration. Follow up with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. This routine ensures your skin stays hydrated and dewy throughout the day. Additionally, remember to use your hair dryer only after finishing your skincare routine, as the dry air can strip moisture from your skin. Adopting these practices will leave your skin looking healthy and radiant.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
When it comes to sunscreen application, most skincare specialists on YouTube recommend reapplying it every 2 hours. However, based on my personal experience, if you’re indoors, say you’re working from home or doing indoor activities, you can reapply it every 4 hours. But, if you’re swimming or at the beach, reapplying every 2 hours is a must. This is because certain ingredients in sunscreen break down after two hours, reducing its effectiveness. That’s the main reason for the frequent reapplication advice.
Now, I’m not a certified skincare expert, but I take my skincare very seriously. I’ve spent a lot of time reading about the ingredients used in skincare products. Many products on the market can be misleading, which is why I believe in making informed decisions. I read books, watch videos from reputable dermatologists, and keep myself updated on skincare trends. This blog is my attempt to share what I’ve learned and help other women make informed choices about their skincare.
The reality is, I don’t have the resources to try every product on the market. It’s also impractical because what works for my skin may not work for you, even if we have the same skin type. Skincare is deeply personal, and it’s important to know the ingredients in your products before making decisions. The same routine may not give the same results for everyone, so being aware of what you’re applying is crucial.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of consulting a dermatologist, especially if you’re dealing with skin issues like acne or pigmentation. Most of these problems can’t be solved on your own. A dermatologist will not only help treat your skin but will also educate you on what works best for you. So please, don’t skip these important steps. Take care of your skin and make sure you’re making decisions based on facts and professional advice.
Can I apply sunscreen under makeup?
Yes, it’s absolutely crucial to apply sunscreen before makeup. Imagine you applied moisturizer, followed by foundation, blush, and then sunscreen — you’d notice the sunscreen layer starts to peel off, making your face look weird and heavy. That’s why it’s important to get the order right.
Here’s a simple routine to follow:
- Apply moisturizer: Let it sit for about 2 minutes so it absorbs properly into your skin.
- Apply sunscreen: Wait another 2 minutes to allow the sunscreen to settle and form a protective layer.
- Apply makeup: Now you can move on to foundation, blush, and other products.
This layering method ensures that everything stays in place, and you won’t get that peeling or heavy look. Your makeup will sit nicely on your skin, and more importantly, you’ll get the full benefit of your sunscreen protection.
Is sunscreen necessary indoors or on cloudy days?
Absolutely! Sunscreen is a must, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, in rainy, sunny, or even cloudy weather. Just like how you wouldn’t skip a meal or exercise, you shouldn’t skip your skincare routine, especially applying moisturizer and sunscreen.
The truth is, UV rays can penetrate windows and clouds, so even on overcast days or while sitting near a window indoors, your skin is still exposed to potential damage. Consistently applying sunscreen helps protect against premature aging, sunburn, and skin damage, no matter the weather conditions.
So, treat sunscreen as an essential part of your daily routine, just like you would your regular health habits!
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes, sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time. Check the expiration date on the bottle and replace sunscreen after it expires to ensure proper protection.
Is sunscreen safe for sensitive skin?
Many sunscreens are formulated for sensitive skin. Check the labels in the sunscreen tube, and always reda about the ingredients.
Does sunscreen help with hyperpigmentation?
Yes, you’re absolutely right! Sunscreen plays a key role in preventing and treating hyperpigmentation. Consistent use of sunscreen helps protect the skin from UV rays, which are one of the main causes of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Over time, with regular use, sunscreen can help even out your skin tone by preventing further darkening of pigmented areas.
For best results, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen every day, even when you’re indoors or when it’s cloudy, and to reapply every 2-4 hours as needed. This practice will not only protect against pigmentation but also keep your skin looking healthy and radiant!
Can I skip sunscreen if my foundation has SPF?
If you’re aiming for healthier skin, don’t rely solely on makeup with SPF. While it does provide a bit of protection, it’s usually not enough. The SPF in makeup is often applied too thinly to really protect your skin. It’s always a better idea to apply a separate sunscreen underneath your makeup for proper coverage. Let it fully absorb before applying your foundation or blush. This way, your skin gets the full protection it needs from UV rays, which helps prevent things like sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
How do I apply sunscreen around the eyes?
Please avoid applying sunscreen directly around your eyes, as it can cause a serious burning sensation, leading to watery eyes. When applying sunscreen, be sure to leave the under-eye area and the sides of the eyes untouched. This will help prevent discomfort.
Also, if you wear glasses, make sure to clean them after applying sunscreen. The sunscreen can easily transfer to your glasses, and once it gets on your skin, especially near your eyes, it can cause irritation and burning. So, always wash your glasses after putting on sunscreen to avoid this.
If you’re looking for a glossy look under your eyes, use your moisturizer followed by a light layer of petroleum jelly. Apply a small amount under your eyes and on your eyelids. This will give you that desired glossy finish while keeping the delicate skin hydrated and protected, without the risk of irritation. It’s a simple and effective way to maintain a fresh, dewy look around your eyes!