When it comes to protecting yourself from harmful UV rays, applying sunscreen is a head-to-toe task. In most cases, using more than one product will give you the best results.
And while you may be laying out a little more cash upfront to buy two or more sunscreen products, keep in mind that you’ll be using a smaller portion of each one, rather than one large amount of a general-use sunscreen. So it really does all equal out — especially compared to the cost of not safeguarding your health.
Complexion Protection
Seek out a separate sunscreen for your face, or at least use a face/ body formula that won’t irritate eyes or clog pores.
Look for a facial sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum.” If your skin gets oily, check the label for “matte finish.” Dryer complexions, on the other hand, do best with hydrating ingredients.
Face sunscreen should go on over your other makeup. Alternatively, choose a tinted type, which enables you to skip the foundation. Either way, the higher the SPF, the better.
Scalp Safety
Even though most of your scalp is covered with hair, the bits that show through can be vulnerable to scalp melanoma, along with the itching and discomfort of scalp sunburn.
Consider a misting or roll-on sunscreen made especially for the scalp, or comb in products recommended by dermatologists for all-over use. Use a lightweight type with a minimum of SPF 30 that won’t clog pores. Be sure not to miss your part and hairline while working the product into your hair so it reaches the scalp.
Body Armor
As with scalp and facial sunscreen, a minimum of SPF 30 is a must for the rest of your body — with frequent reapplication even more important than the SPF number. Make sure not to miss an inch of exposed skin, and look for those all-important phrases, “broad-spectrum and “water-resistant.” (Even if you don’t plan to swim, getting sweaty can undermine less-effective products.)
Your main choices are mineral-based sunscreens, which cause a bit of a white film but last longest, or chemical-based sunscreens, which are less visible but need more frequent applications. Mineral sunscreens create a barrier from harmful rays, while chemical sunscreens block them through light absorption.
Interested in a Beauty Career?
Skin protection is just one of the growing fields in the beauty industry. Whether your focus is on hairdressing, cosmetology, or esthetics, the Long Island Beauty School teaches all aspects of what you need to know to take your career to the next level.
