You wouldn’t hit the beach without applying a generous coating of sunscreen — and then reapplying (at least) every two hours – right? But do you wear SPF on non-beach days, too? What about the days when you’re working in the office and stepping outside only to grab lunch? Do you wear sunscreen on cloudy days? If you answered yes to those questions, congrats! You’re doing an excellent service for your skin.
If you didn’t answer ‘yes,’ though, you may wonder ‘why should I wear SPF daily’? In short, you’re protecting your complexion from small hits of sun damage that build up over time, causing changes on the skin’s surface in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, dullness and loss of firmness. It’s safe to say that sunscreen is the most important part of your daily skincare routine. Let’s answer your top questions about sunscreen, including, “what is the best sunscreen for my skin? and, “when do I put on SPF?”
Why Is It Important to Use SPF?
To start, the sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet A rays (UVA) and ultraviolet B rays (UVB). Considering their different wavelengths (UVA being longer and UVB being shorter), they naturally also affect the skin differently. To help you remember how, for UVA rays, think A for skin “aging” and for UVB rays, think B for skin “burning.” Unfortunately, prolonged exposure, especially unprotected, to either type can be damaging to your skin’s DNA, which can lead to cancer. So even though those burning UVB rays are weaker in the winter, aging and skin cancer-causing UVA rays remain the same, whether it’s a snowy day in January or a sunny one in July. And, since they can penetrate through clouds, fog and glass, adequate sun protection is necessary even if you’re just driving in your car or seated near a window in your office.
How to Protect Skin Year-Round
To protect skin against both UVA and UVB rays — no matter the season or weather — you want to look for sunscreen ingredients that say, “broad spectrum.” That means it protects you against the “broader spectrum” of sun’s radiation, AKA both damaging wavelengths. Sunscreen filters are divided into two main categories: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens get absorbed by the skin, the skin absorbs the sun’s UV rays and then the chemical filters in the sunblock convert those rays to heat, which then gets released through the skin without damage. Mineral filters work a little differently. They sit on the skin’s surface act as a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin. All Perricone MD sunscreen products contain mineral sunscreen filters for several reasons, which we break down here.
The Best Perricone MD Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Sunscreen comes in many different forms: creams, lotions, sprays, powders — even mixed within moisturizers and makeup. Choosing the right one is often a matter of personal preference, but you can also use your skin type and skin care needs as your guide. For example, certain filters are better for you if you have sensitive skin than others. Or, you can find a multi-tasking sunscreen that tackles specific skin issues as it protects against UV rays. Below, ID the SPF that suits your skin type and needs.
If you have sensitive skin, your ideal SPF is:
Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Ultra-Lightweight Calming SPF 35 Veil
For sensitive skin-havers looking for a sunscreen that’ll leave skin feeling calmed and soothed with an invisible, non-greasy finish, this one’s for you. This ultralightweight SPF delivers powerful broad spectrum protection that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin (don’t worry, it’s non-comedogenic). Formulated with antioxidant-rich calendula extract from marigolds, it soothes and hydrates skin by locking in moisture and visibly reducing redness. Bisabolol simultaneously brightens by helping to protect against environmental aggressors. What’s more? It’s free of the 26 known allergens, as well as fragrance, gluten, sulfates, silicones, parabens, formaldyde, butylene- and propylene-glycol, PEG, phthalates, BHA and BHT.
If you have dull skin, your ideal SPF is:
Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This SPF moisturizer combines with the skin-brightening power of Vitamin C Ester, a signature science that provides a potent, stable form of vitamin C. It works to visibly boost radiance and smoothness while reducing the appearance of discoloration over time. Vitamin C Ester is also an antioxidant, which helps give additional skin coverage against environmental damage. Paired with sunscreen, this combo provides ultimate skin protection, so you get supercharged moisturizing and brightening benefits plus sunscreen in one easy step.
If you have fine lines and wrinkles, your ideal SPF is:
High Potency Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer SPF 30
Opt for this silky, lightweight moisturizer if you struggle with fine lines and wrinkles. It targets fine lines and wrinkles while shielding your skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays. In addition to delivering advanced sun protection, it’s formulated with intensely firming DMAE, skin-nourishing vitamin E and weightlessly hydrating kukui nut oil. Indulgent and rose-scented, this moisturizer will leave your skin smoother, firmer, more radiant-looking and protected.
If you have mature skin with multiple signs of aging, your ideal SPF is:
Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Don’t let the sun speed up those inevitable signs of aging. Instead, slather your face, neck and décolleté in this powerfully multi-tasking SPF to hydrate and defend in one fell swoop. It visibly corrects existing damage (think wrinkles, uneven tone, dullness and enlarged pores), helps prevent future damage and protects skin against environmental aggressors. Powered by Vitamin C Ester to brighten and smooth and copper tripeptide to refresh and revitalize, it’s got you covered, leaving skin healthy, youthful-looking and protected.
The Finishing Touch
Sunscreen is not a seasonal product — it’s not even a sunny day product. Instead, sun protection requires a year-round commitment on even the cloudiest of days. Now, finding a sunscreen formula that you like using has never been easier.