Everything You Need To Know About Sunscreen
Why do we need sunscreen? We need sunscreen to protect ourselves against the sun’s harmful rays. Without sunblock it is easy to burn your skin, get pigmentations, age in advance or in the worst case, suffer from skin cancer. That is why it is so extremely important to use sunscreen but to also avoid sunbathing in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest.
Pigmentations from sunbathing
When the production of the skin’s pigment melanin rises because of age etc., it creates dark spots (melasma), age spots and freckles on your face, on your hands, and on your body. Mostly it is due to sunbathing, ageing, and genetic factors. To avoid these spots, you should always use a high protection SPF factor and preferably a hat that protects your head and face.
"My own personal love for the sun has started to reveal itself more and more lately through dark spots showing up on my face, on my neck and around my cleavage. In hindsight, I simply should not have sunbathed as much as I did when I was younger and of course used sunscreen." – Emma
Skin cancer rises in Sweden
The biggest risk factor there is for malignant melanoma and other types of skin cancers are ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mainly from the sun. The number of skin cancer cases in Sweden has increased by almost 60% in the last 10 years. Something important to keep in mind and be aware of is that it isn’t just active sunbathing that damages the skin but to also use sunscreen in the form of clothes and SPF when you are working in the garden or taking a walk.
How often and how much Sunscreen is needed?
Use plenty of sunscreen and make sure to reapply throughout the day. They say you should use half a teaspoon of SPF on your face, but it’s okay to apply in two layers if it feels too sticky all at once. It is sometimes tricky to reapply SPF on your face if you use makeup, in that case, there are plenty of good SPF mists that get the job done.Above all, make sure to find a sunscreen that works for you and your skin type. There are a lot of different types of sunscreen formulas – creams, mists and mousses. Once you find your favourite, it should feel like an easy addition to your normal skincare routine.
Sunscreen in your skincare routine
To add SPF to your skincare routine as easily as possible, choose a day cream with SPF or add SPF as the last step in your routine. Do not forget to clean your face thoroughly in the evening, preferably twice, to get rid of dirt, sweat and sunscreen properly.