If you were to choose only one step in your skincare routine to be disciplined about, make it sunscreen. Sun exposure is responsible for a large share of pigmentation, melasma and premature signs of ageing, and it increases the risk of skin disease. Daily protection makes a significant difference over the long term.
Why sunscreen is essential
- It protects against pigmentation, melasma and uneven skin tone.
- It delays wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
- It reduces the risk of skin cancer.
- It preserves the results of any aesthetic or brightening treatment you undergo.
How to choose the right sunscreen
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 as a minimum — ideally SPF 50 for skin prone to pigmentation. There are formulations for oily skin and others for dry skin, so pick the one suited to your skin type; that is what makes it easy to stick with.
How to use it correctly
- Apply it every day, even when it is cloudy or you are indoors near windows.
- Use enough — roughly two finger-lengths for the face and neck.
- Reapply every two hours when outdoors or exposed to the sun.
- Apply it as the final step of your morning routine, before make-up.