Part 2 Protect & Nourish: The Power of Sun Protection & Antioxidants
The Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen: Protect Your Skin Like a Pro
Beyond the very basics of cleansing and moisturizing your skin, sunscreen is the single most important skincare product you can use daily. It’s also the most powerful tool for anyone looking to manage the aging process of their skin. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, winter or summer, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays helps prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. But not all sunscreens are created equal—so let’s break it down.
Why Sunscreen is Essential
UV radiation accelerates skin aging by breaking down collagen and causing oxidative stress. Here’s what happens without proper sun protection:
Premature Aging: Wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.
Hyperpigmentation: Sunspots, melasma, and uneven skin tone.
Skin Cancer: UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancers, including melanoma.
Wearing sunscreen daily is the easiest way to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.
Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens: What’s the Difference?
Sunscreens fall into two categories: physical (mineral) and chemical.
Physical Sunscreens: Contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These create a barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin. Great for sensitive skin, but some formulas can leave a white cast.
Chemical Sunscreens: Use ingredients like octocrylene, octinoxate, and oxybenzone to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. These tend to be lightweight and invisible on the skin but can sometimes cause irritation.
Common Sunscreen Myths—Debunked!
🚫 “I don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.”
☁️ Reality: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is still exposed even when it’s overcast.
🚫 “Darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen.”
🌍 Reality: While melanin provides some natural protection, it’s not enough to prevent sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or skin cancer. No skin tone is immune to skin cancer. Sunscreen is essential for all skin tones.
🚫 “Makeup with SPF is enough.”
💄 Reality: Most makeup with SPF doesn’t provide full coverage or adequate protection. You’d need to apply way more than you normally would for proper defense—always use a dedicated sunscreen underneath.
🚫 “I applied sunscreen this morning, so I’m good for the day.”
⏳ Reality: Sunscreen breaks down over time. Reapply every two hours, and more often if swimming or sweating.
🚫 “Higher SPF means I don’t have to reapply as often.”
🔢 Reality: SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. No sunscreen offers 100% protection, and all need to be reapplied regularly.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen
Not all SPF products provide equal protection. Here’s what to check:
Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ – Protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Water Resistance – A must if you’re swimming or sweating.
Lightweight & Non-Comedogenic – Won’t clog pores or feel heavy.
Tinted or Invisible Finish – Mineral sunscreens with a tint help blend seamlessly into the skin.
How to Apply Sunscreen Properly
Even the best sunscreen won’t work if you don’t apply it correctly!
✅ Use Enough: A nickel-sized amount for the face, a shot glass for the body.
✅ Apply Daily: Even when indoors—UVA rays penetrate windows.
✅ Reapply Every 2 Hours: More often if swimming or sweating.
✅ Layer It Right: Sunscreen goes on last in your skincare routine but before makeup.
Pro Tip: If you have DRY skin, you’ll want to treat your sunscreen as its own step, aside from moisturizing. This means you’ll layer a moisturizer underneath your sunscreen. Even if the SPF you’re using is considered an SPF/Moisturizer combo.
Bene Skin & Laser Favorites
At Bene Skin & Laser, we recommend medical-grade sunscreens that offer superior protection while feeling luxurious on the skin. A few of our favorites include:
💧For Normal to Dry Skin: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 – sheer, lightweight with hyaluronic acid to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also available in a tinted formula!
🌞 For Oily, Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – formulated to calm and protect skin with 5% niacinamide to reduce discoloration and improve skin tone. Also available in a tinted formula!
🤎 For Darker Skin Tones: EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ – sheer formula absorbs quickly with a transparent finish, water & sweat resistant up to 80 minutes.
🚴 For Working Out: EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 – formulated for active lifestyles and outdoor athletes, will not drip into eyes and sting, water & sweat resistant up to 80 minutes
Final Thoughts
Sunscreen is the cornerstone of any great skincare routine. Protecting your skin today ensures a more youthful, radiant complexion for years to come. If you’re not first protecting your skin from UV damage- everything else you’re doing for your skin care- whether it’s serums, eye creams, retinoids or professional skin treatments like lasers and chemical peels is a WASTE of your money and effort. PROTECT YOUR SKIN.
Don’t miss out on the continuation of Part 2 where we dive into Antioxidants!
