If there’s one thing we’ve learned about taking care of our skin, it’s to always wear sunscreen. That doesn’t mean just on clear, sunny days; that means on overcast days, in airplanes, on long car rides, at home: you name it. It’s essential to slap on sunscreen even if there’s only a tiny chance you’ll see the sun during the day.
You need to use a full shot glass for your body and half a teaspoon for your face. Reapply, reapply, reapply. But in practice, that’s not always how things go. For folks who don’t make sunscreen a habit in childhood or have stayed lax about SPF into adulthood, the consequences can range from annoying to pricey to downright scary. So today, we’re answering the most burning SPF question aka when to start using sunscreen and why it needs to be a big factor your whole life!
Why Do You Need To Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
If someone asked us about the single most important thing you should do to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and all-around youthful-looking, we’d spit out, ‘‘Wear Sunscreen!’’ faster than we reach for a glass of wine at 5 p.m. on a Friday. Sunscreen is the skincare hero that wards off the harmful rays from the sun while preventing pigmentation, tanning, and uneven skin tone. In addition to protecting your skin from UV rays – including reducing exposure to free radicals which correlate to worse acne – and signs of aging, sunscreen can really help keep acne at bay. In fact, sunscreens also help in treating uneven skin tone and reducing redness.
At What Age Do You Need To Start Wearing Sunscreen?
We often get asked the following questions: what age should you start wearing sunscreen every day. We’ve got the answer to the most burning skincare question. Here it goes: You need to practice sun protection on babies as soon as they are born. That means keeping infants in the shade and dressing them in sun-protective clothing such as long-sleeves, pants, and hats. Sunscreens are recommended once babies are 6 months. Of course, other sun protection measures should also be practiced. So the bottom line is sunscreen wearing should start almost when we are born and sun protection should start from age zero. The sooner you start wearing sunscreen, the better because the effects of sun damage are cumulative.
How To Incorporate SPF, According To Age
6 Months To 6 Years
Sun protection should start at age 0, sunscreen should start around 6 months ideally with a mineral-only sunscreen. Sun protection is crucial no matter your age. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends parents look at the active ingredients in sunscreens and look out for zinc oxide or titanium oxide as they are good choices. Physical sunscreens otherwise known as mineral sunscreens don’t rely on the absorption of chemicals and are less prone to causing skin reactions. It’s important to use a formula ideal for sensitive skin.
6 Years To 16 Years
Secondly, when the child is over six years old, you may want to consider something that’s a little more breathable but not less protective. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of at least 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Products with higher SPF numbers block slightly more of the sun’s rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Lightweight, breathable formulas are perf for busier little bodies, as they play on the playground or practice their fave school sports.
> 16 Years
Finally, a couple of tips for adulthood. If you’re reading this and are in your teens, 20s, or early 30s, then you can wear a variety of different sunscreens, no problem. You may just want to tailor your choices based on whatever your personal skin goals are, especially when it comes to sunscreen for your face. On the other hand, if you’re over the age of 40, then your skin may benefit from some good ‘ole TLC with some extra hydration. Look into a hand cream with sunscreen or a hydrating body lotion with SPF.
‘Coz SPF = BFF
Featured Image: Pexels
