SPF... Important? Or a gimmick?

Why You Should be wearing SPF daily

You want to hold onto that youthful, plump skin for as long as you live, but without protection from harmful UV Rays, I’m afraid that is pretty much impossible. I know that by the end of your skincare routine, you don’t feel like adding that extra step, but I promise you that your 35 year old self will be thanking me later. SPF is not just something you need to be wearing at the beach or when you are out doing yard work, you should be applying it at least thirty minutes before sun exposure and if possible, several times a day if you engage in prolonged sun exposure.

And I know you might be saying, “But it's cloudy outside, do I still need to wear SPF?”. The answer is YES. UV Rays, or Ultra Violet Rays, are always present, with or without clear skies. Not only will prolonged unprotected UV exposure speed up premature aging, but it is the cause of sun damage and skin cancer. I suggest looking for a BROAD SPECTRUM SPF of at least 30+, and if you are using any sort of retinoid, such as tretinoin or retinol, you need to be using no less than SPF 50. Because we want our entire bodies to stay looking youthful, that means the spf should be applied all over your body, not just the face.

My personal favorite SPF is a sheer wear, tinted mineral SPF, by the brand Alastin Skincare. This SPF is called HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36. This product provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection via a formula that is packed full of antioxidants and a plethora of minerals, giving you all day protection and up to 40 minutes of water resistance. This SPF is basically weightless, and matches your skin tone as you warm it up on your skin. Not only does it protect you from UVA/UVB, but it also protects your skin from Blue Light, and for skincare buffs out there, you know that blue light increases cell death and speeds up the skin's aging process. This product costs $64.00, for 3.1 ounces. It may seem pricey, BUT, All you need is one pump for your entire face and neck. So this SPF will last you quite a long time. You can find this SPF at some medical spas, or you can buy it directly from their website, Alastin SPF.

Now, let's get into some of my favorite brands, their cost and duration of wear...

Coming in at number two, we have Algenist Sublime Defense Lightweight Sun Fluid SPF 50. This Ultra Lightweight Ultra Violet Defense fluid is by far THE BEST SPF I have ever used. It was created by Algenist, a truly innovative skincare brand that has harnessed the power of Alguronic Acid from Marine Algae, which is naturally sourced and sustainably produced through biotechnology. Not only is it great for your skin, but it has almost ZERO Carbon Footprint. This SPF is Vegan and Cruelty Free. Its main skin enhancing ingredients are Alguronic Acid to plump restore collagen and elastin production, Echinacea And Japanese Green Tea Extract, to help protect from environmental pollutants and preserve the skin barrier, and Vitamin E to help stop free radicals from attacking your skin. This miracle product is sold at most sephoras, and on Algenist SPF for $28.00. You may think that is pricey for a sunscreen, but this single bottle has lasted me just over a year, due to its liquid texture and high spreadability. Not to mention it makes a STUNNING primer underneath makeup for a dewy finish.

Number 3 on my list of favorite SPF brands is Dr Dennis Gross All Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50. This is hydrating daily 100% mineral sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, while reducing the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone and fine lines. This beauty has three forms of vitamin C plus Vitamin E, which they call the Mela-C Complex. This antioxidant rich formula helps protect from UVA/UVB damage, photoaging and hyperpigmentation. This one is definitely a little more costly, coming in at $42.00. Also sold at sephora, but you can purchase it directly from their website at Dr Dennis Gross SPF.

Of course you may be able to find cheaper alternatives, but with skincare, you do get what you pay for. Both products last a long time, and look great with or without makeup on top of them. Both products hydrate, protect your skin from free radicals, UVA and UVB Rays, all while hydrating and lighten the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. Combining SPF with a great skincare routine, a healthy diet and plenty of H20, will surely set your skin up for success for years to come.