What you Need to Know About SPF: Where it Fits into Your Beauty Routine and How to Choose the Right One

April 06, 2022

SPF is absolutely essential in any beauty routine.

In fact, it’s one product we recommend every single person use, as not only does it help to protect against skin cancer, but it also slows down the signs of aging by keeping your skin protected against those harmful UV rays.

While we sure do love soaking up the golden rays, we have much respect for that glowing ball in the sky and know just how damaging it can be if you aren’t prepared.

Many people skip this step for reasons from “I just don’t know how to choose the right one” to “I don’t know where it fits in my routine, I already layer with serums and oils.”

We hope this article clears up any confusion so you can add this important product to your routine right away!

How to choose the right one

Chemical Sunscreen

The majority of sunscreens that you may encounter at your local drugstore are chemical sunscreens. Two active (and less than clean!) ingredients in chemical SPF are oxybenzone and octinoxate. These synthetic ingredients may actually disrupt your endocrine system, not to mention put our beautiful sea life at risk.

Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, sinking into your pore and then neutralizing the sun’s rays. They penetrate into the bloodstream and can linger for days.

Mineral SPF

Mineral SPF, on the other hand, sits on top of the skin, acting as a barrier to reflect UV rays back into the environment, making them a perfect option for both your health and the health of our precious planet.

Minerals, such as zinc oxide, provide complete broad-spectrum protection against both UVA rays, responsible for aging the skin and UVB rays that cause burning.

Minerals are also much gentler on the skin and far less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin .

Where does SPF fit into my routine?

SPF is always the last step in your routine. So if you don’t wear makeup, it will be applied right at the end, after your moisturizer, serums or oils.

If you do wear makeup then it’s the last step in your skincare routine, right before your foundation. Don’t forget to cover your neck and ears too, two commonly neglected areas.

We hope this makes it easier for you to shop around for your perfect SPF! While we all will certainly end up with our favorites, I thought I would share my two personal favorite products to possibly help you get started if you’re feeling a little confused.

I use the Raw Elements tinted face sunscreen when at the pool or beach and Coola tinted moisturizer with SPF for everyday use. I love these two products and am sure you will too if you decide to give them a try!

Photo by Jasmin Chew on Unsplash