Are You Applying and Reapplying your SPF Correctly?

Are you guilty of completely missing your eyelids when applying your daily SPF? Do you apply first thing in the morning and then fail to re-apply throughout the day? You're not alone. A lot of us think a think layer of suncream in the morning on a sunny day is enough to keep us protected from the sun's harmful rays - but there's so much more to it than that. Read on to find out more.

Why you should wear SPF

SPF is the non-negotiable skincare step that everyone should be incorporating into their regime regardless of age, skin type or skin colour. Failure to protect skin from harmful UV rays not only accelerates the ageing process, causes discolouration and hyperpigmentation, but lack of such protection can also lead to skin cancer.

At Face the Future, our clinicians are accredited through the MASCED (Melanoma And Skin Cancer Early Detection) programme, developed by the national melanoma and skin cancer charity, SKCIN. The objective of the scheme is to significantly raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of skin cancer and to promote the early detection of melanoma, to improve prognosis and save lives. Read our guide to detecting skin cancer early to learn more.

Are you applying enough SPF?

According to Spanish sun care brand Heliocare, to ensure the face is fully protected, 2mg of product should be applied for every cm2 of skin to be covered. This roughly equates to a full finger length as seen below. Failing to apply enough product can dramatically reduce the protection from your sunscreen.

We love the Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50, which has a unique oil-free dry touch texture, provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, visible light and IR-A (infrared radiation -A) and delivers powerful antioxidant activity with innovative Fernblock® FC. This is now also available in a tinted version to camouflage redness and imperfections whilst also evening out skin tone and texture.

Why you should re-apply your SPF

The key to keeping skin protected and staying sun safe is re-application. There is no substitute for the re-application of sunscreen, no matter how much a brand may try to convince you that their formula only needs a 'once a day' application. To be safe, SPF application is recommended every 2-3 hours. If you are in a warmer climate, you must continually re-apply after swimming, sweating and towelling.

The great thing is, re-applying SPF no longer has to be an arduous task thanks to innovative product developments. There are so many different forms and textures of sunscreen that can be re-applied without leaving an unsightly white cast, greasy residue or ruining makeup.

Our top SPFs that are perfect for re-applying and keeping skin protected:

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Antiaging Body Sun Mist SPF 30

This high protection body mist contains the optimal combination of physical, biological and chemical filters to provide maximum effectiveness and protection against UVA, UVB, infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (HEV).The innovative spray mist is invisible and has a fresh texture that's immediately absorbed for fast and effective sun protection. Added Vitamin E provides an antioxidant and protective action.

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Antiaging Facial Sun Mist SPF 50+

This non-comedogenic and very high sun protection mist for the face has a fresh, ultra-light texture that doesn't leave an oily residue and can be re-applied throughout the day, even on top of makeup.

Like all Mesoprotech products, this facial mist protects skin against UVA, UVB, infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (HEV). It is also formulated with Mesoestetic's Collagen pro-47 formula, which protects and increases the presence of high quality collagen in the skin for smoother and firmer skin.

Susan Posnick Brush On Block SPF 30

It couldn't be easier to keep skin protected with the Brush On Block from Susan Posnick. With just a sweep of the brush, skin is protected with a translucent, weightless and slightly matte finish. The mineral formula is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin and the translucent powder is great for all skin tones - from very fair to very dark skin. With a handy self-dispensing brush, the Brush On Block can be used anytime, anywhere and by anyone. There's zero mess and the powder can be applied over or under makeup with no risk of smudging or greasy residue.

Are you missing the sunburn hotspots?

You've measured the perfect amount of product and re-applied every two hours but are you missing areas prone to sun exposure? We recently wrote an article all about SPF: The Risk of Missing Your Eyelids, as the skin on the eyelids is extremely thin and more at risk of UV damage and skin cancer. When the eyelids are missed during the application of SPF, the risk is heightened.That's why we love targeted products such as this solid SPF stick from Mesoestetic:

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Sun Protective Repairing Stick

This solid stick delivers sun protection with targeted and precise application that you can use on the go anytime, anywhere. A combination of physical and chemical UVB & UVA filters provide UVB 124 and UVA 32 protection, this very high level of sun protection makes Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Sun Protective Repairing Stick a perfect solution for suffers of melasma and hyperpigmentation. The small stick is perfect to pop in your pocket or handbag for SPF top-ups throughout the day.

Shop the full range of sun care online at Face the Future.

Written for you by: Alex, Face the Future

Image source: freepik.com