The brighter the sun outside the window, the more often we start to think about skin protection. And rightly so! Today we will show you what kind of decorative cosmetics can protect you from unwanted risks.
We will never tire of repeating: the ultraviolet rays emanating from the sun are harmful to the skin.
Photodermatitis, burns, early wrinkles and pigmentation are just a small list of the consequences that can be encountered if you do not use cosmetics with SPF factor during the sunny season.
Experts warn that the effect of sun rays may be unnoticeable at first, but soon the excess melanin will make itself felt - most often this occurs in the form of the appearance of age spots, which are then so difficult to get rid of. The damaging effect of UV rays accumulates, and not a single sunburn, received even in childhood, disappears without a trace.
Just in case, we recall that the main part of ultraviolet rays is type B rays - because of them, if we carelessly, we risk getting a sunburn. Type A rays do not fry the skin, but they act much more insidiously: they are the ones that cause the process called "photoaging" and a host of other troubles. Unlike type B beams, they are excellent at penetrating both clouds and window panes. Fortunately, modern manufacturers generally provide protection against both types of rays.
In recent years, protecting yourself from ultraviolet rays, you can combine useful with pleasant. It has become a good practice to add SPF factors to beauty products. And manufacturers of decorative cosmetics happily accepted these rules of solar etiquette.
What are sunscreens? The answer to this question would consist of many incomprehensible terms.
The main thing we need to know is that sunscreens can be physical or chemical (don't be intimidated by the word).
Physical sunscreens form a kind of screen on the skin, a protective layer that ultraviolet rays cannot overcome. Chemical ones are designed in such a way that when they come into contact with the sun's rays, they neutralize their effect, but gradually they are destroyed by themselves, within about 2 hours in the sun. That is why the protection must be renewed every 2 hours if we are talking about being outside.
And if we apply foundation or powder with SPF and spend half an hour outside in the morning and then half an hour in the afternoon, the sunscreen action of chemical filters should be enough until the evening.
Products with a low degree of protection (SPF 10-15) are recommended for owners of very dark skin. However, for the cold season, when the UV index does not rise above 4, the minimum protection factor is suitable for everyone. You can find out the current level of ultraviolet radiation on your smartphone in the "Weather" application or on the websites of meteorological services.
Beauty products with SPF 15-30 are a good choice for an urban environment, provided that your skin does not externally react to the sun's rays (does not redden, flake or rash). Of course, if you are going to sunbathe on the beach, stronger "protectors" are required. You can move around the city in a UV index from 4 to 6 under the cover of products with SPF 20.
SPF is required at any time of the year when using homemade serums with retinol or fruit acids.
If you use a retinol or glycolic acid cream or serum in the evening, you will need either SPF makeup or an SPF day moisturizer the next day.
"Heavy artillery" with SPF 50 must be in the arsenal of fair-skinned people, as well as those who are going to sunbathe.
In addition, this is exactly the kind of protection the skin needs after peelings and other cosmetic procedures. By the way, when choosing protective equipment and SPF level, it is convenient to focus on your phototype.
On this issue, experts are almost unanimous: for urban life with a UV index of no higher than 6 and provided that you are exposed to direct sunlight while moving around the city at intervals of no longer than 5 minutes, decorative cosmetics with SPF filters are enough.
There is no point in layering products on top of each other - a foundation with the necessary protection factor will perfectly cope with the task.
But if you plan to bask in the sun and even get a little tan, opt for specialized sunscreens. An important point: for reliable protection from sunlight, for example, on the beach or in the mountains, in sunny places, 2 mg of sunscreen is required per square centimeter of skin. That is a whole teaspoon of sunscreen or milk on the face and neck. So makeup with SPF is a purely urban option.
Any self-respecting brand that produces decorative cosmetics has a foundation with SPF. Let's single out the successful, in our opinion, players in this category.
This product is loved primarily for its lightweight moisturizing coating that adjusts to your skin tone, as well as the options available for different skin types. A bonus was the addition of SPF 15 to the formula. So moderate, but sufficient in urban conditions, sun protection is applied. At the same time, the cream provides effective comprehensive care, evens skin tone and makes the skin glow. The delicate, weightless texture spreads easily and melts instantly on the skin for maximum pleasure and comfort during application. It is intensely moisturized and protected from negative environmental influences and UV rays.
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Perfectionists will appreciate the Dream Urban Cover foundation. Firstly, it contains a high protection factor SPF 50. Secondly, it gives a sufficiently dense coverage that evens out skin tone. And thirdly, it takes care of the skin thanks to the antioxidants in the composition.
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Base tonal coverage is one of the most important aspects of make-up, as it determines its durability and a smooth, flawless complexion. Clinique Superdefense CC-cream Color Correcting SPF 30 is a revolutionary solution in facial skincare. The cream combines moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-aging properties perfectly evens the complexion and brightens age spots.
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Is your morning pick-up time tightly regulated? Then a cushion is what you need for quick make-up.
Teint Idôle made it to our rating for several reasons. The first is the patented Polar Cushion Technology, which extends the durability of the effect. The second is a matte finish, which seriously reduces the risk of oily sheen on the face. The third is SPF 50, which protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays and the associated formation of free radicals.
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Make-up + Complete Care: The foundation is formulated with effective Estée Lauder skincare formulas. A tone that allows the skin to breathe and cares for it. 12 hours of flawless radiance. A hydrating foundation infused with ionized water to replenish moisture, a soothing probiotic complex, and nourishing chia seed extract. Clinical results: soothes visible redness and irritation. Protects skin from pollutants thanks to antioxidants. Moisturizes skin instantly and all day long. A lightweight texture capable of medium to heavy coverage instantly evens out tone and conceals redness, dark circles, and imperfections. Moisturizes soothes and firms the skin. Protects against UVA and UVB rays.
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The skin of the lips is very thin, so sun protection is vital for it. We know that there is no shortage of protective lip balms on the beauty market, but there are not so many products that simultaneously give them color. We found a balm stick with SPF 30 from a reliable brand Kiehl's. There are three shades in the palette: beige, berry, and pink. So you no longer have to choose - makeup or protection!
The magnificent Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF30 is created by the masters of the famous company Kiehl's, whose products are chosen for their excellent quality and effectiveness. It combines perfect texture, beautiful shade, and pleasant aroma with excellent caring properties. The product is perfect for every day, for use both in hot summers and snowy winters.
The balm is available in several shades and is easy and simple to apply thanks to the stick format. It melts instantly on the lips, adds a touch of color, and gives an elegant shine. It contains natural oils of coconut and lemon, as well as an SPF 30 sun protection filter. Thanks to selected components, the product has a soothing effect, provides 12-hour hydration, softens and smoothes well, protects from the sun's rays. The skin remains supple and radiant, protected from irritation, dryness, and tightness.
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Behind the elite lipstick from the Perricone MD brand, there is a real anti-aging serum. This unique product actively cares for sensual lips and gives them a luxurious, well-groomed look. Light, beautiful shades will accentuate any makeup. It is so comfortable and pleasant that you just don't want to part with such a lipstick, but constantly saturate the thin skin of the lips with nutrients.
Features of Perricone MD No Makeup Lipstick Broad Spectrum SPF 15:
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Christian Dior's cult French brand Addict Lip Glow is an absolute must-have for professional runway makeup. It is also irreplaceable as a means for every day. After all, the balm can be applied both independently and in combination with lipstick for even more radiance of the color and enhance its durability.
Enriched with precious Luffa and Wild Mango extracts, Addict Lip Glow provides delicate lips with nourishment and protection throughout the day. And also incredibly juicy shine, as if playing with sun glare even in cloudy weather. The soft, aromatic texture of the Christian Dior balm literally melts on the lips and, correcting their contours, visually increases the volume. And the most important property of this balm is the protection of SPF 10.
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In order for the protective properties of beauty products to work one hundred percent, it is recommended to adhere to certain rules.
1) Apply the SPF product before sun exposure so that it has time to absorb and adapt to the skin, otherwise you may have time to burn while you apply it outdoors.
2) Be especially careful with your makeup fluids and foundations. Since the products are colorless, it is easy to miss some areas of the skin, leaving them unprotected. The main victims of forgetfulness are the décolleté, shoulders, and neck.
3) Renew the protective layer every 2-3 hours if you regularly go out in the sun during the day. The most convenient way to do this is with a cushion.
4) Do not mix SPF 20 and SPF 30 products in the hopes of getting SPF 50. If you plan on layering multiple products, the SPF cream should be the last one and should only be applied after the previous layer is completely absorbed into the skin. If in your routine there are two SPF products at once, for example, day cream and a foundation, then, most likely, only what is on top, that is, foundation (in our example), will really protect from the sun.
When applied on top of other products, chemical filters will not be able to associate with light photons and neutralize their effect, therefore it is not recommended to apply anything to products with chemical filters. Other cosmetics can be applied on top of products with physical filters, the protection will remain because they work as a screen.
5) Instead of a fixing spray, or if your favorite makeup is SPF-free, a dry face sunscreen spray comes in handy. This is an option for long city walks in sunny weather.
6) Keep track of the expiration dates of the products. As a rule, after opening, foundations can be used within a year or two. After this time, it is not worth expecting that the remedy will be just as effective.
What sun protection products do you use? Share with us in the comments!
