It’s important to note that as we age, the elasticity and glow of our skin will naturally start to dimmer. If you’re looking to reverse the signs of aging and improve your skin’s appearance, there’s a 4-product process that can do just that.

The Core 4 Skincare Program is made up of 4 medical-grade skincare products to incorporate into our daily routine to rejuvenate your skin. These include growth factors, retinol/exfoliant, antioxidants, and sunscreen (which we’ll talk about today). The best part? This system is clinically published and tested with results that prove its purpose with astounding results.

Today, we’re going to break down what, why, and how to use sunscreen:

According to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), 70% of women and 85% of men don’t use sunscreen consistently. Though it’s commonly discussed between patients and their healthcare providers and aestheticians, this particular step in the skincare routine is either forgotten or creates a level of concern. Sunscreen should be a crucial part of your routine because it helps prevent premature aging and damage, as well as protects from serious health conditions like skin cancer (melanoma being the deadliest culprit).

If you’re concerned about sunscreen because it feels greasy on your skin or causes you to break out, there’s several solutions for this! Sunscreens come in many different types and can address any skin concern. Mineral sunscreens (which are powders) can be reapplied every few hours without build-up. Sunscreens can also have tints, which make application easy and reapplication easier. When purchasing a sunscreen, remember that medical-grade products have higher quality ingredients and more sophisticated technology, so the product application is more luxurious and can address any skin type.

What type of sunscreen should I purchase?

It is very important to find a product that offers “broad spectrum” protection. Broad spectrum means that it is protecting you from UVA and UVB rays, but don’t forget about infrared rays (heat). Make sure the product can protect your skin from all forms of exposure, and here at ReFresh, we can address any need or concern. Finally, there is a difference between physical and chemical sunscreen, which you need to know about:

Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converting the rays into heat and releasing them from the body. Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. Physical sunscreens are better for people who have skin issues or sensitivities, such as melasma, rosacea and delicate/sensitive skin. Lastly, there are combination physical/chemical sunscreens, which give you the best of both worlds.

The most important part about sunscreen: reapplication

Remember, sunscreen is not a “one and done” application. Even if it’s not sunny, UV rays are distributed during the day, so it’s important to play it safe by using sunscreen every single day, and reapplying throughout the day. Make it the last step in your daily routine and carry a mineral powder sunscreen with you for reapplication. It must be reapplied every two hours for the best results. Sunscreens are also not created equal, so make sure what you are using is approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation or other reputable professional organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

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