Okay- so I’m only semi-kidding when I say “you’re doing it wrong”, because really- there is no wrong when it comes to sunscreen. As long as you’re wearing it, no matter what kind, props to you.
I just want to share how I do it, & of course… why.
I’ve actually been putting this post off for a while now, only because I have been:
A. Doing tons of research of the subject.
B. I knew it’d be a long one & since I am pretty sure I have carpal tunnel from typing, I was procrastinating.
But, I have finally gotten around to it… and I am ready to type my lil’ heart out. Hope you’re ready, cause this is 411 is muy importante.
A while back, I think when Summer started, was when I first got schooled in sunscreen by my sister who basically has her PhD in skincare (always great to have one of those in the fam, they will never lie about the wrinkles on your forehead!).
Anyways, getting off track per usual. I was honestly pretty shocked when she told me there were two different types of sunscreen- physical & chemical. I was just always grabbing for the one that swore it wouldn’t make me break out, never taking a peek at the ingreds. Huge mistake- according to my personal derm/sister.
It took me a while to grasp, & probably had her explain it at least 5x before I clearly understood.
First, you gotta know the type of rays the sun puts off & what they effect. See chart below for all the deets- but to summarize: UVA makes you age, UVB make you burn. Easy enough.
Now, it’s time to choose your sunscreen.
Again, see the chart below because we all know pretty graphics are just so much easier than a bunch of words… not to mention eliminates my typing (carpal tunnel, remember?!).
To summarize: Chemical… has chemicals/ penetrates your skin with those fun chemicals. Physical is just that… physical/ sits on top of the skin/ does not get absorbed.
All in all, this post wasn’t as long as I anticipated, which is awesome cause it’s Friday & I wanna go soak up some vitamin D… with my Physical sunscreen applied on my face very liberally.
Slather it on ladies, cause wrinkles & skin damage will never be in style.
Just one more thing before I sign off…
There is only teeny tiny problem w/ physical sunscreen: it’s not always the easiest to find. Don’t get me wrong, they are definitely out there, but just not flooding the shelves the same way as the chemical ones. You’ve gotta do some minor searching.
If you head to the store. Just flip the bottle/tube over & read the label. It’s quick to spot. Either a long list of ingredients, or just two active ones: Titanium Oxide & Zinc.
Or… you can make life easy & go with my personal fave by Sunology. It’s high SPF, physical (obvs), absolutely zero man made chemicals, natural, and it even has added vitamins & antioxidants (major score).
I pretty much don’t leave the house without the Sunology SPF 50 for face on my face/neck & then the Sunology SPF 50 for body on my arms/legs/and chest area. For added protection, I also keep a cute baseball cap in the car cause that’s a time you experience some major rays straight to your face.
Get it? Got it? Good. Now enjoy the weekend!
xx, E