sunscreen

What Happens when You Wear Sunscreen Everyday?

S&S Partners · June 7, 2019 · 3 Comments

wear sunscreen everyday, sunscreen, skin cancer — Image Courtesy : Photo by **Porapak Apichodilok** from **Pexels**

Recently, I observed a few moles coming out on my arms. You must already be aware that the development of new moles is usually not a good sign. It can indicate skin cancer at the very worst. When you wear sunscreen everyday, you can save your skin from such drastic changes usually.

I was really concerned since I have not been using sunscreen for the last two to three years at the very least. And, I can definitely say that if you do not wear sunscreen everyday, it shows up pretty easily on your skin. I have seen the effects of not wearing sunscreen everyday.

How sunscreen affects the skin if you wear sunscreen everyday?

Skin Aging Stops

Okay, this is an overstatement. But, if you wear sunscreen everyday, you would have already noticed your skin looking younger, firmer and definitely less wrinkly, especially around the eyes and lips. The deep wrinkles or lines or even laugh lines can be filled up by regularly using sunscreen.

Helps Keep your Skin Hydrated

Actually, sunscreen itself acts like a barrier and protects your skin. In the meantime, it also helps improve the barrier function of the skin and helps prevent your skin from losing moisture and lipids in the longer run. This is not a one time effect but something you will notice gradually over a period of time as you wear sunscreen everyday and regularly.

Allows your Night-time Treatments to work well

You can use the best anti-aging creams but they would not work if you are not complimenting them with protecting yourself in the sun. In fact, you can not use retinoids and AHA’s for your skin unless you wear sunscreen everyday religiously. Using these ingredients make your skin sensitive to sun damage.

If you are wearing sunscreen everyday, your night time treatments and retinoids also work really well. What I have often observed is that the deep wrinkles in the skin also fill up slowly once you start putting sunscreen and use the proper anti-aging products or even regular facial oils. Not wearing sunscreen regularly or even using it sporadically can lead to skin damage and wrinkles.

The quality of skin is very deeply affected and none of the antioxidants and treatments work for longer time in such cases. More serious than that is the chance of skin cancer. The advice to use a sunscreen is no longer merely a scare tactic to get you to use a skin care product and multinationals to mint money.

Do’s and Don’ts for Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen everyday will provide a lot of advantages. But, before that, you must know how to wear sunscreen. I have mentioned these points at various times and places on the blog but repeating the important information never hurts.

Wear Enough Amount of Sunscreen

Always buy a spf 30+ sunscreen for everyday use. And, make sure you apply a coin sized product just for your face and neck. If you are not using enough sunscreen, it will not be able to protect your skin.

Use Sunscreen on All parts of your Body

Using it on face and neck is not enough. You must use sunscreen on your arms, legs and other exposed parts of the body. And, you must apply the same amount of sunscreen everywhere – a coin sized product each for both arms, legs and other exposed parts. Make sure to carry your sunscreen while you are going swimming and apply it as soon as you are out of the pool.

Makeup and Moisturizers with spf are not Sunscreen

Sunscreens are formulated differently than other products. Never confuse skin care products with spf as sunscreen. They are not designed to protect your skin as well as the sunscreen even if the ingredients seem to be same. Likewise, makeup and bb creams with spf are not enough. For lips, use lip balms with higher spf but keep on applying them as frequently as possible.

My Recommendations for Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sun Block : Absolutely my favorite and more affordable. I love to use this on my body as well as my face. If I am getting an expensive sunscreen for my face, I use this for my body.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Face Fluid Dry Touch : This is something I tried out last year and it is an amazing sunscreen for the face especially. It is matte and not really heavy, blends well and looks great. Protection is also amazing.

Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector: Absolute favorite but extremely expensive! I really love this and if you can afford it, it is amazing for the face. It sits well, less white cast and does not make the skin oily at all. Lasts pretty long and reapplication is also easier.

For now, my list is limited. I hope to update it as and when I like something I have used. I have started using sunscreen again so expect more posts and reviews.

Till then, Swathy.

5 Ways to Soothe Your Skin after Sun Exposure

S&S Partners · June 4, 2018 · 2 Comments

soothe your skin after sun exposure, sunscreen, sunburn — Image Courtesy @ Artem Bali via pexels.com

What do you do after coming in from hot sun? It is the peak of summers and I have to go out at noon. My skin feels scorched and I am usually sure all the sunscreen I have applied is also not enough to keep my skin protected. Skin exposed to sun must be calmed down as soon as possible. How do you soothe your skin after sun exposure?

One of the biggest effect of sun exposure is the continuing damage from the sun rays even after coming indoors. The damage from sun rays can continue even hours after sun exposure. It is somewhat similar to a burn. You have to soothe your skin as soon as it burns to stop the burning from penetrating into the deeper levels of skin. Similarly, it is important to immediately soothe your skin after sun exposure.

How to soothe your skin after sun exposure?

Wash your face or use a face mist to soothe your skin after sun exposure

Use cool water to wash your face. And, if that is not possible, spray a good amount of face mist and wet your skin thoroughly. If possible, take a cool water bath without using any soap. For added relief, add a bit of baking soda to the water, which has been shown to relieve stinging and inflammation. Also, choose to air dry instead of using a towel to dry your skin.

5 Reasons Why You Must Apply Sunscreen Everyday

Swathy · May 2, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Updated from 8th June, 2016. As much as I can preach to the choir about the benefits of sunscreen, I can not reap those benefits myself. I am lazy and have a very undisciplined routine in that way. But, I can see the dark spots and blemishes and hyperpigmentation on the skin on my bad days which acts as a constant reminder to why one should apply sunscreen diligently. So, check out the five reasons not to skip this routine.

As much as I love to preach that you should NEVER skip sunscreen, it is one rule I can never follow thoroughly. Either my laziness or the feel when I apply anything on my skin stops me from pursuing the course.

Having said that, I always try to start the routine and maintain it successfully as much as I can. Thus, I know the difference in the skin when you regularly apply sunscreen and when you discontinue it. So, lets see what you lose by not following the number one skin care rule.

5 Reasons Why You Must Apply Sunscreen Everyday

Sun damage is cumulative. The damage an be minimized with proper protection and skin care routine over a period of time but skin never really recovers from the damage already wrought on it. So, beware when you decide to skip the sunscreen next time.

Quality of Skin Changes

You would notice a marked change in the quality of your skin. If you skip sunscreen, your skin becomes a little tough and looses the plumpness which it naturally has and it has nothing to do with lack of hydration. It is something very subtle and indefinable but you feel it when you have alternated in the periods of putting on sunscreen and skipping it.