SPF & Anti-Aging: How COOLA’s Sunscreens Double as Skincare for Preventing Wrinkles
The Secret to Looking Younger: Sunscreen
With so many products in the market right now claiming to be the secret to youthful-looking skin, it can be overwhelming to find one that actually works. In fact, most health and beauty manufacturers recommend using a cocktail of skin care products. Apply this. Apply that. While we can't guarantee that all of those will work, what if we told you that you only need anti-aging skincare with SPF sunscreen that prevents aging from experiencing changes in your skin? Of all the anti-aging products available, one stands out as the most important—SPF!
What is SPF?
Sunscreen is essential! SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how effectively a sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Both UVA and UVB rays are damaging to the skin, leading to sunburn, premature skin aging, and, in severe cases, skin cancer. According to a study on the connection between sun exposure and skin cancer, exposure to ultraviolet radiation is estimated to be associated with 80-90% of skin cancers.
Does the Sun Damage Skin?
The simple answer is a resounding YES. Sun damage is the biggest cause of premature aging, accounting for up to 80% of the visible signs of aging.2 Did you know that it only takes 15 minutes of exposure for the sun to damage your skin? Environmental stressors and genetics can also contribute to aging, but sun damage is one of the most preventable factors.
What are the Common Signs of Aging Skin?
UV exposure can cause sunburn, dark spots, and wrinkles, all of which can contribute to premature aging. This damage causes changes in the skin, such as age spots and freckles, along with the loss of skin tone (or a decrease in elasticity), a rough, uneven skin texture, and even broken capillaries (aka spider veins), usually around your nose and chest.
How Can You Minimize Sun Damage?
The answer is sunscreen. But even with sunscreen, not many people use it effectively. Here are a few tips to ensure you protect your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays:
Use Sunscreen Daily
It's essential to incorporate a daily dose of sun protection into your skincare routine to help protect and preserve your skin's youthful appearance. Daily. Rain or shine. Summer or winter. Remember, the sun is always out and the sun's rays are always coming down, whether we think they are strong or not. By using a daily SPF, you can help protect your skin from sun damage, reducing your risk of developing fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Choose a Sunscreen With a High SPF Number
Higher SPF numbers offer greater protection. While the differences seem minimal for a moment in time, higher SPFs block out more UV rays over time. For example, an SPF 30 blocks out 97% of the sun's UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks out 98%. So, the SPF 30 allows 50% more UV radiation through (3% of UV rays get through versus only 2%). This then builds up cumulatively over time.
Use the Three-Finger Rule
Many people tend to underapply the amount of sunscreen they need, which can cause skin damage. While a high SPF can help to combat the underapplication, you can never be too sure. To ensure you get enough protection, use the three-finger rule, which recommends that you line the entire length of three fingers (index, middle, and ring finger) with sunscreen.
How Often Do You Need to Apply Sunscreen?
Okay, so now that you know that you need to apply sunscreen daily, how often do you need to reapply it? Our rule of thumb is to reapply your sunscreen or SPF-packed product every 2 hours when you're outside or immediately after swimming or sweating. Over time, consistent use of SPF can help slow down the aging process by preventing further damage to your healthy skin.
If you're incorporating SPF into your daily skincare routine, you may be wondering: Should I apply sunscreen before or after my moisturizer? The order in which you apply sunscreen is important in order to get the best results from your products. Some argue that applying a moisturizer or serum before can create a barrier and reduce the effectiveness of your sunscreen, while others believe the opposite. If you're looking to simplify your routine and get the best results, we recommend our Refreshing Water Cream or Hydration Stick, which combines the steps of SPF for sun exposure and moisturization.
How to Pick the Right Sunscreen
Looking for a sunscreen that prevents aging? It's best to select a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage for protection against UVA and UVB rays. Aim for an SPF rating of at least 30, as this indicates the product's capability of shielding against UVB rays. COOLA has many high SPF offerings for different needs, as shown below.
Daily SPF Protection
For daily use, our organic Refreshing Water Cream SPF 50 offers high protection in a water-light SPF moisturizer. For more active days in the sun, our COOLA Classic Face Lotion SPF 50 and COOLA Classic Face Mist SPF 50 offer broad-spectrum, water-resistant protection, while our COOLA Classic Spray SPF 70 offers our highest protection level yet.
For daily protection that does more, try our Dew Good Illuminating Serum Sunscreen SPF 30. Our silky serum goes on sheer to instantly illuminate for a dewy, hydrated look with weightless SPF 30 protection. But that's just the beginning of its beautiful benefits. The organic formula goes beyond SPF to help mitigate the effects of blue light, pollution, and other environmental stressors with our BlueScreen™ Digital De-Stress™ technology. Plus, you can experience the benefits of probiotic technology in this skincare product, which improves moisture retention and supports your skin's natural, youthful glow.
SPF for Makeup
For protection when you're in the mood for makeup, try our Makeup Setting Spray Sunscreen SPF 30. Our organic SPF 30 sunscreen spray provides sheer sun protection and keeps your morning makeup fresh until you hit the hay. Talk about a multitasker! Infused with soothing Aloe Vera and cooling Cucumber, this matte-finish sunscreen mist also hydrates. Spritz on the SPF mist for weightless, no-shine protection anytime, anywhere.
SPF for Sensitive Skin
For protection for sensitive skin, try our Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30. Our organic, mineral formula provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while our proprietary plant-derived BlueScreen™ Digital De-Stress™ technology helps mitigate the effects of HEV light (including blue light), IR, and pollution. This silky, sheer formula is clinically proven to provide breakout-free protection for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Body Lotions for Long Active Days in the Sun
For protection during those long active days in the sun, try our Classic Face Lotion and Mist SPF 50, Classic Spray 70, and Body Lotion 70. Our organic face and body lotions and sprays offer sun protection and moisture in one, providing sheer broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while hydrating skin. These formulas feature powerful protection that’s unbelievably light and sheer, making them perfect for those long active days in the sun but still light enough for everyday use. Plus, they're packed with our proprietary Plant Protection® complex to help fight free radicals.
SPF for Wrinkles
If you're looking for an SPF for wrinkles, we recommend trying our Firming Face Oil SPF 30 and Firming Body Oil Mist SPF 30. These oils provide firmness and moisturization, which are essential for improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in aging skin. While oil-based, these products are non-comedogenic, which means they won't clog your pores. Our organic Anti-Aging Sun Silk Drops SPF 30 can also prevent premature aging. Rich in Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, this product helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fights oxidative stress.
SPF for Sun Protection
Lastly, our Refreshing Water Plumping Gel Serum SPF 30 is also as effective for sun protection. This lightweight formula contains ingredients such as coconut water, organic aloe, and hyaluronic acid, which are essential for boosting the skin's ability to retain hydration. It also contains Marine-derived Alaria Esculenta Extract, which encourages the skin to produce collagen, which is vital for maintaining the skin's youthful appearance.
Sources:
- Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J. The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2020;192(50):E1802-E1808. doi: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.201085
- Sun protection. Aad.org. Published 2023. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection
- Center. Sun Protection Factor (SPF). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published 2018. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/sun-protection-factor-spf
