Let’s face it - how many of us guys remember to wear sunscreen on the daily? Sure, you’ve had moms, girlfriends, teachers say you should - but who actually has the time to apply and re-apply a greasy lotion throughout the day?
Well, it’s time to face the facts. Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and sunscreen is a key tool in ensuring your skin’s health. Trust us on this - as a skincare brand, if there is any one skincare product we deem absolutely essential to your health and wellness, it’s sunscreen. And here’s why.
- Protect Yourself Against the Risk of Skin Cancer. Ah yes, the feared “C” word. But did you know that by daily use of an SPF 15 sunscreen as directed, you can reduce your risk of melanoma by 50%? That is a huge amount of protection - all from a simple lotion!
- Prevent Premature Aging. You don’t have to be the vainest guy in the world to want to prevent a few wrinkles. If a simple lotion can prevent wrinkles, sagging and sun spots down the line, why not apply it?
“But sunscreen is greasy,” you say. Well, fear not - sunscreens, especially facial sunscreens, have long evolved from the oil-slick lotions of our childhoods. For example, our Everyday Sun Defense SPF 30 is a light, non-greasy facial sunscreen made with zinc oxide - giving you optimized sun protection without that greasy residue.
Now that you know the importance of sunscreen, next comes the question: how do you apply it? “Easy,” you say. “Like any other lotion!” But it’s a bit more complicated than that. Below are important key tips to get the most out of your sunscreen, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
- Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors to allow it to soak in. Even when it is cloudy - as up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation still reaches the Earth!
- Reapply your sunscreen once every two hours.
- When swimming or doing intense exercise, wear a water-resistant sunscreen - which is effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming. Reapply immediately afterwards, as no sunscreen is 100% waterproof.
- Look for broad spectrum sunscreens - they protect your skin from both UVB rays (which cause sunburn) and UVA rays (which cause premature aging & tanning).
- Wear SPF everyday - even when you are indoors! For days where you spend most of the time inside, use sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. On days where you are outdoors, SPF 30 or higher is crucial.
- Apply sunscreen all over your body. Our Everyday Sun Defense SPF 30 is perfect for the face - and for body sunscreens, there are a large variety in the market - from sprays, lotions, and bars. It is recommended to apply one ounce - a shot glass full - to your entire body.
- Lastly - sunscreen is just the first step! When out in the sun, don’t forget to wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, along with sun-safe clothing. Avoid extended exposure to the sun - seek shade when you can.
Now that you are armed with this knowledge, time to finally embrace your new favorite lotion! Stock up on some sunscreen and make it part of your everyday lifestyle. And maybe tell a buddy to wear his sunscreen too.
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