Could Sunscreen Be Your Skincare’s Savior?

At Imagique Salon Suites, we’re in the business of making people look and feel their absolute best. We know that taking good care of your skin is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your appearance. Since the advent of social media, influencers on several platforms have dished out information about the newest cleansers, serums and creams. However, many seem to overlook sunscreen’s importance.

We’ve experienced torrid days this summer, and these high temperatures have posed serious risks to people’s skin and overall health. We simply can’t afford to skimp on the sunscreen. Sunscreen’s first commercial version hit the market in 1936 – nearly 90 years ago. Since its inception, sunscreen has evolved, and with time, its ingredients and effectiveness at combatting UV rays have improved significantly, while including super beneficial ingredients.

Many people ask, “When should I put on sunscreen?” Well, there’s never a bad day to wear sunscreen. We say this because people have many misconceptions about how sunburn and skin cancer are caused. For instance, many people think they’re only at risk of skin cancers if they don’t wear sunscreen on sunny days. However, about 80% of the Sun’s UV rays still get through even on cloudy days.

Sunscreen protects skin from harmful UV rays, and consistently applying sunscreen provides several benefits. For example, sunscreen also protects against heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you make it a part of your daily routine, you’ll find that applying sunscreen is akin to drinking from the fountain of youth.  Approximately 25% of people aged 55 and up reported that sunscreen preserved their skin’s health and helped them fight against skin photoaging – the process that causes wrinkles and saggy skin. This is largely due to the damage our elastin, collagen and skin cells sustain from UV rays. In addition, by the age of 70, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer.

Sunscreen is a must-have and, luckily for us; it’s in many products we use to nourish our skin. Next time you’re shopping, check to see if your lotion or lip balm has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor). An SPF level of at least 30 usually does the job. Coupling your sunscreen with these products will give you added protection from the Sun’s rays. Another thing people must understand is that you should apply sunscreen even if you’re staying indoors, especially if you sit close to windows all day.

Sunscreen is beneficial to all skin types and all skin shades. If your skin is sensitive, make sure you consult with a dermatologist. People with sensitive skin often opt for mineral sunscreens – ones with zinc oxide & titanium oxide – over chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens can sting, but mineral sunscreens usually leave a noticeable white cast on your skin.

So, before you leave your home, make sure you apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes beforehand. Also, remember that if you’re outdoors, you’ll need to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day for maximum protection. Book an appointment at Imagique Salon Suites if you want more information about SPF-reinforced beauty products or how sunscreen affects your makeup choices.