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When people talk skincare, the emphasis is often on quality, sometimes luxury, serums and moisturizers that have the power to transform the texture, tone, and overall appearance of your skin.
But unless basic anti-aging skin needs are being addressed, all of the fancy products in the world aren’t going to be worth the expense.
Not sure where to start? This is the one skincare mistake you’re making that can add YEARS to your face.
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You Aren’t Using Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen isn’t the most exciting skincare product — but it’s the number one most important anti-aging product in your toolkit. Despite its name, sunscreen isn’t just for sunny summer days — and one big skincare mistake we make is either skipping on the product altogether or only using it when temps climb higher than 80 degrees.
A broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and is at least SPF 25 (and, ideally, higher) should be worn each and every day — sunshine OR cloudy skies.
Just how important is sunscreen to your anti-aging skincare routine? SO important.
A recent study followed 900 participants for four years and found, using micro topography technology, that participants who used sunscreen daily experienced FAR LESS skin damage than those who did not. That means regular sunscreen use can ward off fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation that creates uneven skin tone.
There are a number of sunscreens on the market — both chemical and physical. The best sunscreen is always the sunscreen you’ll actually use. But if you’re searching for a great recommendation, it doesn’t get much better than La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 — an affordable option with a high SPF that’s free of oxybenzone and won’t irritate sensitive and dry skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60, $20, Amazon
Sunscreen is (for the most part) a self-explanatory product to apply. But a few things to keep in mind: it should be the last product in your skincare routine – after moisturizer. Always apply a quarter-size amount 20 minutes before you know you’ll be exposed to the sun. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours (or sooner if you are going for a swim).
