How Often Are You Really Wearing SPF?

Are you one of those people that think you only need to wear sunscreen on scorching hot days or if you’re going to be outside all day? In reality, sun protection needs to be at the front of your mind every day and should be applied daily, even if it’s overcast or you’re spending most of the day inside.  

So ask yourself how often you’re really wearing SPF and where it could fit in your morning skincare routine for the ultimate protection against skin cancer and wrinkles.  

Sunscreen works by preventing UV rays from penetrating and damaging your skin which means you should be using SPF everyday whether you’re a man, woman or child and no matter what your skin tone is.  

Sunscreen Prevents Cancer 

You might not know it but your skin is constantly creating abnormal cells that can potentially evolve into cancer. It sounds scary but your immune system usually finds them early and knocks them out of the park, phew! If you’re constantly risking excess sun exposure, this will reduce your skin’s immune response which can give those early abnormal cells a chance to continue to grow. 

UVB rays are the ones known to cause burning and put you at risk of melanoma, it can develop anywhere on your body but is most common on your back, legs, arms and face. Don’t forget about the spots that don’t receive much sun exposure as melanomas can also show up on the soles of your feet, palms of your hands and fingernail beds. These hidden melanomas are often seen in people with darker skin which is why we’re here, to tell you that you should definitely wear sunscreen every day no matter your skin type. 

Regular daily use of SPF15+ can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 40% and lower your risk of melanoma by 50%, so sunscreen really is essential to your long term health and wellbeing.
   

Sunscreen Prevents Ageing 

Ageing is one of the most natural things in the world but as you get older you may start to notice that your skin will change depending on whether you live in a city, what your diet is like, how well you sleep, your genetics and if you spent a lot of time in the sun. You might not have many ageing factors under your control but there’s a reason SPF is the number one anti-ageing product.  

UVA radiation causes cellular damage that depletes collagen and damages underlying connective tissue which leads to skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles. You might also notice dilated blood vessels that give your skin a red tone and brown pigment in your skin that is more pronounced, making your skin tone look uneven and blotchy.  

How Much Sunscreen Do I Need?  

To get the correct level of SPF you need to apply the right amount of sunscreen so here’s a few rules we like to stick by: 

• Use one shot glass for your entire body in one application, this equals 35mL or 7 teaspoons.  

• Use at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the torso, one for the back and one for your head.  
• Follow the ‘two-finger’ rule for your face and neck by measuring sunscreen along the length of your pointer and middle fingers.  

Your favourite SPF should be applied every day and at least 30 minutes before going outside because it takes time for your skin to absorb the protective ingredients. We can see you rolling your eyes but this really is one of the most important skincare products you’ll apply so it’s worth the wait. Make sure you’re not missing those forgotten-about places like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, your scalp line, lips, eyelids, the tops of your feet and behind your knees. There’s really no harm in applying extra sunscreen so if you're unsure just apply some more! 

Should Sunscreen Come Before Or After Other Products? 

As you’re learning about skincare from Sun Skills and the esmi edit, your skincare routine is likely becoming a little more multi-layered. To make sure the correct ingredients soak into the deeper layers of skin and build a protective barrier on your epidermis, your routine should be ordered to allow your products to work effectively.  

If you’re using a sunscreen, like Sun Skills For All, the active ingredients need to be fully absorbed into your skin to be able to provide UV protection. Let the product sit and absorb before moving on to the next, it’s the perfect amount of time to make your bed or brush your teeth! When it comes to chemical sunscreens, avoid applying anything that will create a barrier between your skin and your favourite Sun Skills SPF which is why we recommend ordering your products from lightest to heaviest, just like this:  

1. Cleanser. 
2. Toner. 
3. Serums. 
4. Sunscreen. 
5. Moisturiser. 
6. Makeup. 

We know it might seem like an easy DIY Tik Tok hack but you shouldn’t mix any of your products together. Not only could there be properties that could cause ingredients to become inactivated but it also dilutes the efficacy of the sunscreen.  

Is Wearing Sunscreen Every Day Bad For You? 

You might have heard some nasty rumours that sunscreen contains ingredients that are bad for your health or that using sunscreen regularly would mean you’re not getting enough Vitamin D. According to the Cancer Council, Australian sunscreens are strictly regulated by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure that the ingredients they contain are safe and effective. This means you can be confident that the sunscreen you use on a daily basis doesn’t have any ingredients that are bad for your health. The biggest concern you should have is whether you’re actually applying enough sunscreen correctly and aren’t getting sunburnt.  

You should absolutely be wearing sunscreen every day, yes even in winter! There’s a common belief that you only need to wear sunscreen on hot summer days but up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation reaches earth, even passing through clouds on its way down.  

This means going unprotected on an overcast day and battling reflecting UV rays from water, snow and sand can lead to double exposure and skin damage. While UVB rays tend to be weaker during winter, if you’re into winter sports like snowboarding or skiing, UV radiation can actually increase by 5% with every thousand feet you rise above sea level.  

The UV index isn’t measured by temperature so if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when the sun is strongest, you need an SPF30+ water-resistant sunscreen that you reapply every 2 hours.   

You might think applying sunscreen in the morning is no big deal if you’re just going to be inside all day but don’t forget about the incidental sun exposure with your coffee runs or meeting the postman for your latest esmi and Sun Skills orders.  

Sun protection is one of the most important things you can do for your skin so if your desk is next to a window, you spend a lot of time driving or you just want to create better SPF habits then a clean broad spectrum SPF should be part of your morning ritual.  

Sunscreen can also protect your skin against blue light which produces free radicals that are responsible for sagging, age spots and premature aging. If you want to read more about how sunscreen protects from blue light, it’s time to brush up on your Sun Skills for your beauty and health. 

For all-around skin defense, the best sunscreen is the one you’re most likely to use daily!   

If you’re after mineral protection that blocks and scatters rays before they reach your skin, you can’t go past esmi’s Skin Shield Sunscreen SPF30. Formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration and rosehip extract to improve fine lines and reverse sun damage, it blends effortlessly to provide maximum coverage without a chalky residue.  

If you prefer a family-friendly chemical sunscreen that absorbs UV rays before they can damage your skin, look no further than the lightweight and fast-absorbing Sun Skills For All. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients for the whole family from native Kakadu plum to protect against free radicals to aloe vera for hydration and moisturisation. It’ll leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, drying without a white cast for a natural finish that makes it perfect for daily use. 

When choosing the best everyday sunscreen for you, it’s important to take your own personal preferences and skin type into consideration. Don’t forget to practice your Sun Skills by staying in the shade, wearing a wide brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing, protecting your eyes with sunglasses and keeping track of the UV index.