Protecting your skin from sun damage requires more than just a dab of sunscreen. To truly safeguard against premature aging and other harmful effects, it’s crucial to use sun protection correctly and consistently.
**Everyday Protection:** Even brief sun exposure, like walking to your car, can cause damage. Incorporate a moisturizer with SPF into your daily routine. Look for options that offer additional skincare benefits and won’t interfere with makeup application. Products like Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 30 contain antioxidants, such as Eukarion, vitamins C and E, grape seed extract, and rosemary, which combat free radicals generated by sun exposure, pollution, and smoke. These moisturizers also provide hydration, keeping skin healthy and moisturized.
**Broad Spectrum is Key:** Choose sun protection products labeled “broad spectrum” to defend against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen is vital, but sun exposure can still trigger free radical formation, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging. Consider Estée Lauder Multi Protection Sun Lotion for Body SPF 30, which combines broad-spectrum SPF with free radical-fighting vitamins C and E and Melanase, an ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of sun-induced dark spots.
**Application Matters:** Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the active ingredients to bind with your skin. Use a generous amount – about a shot glass full – to cover your entire face and body. Reapply every three to four hours, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration. Increase frequency on days with a high UV index or if you have fair skin.
**Beat the Heat, Not Just the Rays:** The sun’s heat can also damage skin. Seek shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the hottest part of the day. As Dr. Daniel Maes from Estée Lauder Companies suggests, take 15-minute breaks in the shade every hour to allow your skin to cool down and protect itself from excessive heat exposure.
**Accessorize for Extra Defense:** Hats and sunglasses are essential. A wide-brimmed hat provides more comprehensive protection than a baseball cap. Choose large sunglasses that prevent squinting, offering maximum coverage.
**Safe Tan Alternatives:** For those desiring a tan without sun damage, modern self-tanners offer natural-looking, even color. Elaine D’Farley from Self Magazine recommends Estée Lauder Go Tan Air-Brush Self-Tan Spray, an aerosol spray that’s easy to apply, even in hard-to-reach areas. Its pH-balanced formula ensures a natural-looking tan without the orange tint.