You already know about the 2mg rule — to gain the protection that is written on the package, you should create a coverage of 2mg per cm² of your skin. For the face, this would be around 1.2ml of sunscreen or 1/3 of a teaspoon. This is important, especially under the midday sun, because a too-thin layer of sunscreen leaves your skin unprotected while the sun is extremely aggressive. The sun is the main cause of couperosis, pigmentation, premature loss of skin elasticity, and wrinkles; in other words, photoaging. Unfortunately, the skin does not need much — even one sunburn can cause photoaging, and one week of sunbathing in our 20s can have consequences in our late 30s. That's why here at SKINLIST, we believe that sunbathing during the midday hours, from 11.00 till 17.00, even under sunscreen, is not a good idea for anyone.
But why shouldn't I sunbathe even with sunscreen? Hereʼs the thing: SPF doesn't block 100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays. For example, SPF15 blocks only 93% UVB rays, while SPF50 blocks 98%. So it is impossible to protect the skin from 100% of all UV and other rays, and even the 1% that cannot be blocked by sunscreen is enough to damage skin cells. That's why it's important to always stay in the shade at the beach, use sunscreen with SPF50, and reapply regularly.
Good news: even in that case, a suntan will come, but it will be nice and healthy. UV rays reflect off multiple surfaces and reach our skin even in the shade. Our body also produces vitamin D in the shade. (1)
But enough about the beach; not everyone lives near the sea, and most of us spend our lives in the city. So, how and when should you use sunscreen here? Now it is time to explain to you the term UV Index.
The UV index is a numerical indicator of the level of UV radiation from sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface. A higher UV index signifies a greater potential impact on our health in general and skin in particular. To see the current UV index is amazingly easy — it is in every weather forecast.
The World Health Organization recommends using sunscreen starting with a UV index of 3, but after a thorough investigation of the literature, we recommend starting from 2, especially if you have light eyes and skin tone. So the rules are easy:
- If the UV Index is 2 or higher and you are in the sun for more than 20 minutes, sunscreen is needed for the face.
- Generally, SPF30 is sufficient for city use, but SPF50 is better for the beach.
- On average, you should apply 1.2 ml of sunscreen to your face, which is about 1/3 of a teaspoon.
- For each part of the body, you need to apply "2 fingers" of sunscreen or 20 ml for the entire body.
- If you are outdoors all day, sunscreen should be reapplied as directed on the packaging (typically every 2 hours).
- In city conditions, one application of sunscreen is sufficient.
- Sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine and the firststep in your makeup routine.
Pretty easy, right? So, in the previous article we explained about UV filters and give you guidelines for these wonderful four products:
Now it is time for the rest of our sun protection collection:
Instytutum SUNSCRIPTION DARK SPOT DEFENCE SPF50
It is a tinted sunscreen with a versatile color suitable for Caucasian skin and contains only chemical filters. SUNSCRIPTION DARK SPOT DEFENCE is a great choice if you have pigmentation issues, as Brassica Rapa Root Extract helps lighten dark spots and protect your skin from the sun. The texture of Instytutum SUNSCRIPTION DARK SPOT DEFENCE light and non-greasy, making it suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily.
Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution FluidSP50
This product is our bestseller — a lightweight, slightly tinted sunscreen that combines chemical and physical UV filters. It is specifically designed to combat hyperpigmentation. It contains the powerful ingredient niacinamide, which is one of our favorites for reducing excess pigment. Due to the presence of niacinamide, you might experience a slight tingling sensation after application. This usually goes away after 5 minutes and is completely normal, as niacinamide promotes blood circulation, which is an additional benefit of this product. Heliocare Pigment Solution Fluid is water and sweat resistant so it is perfect for the city ad for the beach as well.
Medik8 ADVANCED DAY TOTAL PROTECT SPF30
This product perfectly aligns with the age-well concept — it has everything you need to protect your skin not only from UV and other rays, but also from glycationand pollution. Featuring only chemical filters, Medik8 ADVANCED DAY TOTAL PROTECT SPF30 is transparent and non-greasy, making it the perfect choice for city life. If you don't have any specific skin concerns and want reliable protection under your makeup, this is the ideal product for you.
Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid SPF50
Slightly tinted and a bit more pigmented than Heliocare Pigment Solution Fluid, this sunscreen is perfect for aging well, providing protection, hydration, and keeping the skin healthy and glowing. The main difference is that this one is water and sweat resistant, so "welcome to the beach". Essentially, it serves as both sunscreen and alight foundation in one. Stick with it if you want an even skin tone immediately and do not have any issues besides wrinkles. It contains physical and chemical filters.
Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-free SPF 50
Here we come to the skin with problems and this sunscreen is targeted to the skin with acne. Absence of any oils makes it as right as possible. Is helps to down regulates sebum secretion and has matyfing effect, its velvet finish is so good for oily acne prone skin. Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-free is tinted to cover pimples and consist of mixture chemical and fysical UV filters. It is not water resistant so do not swim in it, and if you have acne we recommend to switch for the Heliocare 360°Mineral Tolerance Fluid for the vacation time.
Heliocare 360° SPORT Transparent Stick SPF50
The last star from our collection is for those who are into sports or any outdoor activity when you need to reapply often but your hands are not so clean. Also, if you don't like the feeling of sunscreen residues on your fingers after application — we don't either. Because it is a stick, you can apply and reapply it even with gloves (a nice tip for winter sports). So, like any good sports sunscreen, it is water and sweat-resistant, only uses chemical filters, and sits on your skin really well, so you will be protected as well as possible. Apply it generously because with Heliocare 360° SPORT Transparent Stick, it is impossible to measure 1.2ml — so stroke it several times back and forth all over your face, neck, and décolleté.
Well, that's all for now. Thank you for reading. If you need a private sun protection regime and product recommendations for your lifestyle and location, do not hesitate to use our consultation service.
1. Schmalwieser AW, Klotz B, Schwarzmann M, Baumgartner DJ, Schreder J, Schauberger G, Blumthaler M. The Austrian UVA-Network. Photochem Photobiol. 2019 Sep;95(5):1258-1266. doi: 10.1111/php.13111. Epub 2019 Jun 6.PMID:
31017671; PMCID: PMC6852124.Vitamin D Irradiance in Summer Shade and Sun
2. Sena LM, Zappelli C, Apone F, Barbulova A, Tito A, Leone A, Oliviero T, FerracaneR, Fogliano V, Colucci G. Brassica rapa hairy root extracts promote skin depigmentation by modulating melanin production and distribution. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Apr;17(2):246-257. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12368. Epub 2017 Jul 3. PMID: 28670794.
