One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to sunscreen is neglecting how important it is to wear sunscreen every single day, no matter the season. Even on the cloudiest, snowiest, coldest days, and especially on a hot summer afternoon (when the sun’s UV index is at its highest), it’s essential that you wear a sunscreen for face and body that has a minimum of SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
This crucial layer of protection doesn’t only prevent you from developing signs of premature aging like dark spots, a loss of elasticity, inflammation and fine lines; it also protects you from skin cancer. According to Canada.ca, about one third of all new cases of cancer in Canada are skin cancers, and the rate is growing. So, needless to say, it’s a must. And the best sunscreen you can get is the one you’ll wear every day. So whether it’s a sunscreen stick or a tinted lotion, mineral sunscreen or chemical, sunscreen for oily skin or sunscreen for dry skin, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to selecting the best sunscreen for your unique skin type needs and lifestyle.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about building an excellent sun-care routine that will protect your face and body all year round.
How to properly apply sunscreen every day
The first step in your sun-care routine is picking a sunscreen, of course. You can do this in many different ways. The first is by assessing your lifestyle. For instance, if you spend most of your days on the go and you need something quick and easy that you can throw in your purse, your suitcase, your desk drawer or in the glove compartment of your car, you might consider a sunscreen stick like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Targeted Protection Stick SPF 60 to get all of the protection but with no chance of spillage or leakage.
Need a tinted sunscreen to add some coverage and even out your skin tone? La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+ Tinted Facial Sunscreen is a great option.
Not sure how much sunscreen to apply? Half a teaspoon for your face and neck is a safe bet, while you’ll need about another ounce to cover your body.
SUMMER
While there are few things better than the three glorious, warm months of summer, we know that one of the struggles of the season is finding a great sunscreen that you’ll actually apply (and reapply!) daily. Thick, sticky formulas are the last thing you want to put on your already sweaty face, and those pore-clogging formulas can lead to irritation, blackheads and pimples. Not to mention that a sunscreen that hasn’t been formulated for oily skin can slip and slide, getting in your eyes and not offering much protection at all. Enter La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dry Touch SPF 60 Facial Sunscreen. Its gel-like, weightless texture melts into skin, making it the perfect sunscreen for oily skin, since other sunscreen offerings can create a sticky mess when they’re applied to oily skin. Instead, this sunscreen is formulated with ingredients that absorb excess sebum (oil) and sweat, creating a mattifying effect as you wear it throughout the day.
WINTER
On the other hand, if your skin is sensitive or just dry due to the winter months and harsh indoor heating systems, you’ll want to opt for sunscreen for dry skin, like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen, which is lightweight and has been formulated to not irritate even the most sensitive skin types. And let’s face it: Whose skin isn’t sensitive in the winter?
FALL AND SPRING
Transition months like fall and spring can be hard on skin due to, well, the transition between extreme temperatures. This adjustment period often comes with increased skin sensitivity, dullness and breakouts. Choosing a lightweight, slightly tinted sunscreen that has been formulated for all skin types and leaves skin with a natural-looking glow is definitely the way to go. Turn to La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Fluid Tinted Lotion SPF 50 for a glowy finish, a lightweight feel, a high level of broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and a universal tint that matches most skin tones for a uniform complexion and decreased appearance of redness.