The best makeup isn’t high-tech color corrector or full-coverage foundation—it’s healthy, undamaged skin.
Expensive primers, concealers, and creams can only do so much. When it comes to great complexion, a bulk of the heavy lifting should be done through preventative skincare. This means protecting your skin from common causes of damage.
From the sun’s UV rays to pollution in the air, your skin is up against some pretty big enemies on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the effect of these factors on your skin. Read on for three of the easiest ways to prevent skin damage.
#1 Use SPF Daily
Did you know the sun is the leading cause of skin damage?
Premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer are all possible risks that come with spending too much time in the sun. Everyone loves to get their tan on in the summer but protecting your skin (especially on your face) is crucial for combating these issues.
Even in the winter, UV rays can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and cause damage to your skin. While UVA rays will typically cause sunburn in the summertime, UVB rays are less noticeable and put you at risk for skin damage year-round.
Investing in a good SPF is crucial to preventing these issues. When looking for the perfect SPF product, you’ll want to consider these factors:
- Non-comedogenic – Regular sunscreen may clog pores (comedogenic) when applied to the sensitive skin on the face. Instead, look for an oil-free SPF that’s specifically designed for the face and neck.
- SPF 30+ – SPF 30 blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. To properly protect your skin, you’ll want a product with at least SPF 30, if not higher.
- No white cast – Many people forgo SPF because they don’t like the white cast it leaves on their face. To avoid this, opt for a tinted moisturizer with SPF.
#2 Stay Protected in Style with a Sunhat
SPF is important, but the best way to prevent sun damage is by blocking UV rays entirely. This is where your fashion choices will make a huge difference.
A stylish sun hat will provide much-needed protection when SPF falls short, particularly when it comes to covering all the bases:
- Filling the gap made by the 2% of rays that penetrate SPF 30
- Protecting exposed ears, neck, and eyes
- Preventing burns when you forget to reapply your sunscreen
The best part of this step is that your personal style can come into play! There are so many options to choose from when it comes to sun hats for women. Whether you prefer a modest baseball cap or a floppy statement piece, the choice is totally up to you.
#3 Add a Vitamin C Serum to Your Routine
Oxidizing pollutants in the air and the sun’s UV rays can cause free radicals to form in your skin. The term free radicals refers to loose particles in the body that move around with no structure. When these particles get out of hand, issues like DNA damage and cancer can occur.
To protect your skin from these environmental factors, you’ll want to invest in a quality vitamin C serum. The antioxidants in vitamin C help combat free radicals and provide a ton of cosmetic benefits, including:
- Glowing skin
- Reduced hyperpigmentation
- Smoothing of fine lines and prevention of deeper wrinkles
While humans can get plenty of vitamin C through a proper diet, the benefits to your skin will be maximized through a topical treatment. The best way to add this essential vitamin to your skincare routine is through a serum.
Take Care of What You Have
You only get one set of skin—so, take care of it!
Protecting your skin will benefit not only your health but also your confidence. A glowing, clear complexion will have you feeling on top of the world—and these tips are the fastest way to get there.