How to Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage When You Reflekt

Sunscreen and your Reflekt regimen have a symbiotic relationship. While sun protection is always critical, it is especially important when you’re exfoliating regularly. Why, you ask? Well, let’s break it down.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) defines exfoliation as the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. This transformative process reveals a fresh, more delicate layer sans impurities, so you’ll notice an instantly healthy glow. But, without this extra barrier of dead skin to block environmental aggressors like ultraviolet (UV) rays, your newly exposed (albeit radiant) complexion is left more susceptible to sun damage.

To properly protect your skin, especially when exfoliation is part of your regimen, the AAD recommends the following:

1. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above.

This will help prevent sunburn caused by damaging ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) rays while lowering your risk of melanoma (skin cancer), which is the most common cancer in the United States, impacting 1 in 5 Americans by the age of 70.

2. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen.

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, using old SPF is simply not worth the risk. Check the date to make sure your product isn’t outdated to ensure your protection is actually effective.

3. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Did you know sunscreen takes at least 15 minutes to properly absorb? Applying it before you go outside is, therefore, key to making sure it’s actually covering you once you step outside. Not to mention that lathering it on indoors (before you dress) is the secret to not missing any spots.

4. Make sure to cover all exposed areas.

By “cover” we mean both with sunscreen and/or protective clothing, like sunglasses and hats. When it comes to SPF, don’t forget those often neglected areas like your ears, neck, chest, feet, and hands. Not only will this keep you from getting sunburn but it’ll help you avoid awkward tan lines, too.

5. Reapply, reapply, reapply.

Reapplying your sunscreen at least every 2 hours (or as directed on the SPF bottle) is essential but it’s important to do so even more frequently when you are swimming or sweating excessively. Yes, this is true even if your SPF is waterproof, trust us!

Now, after a long day of sunscreen and sweat, a gentle yet effective skincare regimen is equally as important and our four-step system is the best way to refresh and balance your pH and reset your complexion. Together, sun protection and the Reflekt system are a match made in heaven, working wonders to keep your skin healthy, happy, and glowing.