6 Times You Think You Don’t Need Sunscreen But You Actually Do
I’m a person cursed/blessed with a very fair complexion. While my friends were going a little darker for afternoons at the beach, it took me all season to notice some new freckles on my forearms. Surprisingly, however, I’ve still educated myself a lot about those occasional situations when you think you don’t need sunscreen but you really (really) do.
As we soon say goodbye to low UV indexes and head for a few months of sweaty, hot days, here’s a reminder of the daily activities that still require sun protection.
You’re Behind the Wheel
Risk: High
Glass blocks most (not all!) UVB rays. So you may not get sunburned through a window, but UVA rays can get in, which are responsible for aging and skin cancer. If you drive frequently or for long periods of time (like that Byron Bay road trip you’re planning), be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas.
You’re on a Plane
Risk: Low
It’s possible! Really! As with cars, airplane windows do a pretty good job of blocking most UVB rays, but for anyone sitting in a window seat (for hours on end, I might note), those UVA rays can still get through. Clouds, which are common at high altitudes, can also reflect UV rays and increase sun damage. Draw the blinds when enjoying the view, and make sure to wear sunscreen before and during your flight.
You Work in an Office
Risk: Low
When working indoors or in an office, the risk of sun exposure is low, but if your desk happens to be near a window, you might want to think again! Sun protection is required for any form of direct sunlight; clothing may be sufficient in this case, but applying a layer of sunscreen to your face, shoulders, arms, and hands can prevent the risk of long-term sun damage (sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, etc.).
You “Only Went Out for 5 Minutes”
Risk: Moderate
It’s not the end of the world if you forget to apply sunscreen on those occasional quick outings (on the way to work, a quick trip to the post office, while waiting in line for a bagel for lunch), but if you do it every day, it’s accumulating sun damage. Remember, at the end of the year, you have to add up all those 5-minute trips… that’s time spent in the sun. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
They stand under a parasol
Risk: Moderate
If you plan to camp for several hours, the shade of an umbrella (no matter how cute, colorful or frilly) may not provide enough protection. While they protect against direct UV radiation, they don’t block all scattered and diffused rays, so skin can still get sunburned. It’s important to combine multiple methods of sun protection, rather than relying on just one. So consider SPF and shade as well as sunglasses, hats and protective clothing.
It’s cloudy today
Risk: High
A myth! A mistake! A lie! UV rays penetrate directly through the clouds to your sensitive skin. Therefore, being outdoors on a cloudy day without broad-spectrum protection is extremely dangerous. Always check the UV index before going out. The most accurate indicator is 3 or more, and you should be equipped with a healthy layer of SPF 50.
It’s after 5 p.m.
Risk: Low
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. After that, the risk of sunburn (UVB rays) decreases with each additional hour. As sunset approaches, the sun appears dimmer, but the UVA rays maintain their intensity as long as there is daylight. Where you live also affects the intensity of the sunlight. So if you look at an Australian summer, we can still be cold at any time of the day.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
