When it comes to avoiding sun damage, choosing the right sunscreen can’t be overstated. It shields your skin from harmful UV rays and helps maintain your youthful glow. One burning question often pops up: should you apply sunscreen before or after your makeup?
Why Adding SPF to Your Routine is Non-Negotiable
Sun protection isn’t just for beach trips and pool days. All year round, our skin faces UV rays that can cause premature aging and other skin issues. Adding an SPF sunscreen to your daily beauty routine is a must. Besides protecting you from UV damage, many moisturizing sunscreens offer anti-aging perks, keeping your skin looking healthy and radiant.
The Million-Dollar Question: Before or After Makeup?
Dermatologists from the US edition of HuffPost weighed in on this dilemma. The rule of thumb is straightforward: apply skincare products from lightest to heaviest.
- Chemical Sunscreens: Apply these directly on your skin before any other product. They need to be the first layer for maximum efficacy.
- Mineral Sunscreens: Save this for the end of your routine. They form a physical barrier against UV rays and work best when applied last.
Don’t skip on letting the sunscreen sit for at least 10 minutes before you dive into your makeup ritual. This small pause ensures your skin absorbs the product, giving you solid protection without messing up your makeup.
Must-Have Sunscreens for Your Arsenal
- Le Rub SPF30 Everyday Sunscreen: This daily go-to offers broad-spectrum protection. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, making it a fabulous base for makeup while also fighting off UVA, UVB, and blue light rays.
- SPF 50+ PERS Jelly: With a transparent, sorbet-like texture, this jelly melts into your skin. It doesn’t leave any greasy residue and acts as a stellar makeup base. Plus, it helps manage premature aging and skin spots while giving a matte, hydrated finish.
- Paula’s Choice RESIST SPF 50: Ideal for acne-prone skin, this lightweight cream comes packed with soothing antioxidants. It mattifies your skin, reducing shine without skimping on hydration or protection.
- Elizabeth Arden New York Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisture Protective Facial Fluid SPF 15: This ultra-light fluid offers sun protection and hydration for up to 8 hours. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, it guards against free radicals and leaves your skin soft and protected all day.
- La Mer UV Protection Fluid SPF50: Providing superior UV protection, this lightweight fluid works as an excellent makeup base or a standalone sunscreen. Its nourishing, non-greasy formula is free from phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, leaving your skin soft and well-nourished.
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Louhann Mezaguer
