WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT SUNSCREENS???

When we started learning about skincare and embracing healthy skin practices, we thought it was going to be simple! Then boom came the need for routines. You had to start skincare, be consistent, choose appropriate skincare products and now you have to use SUNSCREEN... Oh, you also need to REAPPLY SUNSCREEN!!! Oh buggers

Before i go on to ramble, what exactly is a sunscreen or sunblock product? There are beauty products specially formulated with ingredients that are scientifically proven to bounce the sunrays off the skin; provide broad spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays, protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging. These products are classified as sunscreens or sunblocks.

Sunscreens are an essential part of your routine especially if you have darker skin tones as our skin (because of the melanin) is even more prone to hyperpigmentation and sun damage.

So whats the fuzz? Well, here are some important points you need to know about Sunscreens

• The choice of sun protection you choose is a personal decision and should be based on how YOUR skin reacts to the product. Chemical sunscreens have active ingredients that some people find irritating. You may experience mild - moderate stings, eye irritation, nausea or more after using products with chemical sun filters. If you experience this, you may have to move on from those types of sunscreens.
• Mineral sunblocks on the other hand are more "natural" and less irritating. They are usually formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both. These ingredients create a film on top of your skin that is not absorbed into the body. This film helps protect your skin by redirecting the sun rays. It also provides broad spectrum protection and may help address other skin concerns like skin discoloration.
• Sunscreens with spf 30 and above are your best choices especially for darker skin tones and if you reside in regions with hotter/warmer climes.
• How much sunscreen you use is actually a personal choice and may differ from person to person. Use as much sunscreen to cover your entire exposed body & face. The most important part of your sunscreen usage is REAPPLICATION.
• Apart from sun protection, sunscreens will help prevent premature aging. If you are dealing with any type of skin pigmentation concerns, sunscreens should be an important part of your routine. You cannot be treating a skin concern and going back unprotected into one of the major causes of your skin concern.
• If you are using any product that promotes photo-sensitivity and inhibits the production of melanin, you are heavily advised to use sunscreens. Melanin inhibition makes you more prone to sun damage.
• Remember the sun is not your enemy. Moderate sun exposure is also important for overall health. Take walks during the early hours of sunrise to enjoy the skin benefits of Vitamin D.

Looking for one of the best holy grail sunblock lotions on the market today? Try Brownskingirl BSG Beach Please Sunblock Lotion with spf 45+

SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR YOU:

• Cleanse - Use a cleanser to prepare your skin for the rest of your routine. Skincare products work better on clean skin. Remove oil buildup and de-congest your skin using the right cleanser.

click here to see a list of facial cleansers you may need

click here to see a list of body cleansers you may need

click here to see a list of bar soaps you may need

• Tone - A toner helps to keep your skin pores clear and skin barrier balanced. There are different toners available from oil control to hydration to astringent treatment base. The toner you choose will be one that fits your skin need at the time.

click here to see a list of facial toners you may need

• Treatment - Serums or essence are excellent products that deliver high but regulated concentration of active ingredients to your skin. These treatment products are best recommended by professionals to make sure you are using the right products and in the right percentages for your immediate skin needs. Serums can also be used on the entire body.

click here to see a list of serums you may need

• Moisturizer - This helps keep your skin refreshed, hydrated and balanced. Moisturizers are a great way to get a healthy brighter skin glow through out the day.

click here to see a list of moisturizers you may need

click here for a list of body butter you may need

• Sunscreen - Protect your skin always. Reapply your sunscreen especially if you are outdoor, swimming or sweaty.