Posts in category: Beauty & Skincare

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in our skincare routine. We slather it on our bodies before heading out for a day at the beach, but what about our faces? The skin on our face needs special attention and care.

When it comes to safeguarding our faces, the application of sunscreen is crucial, but do you know exactly how much sunscreen to use on your face? 

It’s important to apply enough to protect your skin, but using too much or the wrong type can also lead to skin irritation. Let Kate Somerville walk you through the ins and outs of facial sunscreen application and the proper amount to use for optimal protection.

Mastering Sunscreen Application

Ensuring thorough coverage without overdoing it is key to maintaining skin health and maximizing sun protection. Here are essential tips to achieve just that: 

• Measure the Right Amount: A common guideline is to use approximately two finger lengths of sunscreen to cover your face and neck adequately. This ensures you apply enough product to achieve the protection stated on the sunscreen label.

• Apply Evenly: Start by dotting sunscreen on your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck. Then, using gentle, upward motions, blend the sunscreen smoothly and evenly. Make sure to cover all exposed areas, including the hairline, jawline, and the tops of your ears.

• Layer It Right: If you use multiple skincare products in the morning, sunscreen should be the last step in your routine before applying makeup. Allow any moisturizers or serums to fully absorb into your skin before you apply sunscreen to ensure it forms an effective barrier against UV rays.

• Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen isn’t just a one-and-done deal in the morning. For continuous protection, reapply every two hours, or immediately after sweating, swimming, or towel drying. Using a setting spray with SPF can also help top up your face’s UV defense without disturbing makeup.

Why Facial Sunscreen is Important

The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, categorized as UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging, while UVB rays primarily lead to sunburn. Sun protection acts as a barrier that absorbs or reflects these harmful UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin and causing damage.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Choosing the right sunscreen will provide effective protection while suiting your skin type and lifestyle needs. Opt for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which shield against both UVA and UVB rays, to ensure comprehensive coverage. Additionally, consider your daily activities. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in the water, look for water-resistant formulas that maintain their efficacy as you sweat or swim.

With many benefits and easy application, HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops stand out as a clear choice for sun protection. This mineral-based sunscreen features an impressive 24.5% concentration of Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, one of the highest levels available on the market. Zinc oxide in sunscreen ensures superior defense against the sun’s damaging rays, but what makes our SPF drops special is that they don’t leave any white cast, blending seamlessly into the skin for a clear, radiant finish.

Beyond mere sun protection, HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops are meant to be part of your skincare routine. The formula of the SPF drops includes ectoin, a powerful ingredient known for supporting long-term skin health. Ectoin in skincare helps to fortify the skin’s barrier, safeguard against urban pollution, and maintain hydration levels, effectively contributing to a healthier, more resilient complexion.

Incorporating SPF drops into your daily skincare routine enhances skin quality with its moisturizing and illuminating properties of ectoin and zinc oxide. Our formula is engineered to hydrate, illuminate, and refine skin texture, leaving your skin looking luminous and evenly toned. By choosing a product that combines effective sun defense with skin health benefits, you’re taking a proactive step towards maintaining youthful, healthy skin in the face of everyday environmental challenges.

Types of Sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, chemical and mineral sunscreen are the two main types. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, while mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier that reflects the sun’s rays away from your skin. For those with sensitive skin or a preference for natural ingredients, mineral sunscreens, often containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are an excellent choice. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens offer a lightweight and transparent option for easy everyday wear.

So, when choosing between mineral vs chemical sunscreen, consider your skin type and preferences to ensure you’re getting the right protection for your needs.

What SPF to Choose

You’ve seen the letters SPF followed by a number on every sunscreen product, but what do you need to know about SPF? SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates the level of protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays. As we mentioned earlier, UVB rays are mainly responsible for causing sunburns. Dermatologists generally recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use.

For extended outdoor activities, such as beach days or hiking, consider using SPF 50 or above to safeguard your skin against prolonged UV exposure. Remember, sunscreen is not just for sunny days. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen on your face every day, regardless of the weather.

It’s important to understand that no sunscreen provides 100% protection, regardless of the SPF. The key lies in proper application and reapplication.

Optimizing Sunscreen Use

Getting the most out of your sunscreen not only includes choosing the right product but also integrating it into your routine effectively. This section will guide you through how to incorporate sunscreen effectively into your skincare routine, ensuring that your skin reaps the full spectrum of benefits from sun protection. Additionally, we will detail how much sunscreen you should be using to maintain optimal protection throughout the day, helping you prevent common mistakes that can lead to inadequate coverage.

Incorporating Sunscreen into Your Skincare Routine

Wondering if sunscreen helps acne, signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, etc? The answer to all of these is yes! Sunscreen offers a variety of benefits for the skin and incorporating it into your routine can work wonders. Here’s how to add sunscreen to your skincare routine:

• Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. The DeliKate® Soothing Cleanser is a great option, especially for sensitive skin.

• Toning: Use a toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and prepare it for the next steps.

• Serums and Moisturizers: Apply any serums or moisturizers you typically use. Wait a few minutes for them to absorb. If you’re looking to add a serum to your skincare routine, opt for a gentle yet effective one like the DeliKate® Recovery Serum that aids stressed skin and restores the skin’s protective barrier.

• Sunscreen: Apply the recommended amount of sunscreen to your face, neck, and any exposed areas.

• Makeup: If you wear makeup, apply it after the sunscreen has fully absorbed. Looking for extra protection, use the UncompliKated SPF 50 Setting Spray after applying makeup.

• Reapplication: Throughout the day, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or as needed, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.

The Correct Amount of Sunscreen to Use

Using the right amount of sunscreen is as important as selecting the correct SPF. Most people apply far less sunscreen than necessary, which can lessen its protective effects. When it comes to applying sunscreen on your face, the recommended amount is around 1⁄4 teaspoon. This may not seem like much, but applying enough is important to get adequate coverage. An alternative method to determine how much sunscreen you need is the two-finger rule. Squeeze out enough sunscreen to cover the length of two fingers.

A general rule is to cover all areas of exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and décolletage.

If you’re using a spray sunscreen, make sure to apply it generously to ensure complete coverage. It’s also recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

Achieving Full Sun Protection

Achieving full sun protection involves more than just applying sunscreen; it’s about making sun protection a regular part of your daily routine. Protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves can keep you out of harm’s way. Reapplication of sunscreen is also just as important as putting it on before you head out for the day. These combined efforts will help defend you against harmful UV rays, reducing your risk of sun damage and skin-related health issues.

Sun Protection for Healthy Skin

Among the various methods of sun protection, applying sunscreen is undoubtedly one of the most effective. However, the effectiveness of sunscreen largely depends on using the right amount, besides choosing the right type and SPF. Sun protection is the cornerstone of healthy, protected, and glowing skin.

When it comes to sun protection, don’t forget to also seek out shaded areas during the peak sun hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s radiation is at its strongest. If you wear makeup, consider using products that have built-in SPF to provide an additional protective barrier.

Remember, taking care of your skin is not just a seasonal concern but a year-round commitment. Prioritize your skin’s health, your skin will thank you for it!

Reapplication and Coverage Tips

To maintain the effectiveness of your sunscreen throughout the day, remember to reapply! Sunscreen can wear off due to sweat, water, or simply the passage of time, making regular touch-ups essential for continued protection.

• Reapply Regularly: As a general rule, reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are outdoors. However, if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel-drying, you might need to apply more frequently. A handy tip is to set a reminder on your phone as a prompt to reapply.

• Ensure Complete Coverage: When reapplying, don’t overlook areas like the tops of your feet, back of the neck, and the ears, which are often missed but still vulnerable to UV damage. For the face, a mineral-based powder sunscreen can be a convenient reapplication option over makeup.

• Use Adequate Amounts: Make sure to use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Keep the two-finger rule in mind as you reapply to get the most protection out of your chosen product without overdoing it.

Embracing these reapplication and coverage tips will help you achieve comprehensive sun protection, keeping your skin healthy and shielded against the premature aging effects of sun exposure.

We hope this guide to how much SPF for face protection has illuminated a sure path to staying safe while basking in the sun.

Your life’s dilemmas and stresses lie in healing your mother-wound, Scorpio. Some of you may have had a stressful relationship with your mother figure and some may have wanted to be loved in a slightly different manner. Now is not the time to power through and turn a blind eye to your recurring emotional challenges and constant fears. It is a time where you get to sift through and choose wisely. Remember that at a soul level, we can only evolve if we experience the opposite of what we wish to master. So if your soul’s growth lesson is freedom – only when you face constriction in some way can you understand how to master freedom and fly. So whatever you wish was different in your life, today is the day to objectively try and assess how it has helped you grow and what it has taught you – you will find your strength and peace in the answers you find.

Cosmic tip: Bless yourself and your loved ones as they only love the way they know how to love.

How many different cleansers have you tried over the years? Some left your skin glowing. Others might have left it feeling tight and stripped. Your skin knows what it likes—but do you know why?

Today, we’ll break down the ideal ingredients and textures to look for in a facial cleanser, plus a few cleansing tips and techniques. Last but not least, we’ll reveal the two styles of cleansers that every skin type loves.

The benefits of facial cleansing

Have you ever thought about how many times you touch your face in a day? One study showed an average of 23 times per hour! On top of that, your skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors. So, between pollution, sweat, sebum, cosmetics, and a build-up of impurities, it goes through quite a bit.

That’s why the first step in your skincare routine is ever-important for a clear, vibrant, healthy complexion. But the benefits of an effective cleanser can go even further.

Here are a few more things that a good face cleanser can do:

• Help keep pores clean: Pores help bring natural oils to the surface of your skin, keeping it balanced and hydrated.
• Set the rest of your routine up for success: A clean canvas makes it easier for the products you apply after to do their job.
• Gently exfoliate: Cleansing helps to remove any dead skin cells hanging around, smoothing and softening skin’s texture overall.
• Support the skin barrier: Washing your face helps reinforce your skin’s natural processes for keeping things clean and healthy. These functions work to protect against environmental aggressors that can damage the skin.

How should you cleanse your face?

As the first step, cleansing sets the tone for the rest of your daily skincare routine. Make the most of it with these expert tips:

1. Cleanse twice daily—makeup or not

Cleansing isn’t just for makeup days! Your skin naturally collects dirt, oil, and sunscreen residue (which, by the way, you should apply daily). Even with a bare face, a good cleanse keeps your skin fresh and healthy.

In fact, it’s an essential step for both your AM and PM regimen:

• Morning: Remove excess oil and prep your skin for the day.
• Night: Wash away impurities and product buildup.

2. Lukewarm water for the win

Water that’s too hot or cold can be too much, especially for certain skin types. Lukewarm water is just right—effective, gentle, and refreshing.

3. Treat your skin with care

Your skin deserves a little love. Apply your cleanser in gentle circular motions, and when rinsing, lightly pat dry—no rubbing needed.

Start the search for your perfect cleanser

Choosing a facial cleanser isn’t just another step in your routine—it’s the foundation of healthy, radiant skin. Water alone can’t remove all impurities, so reach for a cleanser that does the job while respecting your skin’s natural balance.

But with so many options, how do you find the right one? It all comes down to your skin type, your needs, and what you want from a cleanser. From lightweight oils to gels, texture matters—but most importantly, it should suit your skin and make it feel great.

Here are two types of facial cleansers that typically work well with all skin types:

Oil cleanser

Cleansing oils are a beauty industry favorite. If it’s not your favorite type of cleanser (yet), now’s the time to explore your options. Your skin will thank you later!

Instead of making your skin feel heavy, cleansing oils are great at trapping dirt and removing impurities. How? Oil attracts oil. Simply put, oil cleansers dissolve and remove oil-based substances that accumulate on the face, such as makeup residue, sunscreen, excess sebum, and so on. That means it’s suitable for all skin types, even oily skin.

Our recommendation: Essential Cleansing

This award-winning cleanser melts the day away — leaving nothing behind but soft, glowing skin. When it comes into contact with water, Essential Cleansing turns into an emulsion that leaves skin clean, hydrated, and soft.

How to use it:

Apply to a dry face. To remove eye makeup, use your fingertips and massage gently with your eyes closed. Moisten the skin with lukewarm water, massage until the oil turns into an emulsion, and rinse with plenty of water.

This might be your perfect cleanser if you:

• Apply makeup regularly (foundation, mascara, eyeliner…)
• Live in an urban environment (this formula helps remove pollution particles on skin)
• Are looking for an effective cleanser that leaves your skin hydrated
• Enjoy dedicating time to your facial cleansing ritual
• Have dry, combination, normal, sensitive or oily skin

Micellar water

When it comes to facial cleansing, you might only think of products that work when they come into contact with water. But there’s one convenient, effective option that removes makeup and deeply cleanses the skin—and you don’t even need to rinse it off.

We’re talking about micellar water. This type of cleanser has a loyal following, and it’s easy to understand why. Its secret lies in its micelles, which are tiny particles that trap and dissolve dirt and oil on the skin. These little heroes are similar to the skin’s natural composition. So, they can get rid of daily grime, while still being kind to your skin’s natural protective barrier.

Our recommendation: Micellar Solution

This fan-favorite formula gently removes makeup and impurities without altering the skin’s natural barrier. Even better? ISDIN Micellar Solution also gently tones and moisturizes the skin.

How to use it:

Soak a cotton pad in micellar water and gently smooth it over your face and neck. Remember: no rinse needed!

This might be your perfect cleanser if:

• You’re looking for an effective cleanser that gets the job done fast
• You need an on-the-go option that doesn’t require rinsing
• You’re a skinimalist: the 4-in-1 formula removes makeup, cleanses, tones, and hydrates in one single step
• You’ve got sensitive skin. Its soap-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free formula helps prevent irritation

You asked, we’ve answered

What are the five basic steps of skincare?

Step 1: Cleanse

Step 2: Apply eye contour cream

Step 3: Apply your serum

Step 4: Moisturize

Step 5: Protect skin with sunscreen

How do I know if I’m over-cleansing?

Skin that feels tight, dry, sensitive, or patchy can signal that you’ve gotten a little over-enthusiastic with cleansing. But if you’ve only been washing once or twice a day and things still feel a bit off, your cleanser or cleansing technique might be to blame.

Some cleanser formulas actually contain strong surfactants. So while they can be great at dissolving dirt and unwanted oils, they can also irritate skin and throw its pH off balance.

Try sticking to the tips above and switching to skin-friendly formulas like micellar waters or oil cleansers and see if things change.

Why do I sometimes get more pimples after washing my face?

Dirt and oil are the main culprits in many breakouts. So, washing your skin should make things better right? That depends. If you’re washing your face too much or using a harsh, drying cleanser, your skin can start to overcompensate and produce more oil.

That’s actually one of the reasons why oil cleansers can be a great choice for acne-prone skin. They work to attract and remove excess oil — keeping things balanced overall.

Now that you know what kind of facial cleanser works for you, it’s time to add it to your daily routine. Happy, healthy, beautiful skin to follow!

Editorial Team

Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.