Skincare is often as tedious as it sounds. Layers of serums, moisturisers and foundations feels like there could be nothing worse. And then you realise, nope I forgot sunscreen. Even though it is said to be essential, many of us are missing out on an important step. The step that is essential for protecting our skin and fighting premature ageing. Sunscreen. The question is, do you really need to wear sunscreen with your makeup, and how should you apply it? Here, we go in-depth about wearing sunscreen with makeup, covering tips, tricks and all the benefits.
How Often Do I Need to Wear Sunscreen?
It’s sunny and you might sit out for a while at lunch, so you should put some sunscreen on, right? Well, not quite. You should be wearing sunscreen every day if you want to protect your skin against the harmful effects of the sun. Even on a grey day, the sun can damage your skin, as clouds only block some of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can leave you vulnerable to developing sun-related problems such as pigmentation, premature ageing, wrinkles, and even skin cancers. To protect yourself from these risks, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, whatever the weather. Not only will this stop your skin from ageing prematurely, but it could also even prevent you from developing life-threatening cancer.
Why should I Wear It With Makeup?
If you wear a moisturiser or foundation with SPF, does that mean you don’t need to wear sunscreen? No, it does not. Makeup and skincare are unreliable when it comes to sun protection, with many offering just SPF 15, even if you apply it completely evenly and touch it up constantly as it comes off throughout the day. To get proper sun protection, you should apply sunscreen underneath your cosmetics.
Will It Make My Skin Look Bad?
Many people are reluctant to apply sunscreen every day because they are worried that it will make their skin look greasy or cause them to break out. However, if you choose the right sunscreen it shouldn’t leave your face greasy or shiny at all. In fact, many facial sunscreens make a good base product, giving your makeup a smoother and more even appearance. Sunscreens that do not contain oil are your friend if you’re prone to breakouts. They will not overload the skin or cause the pores to become clogged.
Which Sunscreen Should I Choose?
So, you’ve decided you should probably introduce sunscreen into your daily routine. Next, you need to choose the right product for your skin type, so you can be sure it will sit well with your makeup and look after your skin. If you struggle with dry skin, pick a sunscreen that has a moisturising base. Avoid alcohol-based sprays and gels that can dry out the skin. For combination and oily skin, look for sunscreens that are marked as oil-free and have a light formula. Choose a sunscreen with a matte finish if you wish to avoid the shiny appearance people often associate with thick cream formulas. For skin that is prone to breakouts, sunscreens that are non-comedogenic will be less likely to block your pores.
How Should I Apply It?
Sunscreen should be applied after cleansing, but before any of your other skincare products. It is important to apply it directly onto clean skin, so it can be properly absorbed and provide you with full protection. Similarly, it is important to allow it to dry for a few minutes before you apply your next product to help penetration the skin. If you choose the right sunscreen it should provide a good base for you to apply your usual makeup. If you are likely to be sweating or swimming you should reapply it every two hours. So bear this in mind if you’re planning to head to the gym at lunchtime. Otherwise, your sunscreen should last between four and six hours.