How To Apply Sunscreen Like A Pro!

It may be getting colder, but that doesn't mean you should push your sunscreen to the back of your cabinets until summertime comes around! Dermatologists around the world suggest you apply sunscreen 365 days out of the year. Why? Because even if the temperatures are dropping, the sun is still out and will damage your skin when unprotected. 1 in 5 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime...and before you say "Well I could be one of the four that doesn't get it!", 90% of skin aging is also caused by sun damage. We always recommend to play it safe and put on UPF50+ clothing which creates a barrier from the sun's UV rays, but there are parts of your body that just can't be covered with clothing.

Here's some ways to ensure that you're getting the most out of your sunscreen:

Pick The Best Formula:

These days there are so many kinds of sunscreens for every skin type that you really don't have an excuse for not using it! The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum block of at least SPF 30, and thankfully, you have options! There are two main types of sunscreen - mineral (made from titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which sits on your skin and deflects UV rays) and chemical (made from 

oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate that absorbs and neutralizes UV rays). Either way you go, your skin will be protected so long as you're putting enough on (keep reading to our next tip) and reapplying throughout your day.

Just note: chemical sunscreens are known to take part in the harming of our ocean's coral reefs, so when you're headed to your next beach vacation, try to opt for a mineral based sunscreen instead. There are lots of options for dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin that also doesn't leave a white cast on your face. You just have to find the right one that works for you!

How Much To Apply:

To adequately cover your head, neck, and face you need an amount of sunscreen equivalent to the lengths of your index and middle fingers. It may sound like a lot, but you need to ensure that every inch of your skin is protected. This means your hairline, ears, eye lids, back of neck, etc! If you're someone who counts on the SPF in your makeup, do you put on two fingers worth of foundation? And reapply your foundation throughout the day? Instead, make applying sunscreen the last step of your skincare routine and then follow it with your makeup. There are also lots of SPF powders that you can use over your makeup throughout the day as well!

Cover Your Body, Too:

Don't let yourself overlook your body skin, it's just as important as your face! During the winter you'll naturally be wearing more layers, but be sure to wear UPF50+ clothing while you're driving or lounging around the house (UV rays can penetrate through windows and clouds, no matter the temperature outside). As for sunscreen, we recommend choosing a body specific sunscreen to cover your hands, chest, shoulders, and whatever else is not covered by your clothing! 

Just remember that it doesn't matter what time of year it is, sun protection is for every season. For more skincare and lifestyle tips and tricks, follow along with us on our blog Into The Blue and on Instagram @tutublueca!