What We Need To Know About Sunscreen and Why It Should Be Your Holy Grail Product

Ah, the sun. It’s warm, it’s cheerful, it literally makes the world go round. Humans are drawn toward spending time in the sunshine — we do need vitamin D, after all! But don’t let those golden, Insta-worthy sunbeams fool you. The sun has a serious dark side. Unprotected sun exposure can cause wrinkles, sunspots, and potentially even cancer. And don’t forget painful sunburns, which can turn you into a piping hot, bright red lobster! Even if you don’t usually burn, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays at all costs is a must.

You may have heard this a million times. As kids, we are told to wear sunscreen when we’re at the pool or beach, but fewer of us were taught that it was important to wear facial sunscreen every day, regardless of whether or not you’re sunbathing! Even if your forward-thinking parents told you to wear sunscreen on a daily basis, are you really doing so? Sunscreen not only protects from the sun’s harsh UV rays, but brings the best out in the skin. Consider this a little sunscreen 101.

What exactly is sunscreen protecting us from? 

We’ve always been told that sunscreen is protecting us from getting burned by the sun — great — but this is a very tertiary answer. What is sunscreen actually protecting us from, at the molecular level?  

UVA

These are UltraViolet A rays. They penetrate deep into the skin and contribute primarily to wrinkles and age spots, and they also lead to skin cancer. These strong rays can shine through clouds and windows and are present from sun-up to sun-down. 

UVB

AKA Ultraviolet B rays — burning rays — are the type of light rays that burn the skin. They play a vital role in skin cancer and are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Unless you’re snuggled up on the couch nowhere near a window, it’s safe to say you’ll need to wear sunscreen. Those potentially harmful rays are everywhere! 

Now that you know UV rays coming directly from the sun can harm the skin in more ways than one, keeping a trusty sunscreen on you at all times is pretty important. We’re not saying take cover from the sun at all costs, but protecting your skin from aging rapidly due to harmful UV rays is a must when it comes to keeping your skin healthy.

Why should I care to put sunscreen on every single day? 

We’ve already covered the fact that sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, and can prevent wrinkles, sun spots and other sun-caused damage. That’s not all, though. Sunscreen can also help tackle skin concerns such as oily skin, dryness, and uneven skin tone.

Dry skin isn’t just caused by a lack of water intake, change in weather, or harsh products — ultraviolet light is to blame as well. Unprotected skin can become dry when it comes into contact with UV light. When this happens, the skin’s superficial barrier can become impaired. As you perform your morning routine, think about what you are putting on that will protect your skin from the sun, weather, and free radicals. Sunscreen will protect, hydrate, and neutralize skin-damaging free radicals. 

Are you oily or breakout-prone? Do pimples leave their mark on your skin, even if you don’t pick at them? Over time, UV rays cause damage to skin cells, making your skin more likely to increase melanin (pigment) production as your pimple zones heal. The result: a spot taking the place of your pimple once it’s gone — ugh! Sunscreen helps to prevent post-acne hyperpigmentation.

We chatted with Master Aesthetician Morgan Howard to get an in-depth scoop of what really goes on when the skin interacts with the sun without sunscreen. “Since the sun is responsible for 90% of aging skin,” says Howard, “using medical-grade products such as vitamin A, or receiving services like chemical peels and laser treatments can make your skin more sensitive to UVA and UVB rays and can accelerate the aging process if you aren’t using sunscreen.”

If you’re treating your skin to a facial, chemical peel, or laser treatment every month, you’re taking great care of your skin and we are proud of you! But if you walk out of your treatment and don’t use sunscreen, you aren’t helping your skin with those treatments as much as you may think you are. “In my opinion, you’re really wasting your money if you aren’t going to use sunscreen,” says Howard. 

Okay, I’m hooked. What sunscreens are there? 

We’re glad you asked! There are a plethora of sunscreens available nowadays, which is why you must be mindful of what you’re putting on your skin, for prevention or not. 

There are many different brands, and various application styles. Let’s find the best one for you.

Mineral sunscreen

This sunscreen settles well under makeup and sits on the top layer of skin to create a shield or barrier for the sun’s UV rays to reflect off of.

Be sure to blend your sunscreen in so you’re fully covered without leaving a white cast. Pro tip: dot the product onto one area of the body at a time, rubbing it in completely before moving onto the next spot. This sunscreen also comes in a matte version for those of you that don’t want the dewy look. Be on the lookout for any skin discoloration, though. Sometimes a mineral sunscreen can give the skin a bit of discoloration depending on the skin type. 

Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens absorb into the top layer of skin which creates a chemical blocker to absorb and deactivate the sun’s UV rays. This is a lightweight sunscreen that renders damaging rays impotent. 

When putting on any sunscreen, be sure to rub it in completely to get rid of any white spots or streaks and to ensure the whole area is covered. Chemical sunscreens are thinner and easy to spread over the coverage area, but for some skin types, chemical sunscreens can cause an irritation. The skin could become irritable, itchy, rashy, and red. If this happens, stop using your chemical sunscreen and see a doctor if your symptoms continue.

Tinted and powdered sunscreens

The really cool thing about sunscreen is that it can act as your makeup — say what?! Yes, if your foundation is old or depleted, a tinted or powdered sunscreen can take its place and we think you’ll love it just the same.

With 45SPF and 50SPF, your face will be protected from the sun’s UV rays and have a little natural glow — who could argue with that? 

I still have a few questions, though. Where do I start? 

While sunscreen is a product you should be reaching for daily — whether you’re a makeup wearer or not — we understand if you still have questions about this miracle product! 

Even though sunscreen is a staple piece you just can’t get rid of in your daily regimen, it only lasts for up to two hours upon each application, which is why reapplying is essential, and so is finding one that you absolutely love.

Not all sunscreens are the same, so finding one that fits best in your daily routine can be a challenge all by yourself. Lucky for you, Juvly has you covered! Our Aestheticians are available for free consultations with you to talk about all things skincare, sunscreen especially. You can book your free consultation at your most convenient Juvly location here to touch base with all your skincare concerns.

It’s time you felt great in the skin you have. Juvly is here to help make it that much easier whether it’s building a skincare regimen, treatment plans, or a monthly facial to treat yourself. Whatever it is you’re looking for, let Juvly help you. We can’t wait to meet you!