5 Uses of sunscreen

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Sunscreen is an important part of any skincare routine. It’s for all skin. This month, May is skin cancer awareness month. It’s recommended by experts that you should be using a broad spectrum formula, which protects you from both UVA and UVB rays with at least SPF 30. Did you know that on cloudy days up to 80% or more of UV (Ultra Violet) rays penetrate clouds? “An estimated 80 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun” – Skin Cancer Foundation.

Here are 5 Uses of Sunscreen:

  1. It lowers your risk of skin cancer.
  2. Prevents premature aging.
  3. Enhances skin health.
  4. Prevents sunburn.
  5. Reduces dark spots (hyperpigmentation).

Tips for choosing a sunscreen

  • Choose a sunscreen that is reef- safe
  • Opt for a mineral sunscreen
  • Go for a sunscreen that won’t give you a white cast especially if you have darker skin. One you can try is Coppertone Every Tone.

These sunscreens usually avoid harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and pthalates. Mineral-based sunscreens are normally based in the ingredients titanium oxide and mineral oxide.

References (click to view)

https://www.nps.gov/articles/concessions-sun-protection.htm#:~:text=Mineral-based%20sunscreens%20that%20use,and%20the%20biodiversity%20they%20support

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine#:~:text=Wearing%20sunscreen%20is%20one%20of,Anna%20Chien%20addresses%20common%20concerns

Basic skincare routine for complete beginners

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Capital Femme: Basic skincare routine for complete beginners

Now if you have never really had a set skincare routine, specifically for your face, that is and would like to learn where to start.

Then this post is for you.

Let me start by saying I get that online many sources are claiming that you need to have a 10-step skincare routine. All you need, especially as a beginner are three products: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. This is a simple yet powerful trio.

Your skin type will determine what kind of product you’ll buy. If you’re not sure what your skin type is.

You can check out this post.

For my oily skin readers, you want to choose a cleanser that’ll get into your pores to get rid of excess oil, any dirt and bacteria to prevent acne.

So you could choose a cleanser with salicylic acid.

Next, no matter what your skin type is, you need to moisturize. This helps reduce your chances of developing skin problems like acne and premature signs of aging (such as wrinkles). Urban Hydration’s Aloe Vera Daily Gel Moisturizer is a good one. Here’s a moisturizer that, in my opinion, is pretty universal. Read the full review of this product here.

Keep in mind you can choose products with multiple purposes. For example, Urban Hydration’s Aloe Vera Daily Gel Moisturizer will hydrate and brighten your skin.

Lastly, a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, now this step is especially important if you use a cleanser containing acid because it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

If you know you’ll be outdoors and exposed to the sun, you should apply sunscreen daily in the mornings. I like products that are good for my skin and the environment, so you can try Coppertone’s Everytone SPF 50 sunscreen. It’s non-comedogenic and water-resistant. Check out the full review here.

Now as you go along and have specific skin issues that you believe this trio aren’t solving then you can consider adding other products to your routine.

In conclusion, as a complete beginner, you only need three products in your skincare routine: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. In this post, we included one of each of the three you can try. Hope this was helpful.

3 Easy remedies for sunburn

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

A sunburn is the result of too much exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation from the sun or other UV light sources. It’s important to note that you can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared) radiation, but you cannot see or feel UV radiation causing damage to your skin.

Signs of sunburn

The symptoms of sunburn may not appear until a few hours after exposure to UV radiation. The signs of sunburn include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Blisters
  • Dry, itching or peeling of skin (usually days after the burn occurred)
  • Headache
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Dehydration

Remedies

1. Take frequent cool showers or baths to help alleviate pain. You can also apply wet or cool compresses to the skin. You may also want to consider taking an ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

2. Apply aloe vera or a moisturizer containing aloe or soy. This can help soothe sunburn. You may also consider getting hydrocortisone cream for itchiness and discomfort.

3. Try to avoid the sun. Stay indoors or in the shade to avoid exposure to the sun while you heal. The sun is most intense from 10 AM to around 4 PM. Any additional exposure to the sun can make sunburn worse.

Prevention in the future

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30).

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

Wear sun protective clothing like long sleeves and hats.

Avoid tanning beds and other sources of UV radiation.