Sunscreen and Face Masks
Lets bust a big myth that’s taking over these days:
Myth: We don’t need to wear sunscreen under our masks
WRONG!
Whomever perpetuated this concept truly wished wrinkles upon everyone. Masks are amazing for protecting one another from the spread of COVID-19. However, just because half of the face is hidden, does not mean it is protected from the powerful rays of the sun. You have to continue wearing sunscreen to prevent sun damage which can occur through the masks.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Dr. Orit Markowitz, director of pigmented lesions and skin cancer at Mount Sinai in New York City states that a typical cloth face mask gives you only about SPF 7 sun protection. Lose fabric can also be detrimental to skin protection from UV rays. The colour of the face mask also plays a role in skin protection. Lighter coloured masks provide less UV rays protection than darker coloured masks.
The mask may be covering our skin but don’t underestimate how powerful UV rays are. If you’re skipping the sunscreen step of your skincare routine, you might as well throw your entire routine out the window. Here’s a quick reminder for why you need sunscreen.
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Decrease the risk of skin cancer
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Keeps your complexion even
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Helps protect against premature aging
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Prevents darks spots and lines
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Keeps the skin healthy overall.
The biggest concerns I’ve heard a few of my followers have had is that sunscreen makes makeup look cakey especially after wearing a mask, and of course the fear of developing maskne. Who would’ve thought we’d have to be mindful about how we treat our skin while wearing a face mask in public. Maskne with sunscreen is easily preventable. Make sure you never reuse a mask or clean your reusable masks everyday, and be careful of the type of sunscreen you use!
Check out these options below so you no longer have any excuse for not wearing sunscreen underneath your masks!
A fragrance-free SPF 50 lotion formulated to be water and sweat resistant. This non-greasy formula sinks into the skin effortlessly with no white residue. Hyaluronic Acid soothes and moisturizes the skin while Non-Nano Zinc Oxide blocks UVA + UVB rays.
Key ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid,
Rosehip Seed Oil
Avocado Oil
SPF for the lips
Salt and Stone SPF 30 Lip Balm ($10)
The lips are part of the face so it is important not to neglect lip care. This lip balm is colour and scent free and provides extra protection for the lips.
SPF for Makeup
Salt and Stone Tinted SPF 50 Face Stick ($25)
This tinted sunscreen face stick glides on the skin like silk and gives the face a summer glow. The product has no scent and is perfect for the on-the-go touchups.
B.Beautiful Tinted Primer with SPF ($53.50)
The perfect mix between tinted moisturizer, primer and SPF, this product is a sheer, tinted primer with broad spectrum sun protection. Hydrates, helps protect and smooth skin, even tone and warm complexion with a subtle radiance and is great for all skin types.
Don’t punish your skin, wear your sunscreen and it’ll thank you in a few years!