Your Sunscreen Questions Answered: From Makeup Layers to Post-Facial Care

Sunscreen is arguably the most critical step in any skincare routine, yet it's often the one that sparks the most confusion. From where it fits in your daily regimen to how it interacts with professional treatments, getting the facts straight about SPF can significantly impact your skin's health and appearance.

Where Does Sunscreen Go in My Skincare Routine?

Think of sunscreen as the final protective layer before you step out the door. The general rule is that sunscreen should be applied as the very last step in your morning skincare routine, after all your other skincare products have been applied and absorbed. This includes cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. This placement allows your active skincare ingredients to penetrate your skin effectively without being diluted or blocked by the sunscreen, and ensures the sunscreen forms a proper protective barrier on top.

Why this order matters: Applying sunscreen first can create a barrier that prevents your serums and moisturizers from fully absorbing, diminishing their effectiveness. Similarly, mixing sunscreen with other products on your skin can compromise its protective film, leading to uneven coverage and reduced efficacy. It's a simple habit to adopt, but it makes a huge difference in how well both your skincare and your sunscreen perform.

Sunscreen Under or Over Makeup

This is a classic dilemma! The golden rule is to apply sunscreen under your makeup. For sunscreen to do its job effectively, it needs to form a continuous, even layer on your skin, creating a protective shield against UV rays. Applying it over makeup can lead to patchy coverage, reduce its efficacy, and disturb your makeup application. Imagine trying to paint a protective shield on a surface that's already uneven; it just doesn't work as well.

Reapplying sunscreen over makeup

Reapplying sunscreen over makeup throughout the day is a common challenge, especially when you're out and about. Consider using a mineral powder SPF, an SPF setting spray, or a beauty blender to gently pat on a thin layer of liquid sunscreen. These methods enable you to enhance your protection without compromising your appearance, providing a discreet way to stay protected throughout the day.

Should You Skip Moisturizer If Your Sunscreen Is Hydrating?

While many sunscreens today are formulated with hydrating ingredients, it's generally not recommended to skip your dedicated moisturizer, especially if you have dry or combination skin. Sunscreen's primary job is UV protection, not intense hydration.

Think of it this way: your moisturizer delivers specific nourishing and hydrating ingredients deep into your skin, creating a healthy base and addressing particular skin concerns, such as dryness, barrier repair, or fine lines. Sunscreen then provides the protective barrier on the surface. If your skin feels adequately hydrated with just your sunscreen, and you have oily skin, you might be able to get away with it on some days, particularly with a richer SPF formula.

For optimal skin health and to ensure your skin receives the best possible care, layering a good moisturizer before applying sunscreen is the best practice. It’s like building a strong foundation before putting on a protective roof.

The Best SPF for Everyday Use

For everyday use, particularly when you're not planning extended sun exposure, an SPF of 30 is generally recommended. An SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. While an SPF 50 blocks about 98% and an SPF 100 blocks 99%, the difference in protection becomes minimal after SPF 30.

There are no sunscreens that offer 100% protection because the SPF rating primarily measures protection against UVB rays, and even the highest SPF allows a tiny percentage of UV radiation to get through. It is important to remember that SPF ratings are derived from ideal lab conditions, which don't perfectly reflect real-world applications.

What's more important than chasing the highest SPF number is applying enough sunscreen (about a nickel-sized amount for your face and neck, or a shot glass full for your entire body) and reapplying it every two hours when exposed to the sun, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Consistency and proper application are far more crucial than a slightly higher number on the bottle.

Sunscreen's Role in Preventing Hyperpigmentation and Melasma

Sunscreen is your most powerful tool in preventing and managing hyperpigmentation and melasma. These conditions, characterized by dark spots and patches on the skin, are primarily triggered or worsened by sun exposure, particularly UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate the melanocytes (cells that produce pigment), leading to an overproduction of melanin.

By consistently applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher, you significantly reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching your skin. This helps to prevent new dark spots from forming and keeps existing ones from getting darker.

For those prone to melasma, daily, diligent sunscreen use, even on cloudy days or indoors near windows, is non-negotiable and often the most effective preventative measure alongside other treatments. Think of it as a daily shield against the very triggers of uneven skin tone.

What Kind of Sunscreen Should I Use After a Chemical Peel or Facial?

After a professional skin treatment, such as a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or a specialized facial, your skin is often more vulnerable, sensitive, and temporarily compromised. The outer layers may have been exfoliated or stimulated, making new skin more exposed. For this reason, it's highly recommended to use a mineral (physical) sunscreen immediately following these procedures and for several days afterward.

Mineral sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and create a physical barrier to deflect and scatter UV rays. They are generally considered gentler, less irritating, and less likely to cause a reaction on compromised or sensitive skin compared to chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat.

Opt for a broad-spectrum formula with at least SPF 30 and ensure it's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. At Prestige Beauty Bar Inc., we can provide personalized recommendations tailored to the intensity of your treatment and your skin's unique needs. Always follow your post-procedure care instructions closely, as proper sun protection is integral to the healing process.

Protecting Facial and Laser Treatment Results with Sunscreen

Sunscreen is crucial in protecting and prolonging the results of facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, microneedling, and other advanced aesthetic procedures. These treatments often work by resurfacing the skin, targeting pigmentation, reducing redness, or stimulating collagen production, which can leave your skin in a more sensitive and vulnerable state during the healing process.

UV exposure after such treatments can:

●     Reverse benefits: Undo the improvements made to reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or uneven skin texture. Your investment in these treatments could be significantly diminished.

●     Increase risks: Heighten the risk of adverse reactions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), prolonged redness, blistering, or even scarring, especially with more aggressive procedures.

●     Compromise healing: Impede the natural healing process of the treated skin, potentially leading to longer downtime or less optimal results.

By diligently applying and reapplying broad-spectrum sunscreen (preferably mineral-based initially), you shield your newly treated, delicate skin from harmful UV radiation. This allows your skin to heal properly, minimizes the risk of complications, and ensures you reap the full, lasting benefits of your investment in professional skincare. Think of it as safeguarding your results and protecting your skin's future.

Sunscreen and Different Skin Tones

A common misconception is that individuals with darker skin tones don't need sunscreen. This is false. While melanin provides some natural protection, it does not offer complete immunity from UV damage. All skin tones are susceptible to sun damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. In fact, for individuals with darker skin, sun exposure can also exacerbate issues such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making existing dark spots even more pronounced.

Choosing a sunscreen that blends seamlessly into darker skin tones has historically been a challenge, especially with mineral formulations, which can leave a white cast. Fortunately, many brands are now offering tinted mineral sunscreens or chemical formulations that absorb without residue, making consistent application easier and more aesthetically pleasing for everyone. Regardless of your skin tone, daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a non-negotiable step for optimal skin health and protection.

Understanding Sunscreen Types: Mineral vs. Chemical

When you're choosing a sunscreen, you'll generally find two main types: mineral (physical) and chemical. Understanding the difference can help you pick the best one for your skin and lifestyle.

Mineral Sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens)

These contain active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They work by sitting on the surface of your skin, creating a physical barrier that deflects and scatters UV rays away from the skin.

They are often preferred for sensitive skin, babies, and those prone to irritation because they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. While older formulations sometimes left a white cast, newer micronized versions and tinted formulas blend in much better.

Chemical Sunscreens

Made of organic (carbon-based) compounds such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate that work by absorbing UV radiation as it penetrates the skin, converting it into heat, and then releasing that heat from the skin. Chemical sunscreens are typically lighter in texture, spread more easily, and don't leave a white cast, making them a popular choice for daily wear and under makeup.

Both types, when broad-spectrum and used correctly, offer effective protection. The best sunscreen is ultimately the one you will use consistently every single day.

Prestige Beauty Bar Inc. Can Help Find the Right SPF for Your Skincare Routine!

Sunscreen isn't just for beach days or summer vacations; it's a daily, year-round essential for healthy, protected, and beautiful skin. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine to prevent premature aging, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and maintain your skin's vitality and gorgeous complexion.

Discover a new you. Prestige Beauty Bar Toronto believes you can always add more; CONTACT US for individualized, medical aesthetic treatments that will enhance your natural beauty, transform your skin, and leave you confident.