When summer hits, are you one of those people that goes straight to the beach to soak up the sun's rays? Maybe you just love having a tan? While we all love that golden shimmer that makes us look like a Greek Goddess, the sun can have a negative impact on our skin. Luckily, by applying sunscreen, you can prevent many of the damaging effects of UV rays. But, do you know how to apply sunscreen? In this article, our in-house experts will tell you the best way to apply sunscreen so that you can safeguard yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays. Check out some serious skincare by RenewSkin, Inc. How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly You're probably thinking "sunscreen application isn't rocket science" and, you would be correct. But, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your skin and reduce the early signs of aging. Here's how to use sunscreen correctly: More helpful reading: Skincare trends Use Sunscreen With an SPF of 30 or Higher Ever wondered what SPF means? According to the FDA, SPF, or sun protection factor, refers to the amount of solar energy needed in order to burn protected skin vs. unprotected skin.1 Still don't get it? To put it simple, the higher the SPF of a cream, the higher the protection you will benefit from. Unlike popular belief, sun protection factor does not relate to the amount of time you spend under the sun. For example, SPF 15 doesn't mean that you'll be safe in the sun for 15 hours and, SPF 30 doesn't mean that you'll be safe in the sun for 30 hours. This is because solar energy is different at different times of the day. For example, the strength of the sun at 9am does not compare to that of 12pm. Moreover, the amount of solar energy you absorb will depend on: Your skin type The amount of sunscreen you use The frequency at which you reapply With all of the above in mind, we highly recommend that you apply an SPF number of 30 or above. Additionally, opting for a broad spectrum sunscreen will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. And, if you really want full protection, go for a formula that is water resistant so you can take a dip in the sea without worrying about your skin. More helpful reading about sun damage on face here. Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outdoors The key to protecting yourself from the sun is to apply it before you leave your home. If you live in a hot climate or will spend a lot of time outdoors, we highly recommend you apply sunscreen first thing in the morning. This will ensure that you don't forget to do it later when you arrive at your destination. Use the Correct Amount If you want to prevent skin cancer, protect yourself from the sun's UV rays, and maintain a youthful complexion, you need to apply the correct amount of sunscreen. So, how much sunscreen is adequate? Typically, to cover your entire body, you should apply at least a shot glass worth of cream. We get that you probably don't want to measure your sunscreen with a shot glass so, we recommend you lather on a thick layer, especially if you have dry skin. Or think of it as applying a nickel sized dollop for each of your limbs and double the amount on your body. More helpful reading: Is alcohol bad for your skin? Don't Forget Those Hard to Reach Areas It's all well and good to apply sunscreen to your legs, arms, face, and body but, what about other areas? Those hard to reach areas that require a friend or partner to get to? Applying sunscreen to these areas is paramount if you want to reduce the risk of skin cancer and skin damage. With this in mind, be sure to ask a loved one to apply sunscreen to your back, shoulders, and anywhere else that you just can't get to. Also, don't forget smaller areas of exposed skin like the bottom of your feet, your ears, your lips, or even an exposed scalp. Nowadays, you can even buy lip balm with sun protection factor in them, allowing you to stay safe from the effects of both UVB and UVA rays. More helpful reading: Dry lips. Reapply Regularly To reduce sun exposure further, be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day. We recommend you wear sunscreen from the moment you leave your home but, you should also reapply regularly, especially if you're exposed to direct sunlight, for example, on the beach. According to a board certified dermatologist, you should reapply sunscreen correctly every 2 to 3 hours if you are in direct sunlight.2 If you are spending most of your day indoors, then applying once in the morning and once at lunchtime should be sufficient. More helpful ingredients: best ingredients for anti aging The Benefits of Applying Sunscreen So you know how to properly apply sunscreen but what's the point? Well, the sun can actually age your skin. It can also cause skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen as well as protective clothing can keep you safe when you are exposed to the sun. Let's dig a little deeper: More helpful reading: best way to tighten skin above knees Reduce the Visibility of Skin Imperfections While you may think the sun makes you look like Tara Reid, it will have the opposite effect on your skin in the long run. This is because it causes free radicals to run wild in the body. And, over time free radicals damage the skin's cells leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, melanin deposits, and other skin imperfections. Wearing physical sunscreens can help reduce free radical damage, keeping your collagen and elastin safer for longer. And, collagen and elastin are the building blocks of a youthful complexion. Luckily, you can also take extra precautions to keep your collagen and elastin stores intact... More helpful reading: Collagen for face Take a Marine Collagen Supplement... While marine collagen isn't a replacement for applying sunscreen, it can help keep your skin looking younger for longer by replenishing your collagen stores from within. That's why we designed our Taut Advanced Collagen Liquid Drink Formula. Providing you with a huge 13,000mg dose of marine collagen sourced from Red Snapper wild-caught in the Indian Ocean, our collagen formula is also packed with skin-loving ingredients such as: Vitamin C - A co-factor of collagen with wound healing properties. Hyaluronic acid - A plant-based substance that acts as a moisture magnet, plumping your skin from within. Grape seed extract - A powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy, luminous skin. DNA - To improve the skin's defenses against the early signs of aging. Ceramide - Another moisture magnet that protects the outer layer of the skin. Vitamin B6 - A stress reliever that can help reduce tension. Protect You From UVB Rays While skin aging is a nuisance, skin burning is worse when it comes to your overall health. We say this because there are two types of UV rays: UVA rays and UVB rays. Ultraviolet A rays are associated with skin aging and have a longer wavelength. On the other hand, Ultraviolet B rays are associated with skin burning and have a shorter wavelength. All this to say that wearing sunscreen can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. More helpful reading: Prevent wrinkles Prevent Skin Cancer According to SkinCancer.org, just wearing SPF 15 on a daily basis can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and reduce your risk of developing melanomas by 50%. With that in mind, imagine if you wore factor 30 everyday!3 It's worth mentioning that melanomas occur more often than not on areas exposed to UVA and UVB rays, however, they can also develop on the feet, hands, and other, more unexpected areas so wearing a higher SPF and reducing sun exposure with a spray sunscreen specifically formulated for different parts of your body (e.g. your face vs. your body) can make a huge difference when it comes to avoiding skin cancer. More helpful reading: Remedies for extremely dry hands by RenewSkin, Inc. How to Choose the Best Sunscreen Similarly to all other skin products, not all sunscreens are created the same. While we recommend you apply sunscreen on the daily, it's also important that you choose the right product. Chemical Sunscreens While chemical sunscreens are effective at blocking the sun, they are well, packed with chemicals. This form of chemical sunscreen often has a wealth of other ingredients that could be aging your skin prematurely, all while having a negative impact on your overall health. More helpful reading: Skin care ingredients to avoid. Natural Sunscreens With this in mind, we recommend you opt for a more natural alternative wherever possible. A board certified dermatologist will most likely recommend a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are minerals that work fast to block the sun's harmful UV rays. Check out RenewSkin, Inc.'s skincare ingredient checker here. Check the Expiration Date In addition to opting for a natural alternative, it's important to mention that sunscreen ingredients do have a shelf life. When looking at the sunscreen ingredients in your product, also check the expiration date to make sure it doesn't go off in the coming months. Choose Your Sunscreen According to Your Skin Type Similarly to with a moisturizer, you need to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type. For those with oily skin, we recommend a water-based sunscreen. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, opt for a product that contains moisturizer or humectants in it. More helpful reading: Best moisturizer. Is Make Up With SPF Good Enough to Block UV Rays? We can't provide professional medical advice but, we don't recommend you swap your sunscreen for makeup with sunscreen. That's because it cannot usually protect your skin to the same extent. With this in mind, if you're going to be exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time, we recommend you apply sunscreen throughout the day. If a sheen appears, you can always use mineral makeup with SPF in it to manage your complexion. Reverse the Signs of Sun Damage With Liquid Collagen Now that you know how to apply sunscreen, let's talk skin care. There is no doubt that the sun can give you a beautiful golden shimmer but, it can also damage your skin, leading to skin imperfections like fine lines, wrinkles, among others. That's where our Ms. Magnifique Transformation Program comes in. Designed to lighten and brighten your skin, all while providing you with antioxidant support to fight off free radicals, our Ms. Magnifique program comes with three boxes of our Taut Advanced Liquid Collagen formula as well as one box of five Taut collagen masks, and our Skin Taut Bright supplement. Together, these products will super plump your skin from within as well as reduce pigmentation and other skin imperfections so you can achieve red carpet radiance in a matter of weeks. Want to enjoy a monthly supply of your favorite transformation program? Check out our skin care subscriptions box options and have your collagen products delivered to your front door hassle-free. More helpful reading: What is Skin Taut? References: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/sun-protection-factor-spf https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/sunscreen-spf-dermatologist-tips-faqs https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/