Sunscreen Secrets

Is facial sunscreen applied before or after moisturizer? Experts told about when to apply and what mistakes should be avoided when using it.

Just the few seconds it takes to apply sunscreen to our face guarantees long-term health of our skin. So it’s never too late to start using it daily starting this summer and all year round. In fact, the use is now more important than in the past, because the combination of solar radiation and air pollution increases the amount of free radicals that weaken the skin’s defense mechanisms. Fortunately, modern cosmetology has created advanced formulations for every skin type and its needs. Means can be applied even over makeup during the day.

Application order

Sunscreen for the face is always applied during the morning skincare routine and last, before applying makeup. In general, the correct procedure for applying cosmetics is as follows:

1. Cleanser.
2. Exfoliation.
3. Mask (exfoliating, moisturizing, etc.)
4. Essence (moisturizing water) or thermal spray.
5. Booster or serum.
6. Moisturizing eye cream.
7. Moisturizing or anti-aging cream (gel).
8. Sunscreen.
9. Makeup.

Attention: after applying each composition, wait 1-2 minutes until they are absorbed into the skin, and then proceed to the next one.

Additional Tips

* When we combine active antioxidants such as vitamin C, E or polyphenols with sunscreens, we enhance skin protection, slow down the aging process and prolong youthfulness. That is why, after cleansing the skin, we first apply an antioxidant serum. After absorption, we proceed to applying a moisturizer and only then – sunscreen.

* It is useful to check the expiration date of the protective cream. Usually its active composition is enough for about 2-3 years (with daily use).

* Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before leaving home. In case we are under the sun for many hours, refresh it every 2-3 hours. We choose a composition that is quickly absorbed, and it can be applied even over makeup.

general information

The beach season has begun, and every adult should remember about the UV index. (ultraviolet index). Too much ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, suppresses the immune system, etc. The UV index is used to evaluate UV radiation: these are values ​​​​from 0 to ~11. It depends on the time of day and year, terrain and weather, and its effect depends on the type of skin.

0-2: low risk, no protection needed.
3-7: need protection. Stay in the shade during the day, wear long sleeves and a hat, and use sunscreen.
> 8: need enhanced protection: wait out the midday hours indoors, and try to stay in the shade outside. Wear long sleeves and a hat, use sunscreen.

The most dangerous level of UV is ~ from 10 am to 4 pm, but it depends on the region and season. Water increases the intensity of UV rays by 50%, snow by 85%, altitude by 16% every 1000 m above sea level.

• 50% UVB and 80% UVA pass through 50 cm of the water surface, so you can get burned in the water too.
• UV passes through clouds. You can also get sunburned on a cloudy day.
• The higher the UV index and the softer the skin, the sooner and stronger the sun protection should be applied.
  sun.
• Sun cream is needed already with a UV index above 3.
• If there is no UV index at hand, a rough way to evaluate it is to look at your shadow: if it is longer than your height, then the UV index can be conditionally considered low.
• Knowing the UV index, you can make choices that contribute to maintaining health. The UV index is available on weather sites and on your phone. Go to the weather app on your phone and you will find that the last line is the UV index.

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