Working from home and staying home looks different for everyone. For some, daily walks/runs are essential to staying busy, while others are behind a screen all day. No matter your daily routine in quarantine, sunscreen should still be a regular part of your beauty routine.
As you sit near your windows or go outside, you are still being exposed to the sun’s rays. While UVB rays can not penetrate glass, UVA rays can. These rays can harm your skin over time, causing visible signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Too much exposure to the sun, especially without proper protection, can potentially lead to the development of sun cancer.
To properly care for your skin’s health, even in quarantine, it’s crucial to continue wearing sunscreen every single day. The recommended SPF is a minimum of 30, with broad-spectrum sunscreen being preferable. Using a clean-ingredient sunscreen every day will not only protect your skin over time, but it will also help you maintain your normal routines.
When choosing the right sunscreen for you, it helps to know the difference between the two main categories: chemical and physical sunscreen. Each sunscreen has unique textures and properties, serving different purposes for your skin.
A chemical sunscreen is made of chemical actives, meaning organic, carbon-based compounds. Chemical sunscreens absorb sunlight, so they take the UV rays and convert them to heat. This heat is then released by the skin. Finally, chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin.
Alternatively, a physical sunscreen is made of mineral actives such as zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Rather than absorbing sunlight, physical sunscreens block sunlight. They create a barrier for the skin, reflecting the UV rays before they can reach the skin. Physical sunscreens, as they act like a barrier, sit on your skin’s surface rather than being absorbed.
For many, choosing between physical and chemical sunscreen is based on personal preference. For example, many chemical sunscreens double as makeup primers, making them popular for daily wear. With this in mind, physical sunscreens are often much thicker and heavier than chemical sunscreens. This makes physical sunscreens a less popular option for people with oily, acne-prone skin.
Many sunscreens help protect your skin from not only UV rays, but blue light, too. As you are likely spending much more time around your screens, this is another reason to add SPF to your daily routine, even at home.
When adding SPF to your skincare routine, it should be placed as the final step. After all of your products have set in, you can liberally apply your sunscreen of choice. If you are wearing makeup, be sure not to mix sunscreen with your makeup, as this makes it less effective. Ideally, especially if you are outside, you should reapply your sunscreen throughout the day to keep your skin adequately protected.
Even at home, the sun can still cause your skin damage. To keep your skin youthful and radiant, be sure to apply your favorite sunscreen throughout the day, every day.
