This is the second part of our sunscreen series and you can read more about the basics of sunscreen (what is SPF, how much to apply, etc.) here.

In this article we will speak about mistakes that we should avoid, how to combine sunscreen with other products, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. 

HOW TO COMBINE SUNSCREEN WITH OTHER PRODUCTS 

Should you apply the product before or after the sunscreen? In general, you should not use too many products when applying sunscreen. We recommend a facial oil, serum, mist or a product containing hyaluronic acid. But of course, not all at once. The steps are as follows: 

1.) Cleanse

2.) Tone

3.) Apply facial oil or serum

4.) Apply SPF

Sun protection should always be applied after your facial oil. The purpose of sunscreen is to protect your skin from harmful UV light. It can only provide effective protection if it is in the uppermost layers of your skin. If you apply a facial oil over the sunscreen, it will either not be absorbed or... the sunscreen sinks into the deeper layers of your skin. Conclusion: Use face oil or serum before sunscreen.

WAYS YOU’RE MAKING YOUR SUNSCREEN LESS EFFECTIVE

1.) Not applying enough sunscreen

Whether you use a spray or a cream, you are probably not applying enough sunscreen. Make sure that every inch/cm of visible skin is covered with an even layer. We have mentioned in the last article that around a ¼ teaspoon dollop is enough for face and neck area.

For sprays, you should spray each part of your body for six seconds and then rub it in. Most people only do it for two, so it may not come naturally. The sticks (which are often used on the face) should be applied at least twice everywhere, do not forget your ears and eyelids. Make sure you wait at least 20 minutes before you go outside. This gives the ingredients a chance to take effect. 

2.) Don’t mix with fake tan

Although you can get a tan from (safe) sunbathing, many people long for a radiant pre-holiday day. But fake tan and sun protection do not go together. DHA (the active ingredient in the fake tan that makes the skin tan) really undermines UVA protection. A combination of sunscreen and incorrect tanning will not burn you, but it could put your health at risk.

3.) Does SPF makeup really work?

We don’t recommend relining only on a SPF makeup product. If done right, more layers of your skin can actually do a lot of good in the long run. But do not just rely on SPF make-up products with sun protection factor, because you need increased protection against free radical damage.

NATURAL INGREDIENT: ZINC OXIDE AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE 

Zinc oxide was the active ingredient in the very first sunscreen products that came on the market in the 1930s and protects against both UVA and UVB. The disadvantage of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is that they are visible and give the skin a white shimmer. But this is actually the part which protects the skin from UVA and UVB. The whitening effect decreases with decreasing particle size without compromising the protection against UV light.  

Really small particles, so-called nanoparticles, are smaller than 100 nanometres, i.e. 0.0001 millimeters. Laboratory studies have indicated that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can cause the formation of free radicals when exposed to UV light, which can be naturally harmful to cells. 

When buying sunscreen, it’s important to read the ingredient list and search for products that mention nanoparticles for Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. This specially applies to SPF lip balms, sunscreen on spray and when it comes to small children that keep putting their fingers in the mouth.