Best Sunscreen Tips For Women Over 40

Hey Beautiful!

It's always a good day to protect your healthy skin and prevent signs of pre-mature aging! 

Here are 5 common questions about sunscreen so that you can better care for your mature skin:

1. Should I wear sunscreen even if I have darker skin? Everyone should wear sunscreen, not just those with fair skin. While lighter skin may be at a higher risk burning, prolonged exposure to the sun is harmful to everyone. Try getting an organic spray tan for a special occasion, use a self-tanner (I like St. Tropez), or wear my QUINNtessential Priming Duo (in medium/deep) to give your face a safe, natural glow with added protection!

2. Is sunscreen toxic? The active ingredients found in sunscreens undergo rigorous FDA testing before hitting shelves and in the past have not been known to penetrate deep enough to generate systemic toxicities. However, recent studies have generated cause for concern with certain sunscreens/chemicals. Bottom line, use what works for you because they all work to protect your skin. 

If you’re worried about endocrine-disrupting chemicals, here are some (that are more controversial) to avoid:

*Avobenzone *Homosalate *Oxybenzone *Octocrylene

3. Do I need to reapply sunscreen? Sunscreen should generally be applied 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapplied every two hours (or more) if you are sweating or swimming. Sunscreen doesn't need to "activate" with anything. It does need time to settle and coat the cells of your skin evenly, however, so waiting several minutes after applying sunscreen before you go outdoors is a good practice. It will also allow your makeup to go on smoothly without peeling and will keep your sunscreen from moving around and losing efficacy. 

4. Will higher SPF protect me more from the sun? Yes. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 will block 97% of harmful ultraviolet rays. Lower SPFs, particularly in makeup (such as 15-20) are additionally helpful to protect your skin on a day to day basis, but when you're beaching it or spending longer periods of time in the sun, opt for SPF 30 or higher. The amount of UVB radiation blocked by SPF 30, 50 and 100 is 97 percent, 98 percent and 99 percent, respectively. 

5. Are sunscreens waterproof? The simple answer, not to be confused with a more complicated answer, is NO. Water resistant formulas are helpful, but when you're sweating or in water you'll still need to reapply every 2 hours.  

If you have mature, sensitive and/or dry skin, I recommend using The Good Sunscreen. Our 2-in-1 luxurious formula is moisturizing, mineral-based and will keep your skin feeling hydrated throughout the day! I especially love to use The Good Sunscreen around my eye area, too, because it keeps my under eyes feeling smooth and soft! 

For acne prone skin, or if you don't want to feel anything on your skin at all, my recent obsession is by Nivea. It's lightweight, dries fast, leaves no cast and won't interfere with your makeup application!

Sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine. Apply it 15 minutes before leaving the house so it has a chance to coat your skin cells evenly. Makeup is generally a wonderful 'extra' measure for protecting your skin, too.

Remember, the more you know the more you glow! 

With love,

Jentri

Blog post updated 6/16/23