Why You Should Add Sunscreen to Your Morning Routine

The sun and its rays are absolutely essential to life on this planet. Not only do they provide energy for plants, but they also regulate our planet’s climate. But even though we need the sun to sustain life and regulate climate, its rays are strong enough to damage human DNA.

By creating a barrier, sunscreen acts as a shield against dangerous UV rays which are strong enough to penetrate exposed skin and even wet clothing. Because the sun’s rays can cause so much damage, we recommend incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine. Not only will you have protection against UVA and UVB rays that cause cancer, discoloration, and aging, but you will also be maintaining the health of the biggest organ of your body: Your skin.

Should I Add Sunscreen To My Morning Routine?

Adding sunscreen to your daily morning skincare routine is not just nice, it’s essential if you want to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Studies show that daily sunscreen use is an effective way to decrease the risk of skin cancer–one of the most common cancers in the United States. Other benefits you will enjoy by incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine are:

• Prevent unsightly skin problems like dark spots, redness, and dry skin
• Reduce the signs of early aging, like fine lines and wrinkles
• Protect your skin from sunburn–a painful experience that can increase your risk of developing skin cancer
• Keep skin healthy–proteins found in your skin like collagen, keratin, and elastin are protected by sunscreen
• Does double duty as a moisturizer–some sunscreens can have a moisturizing ingredient that will hydrate your skin

Can I Use Sunscreen As My Skincare Routine?

Absolutely! In fact, we highly encourage morning sunscreen use as part of a broader skin care regimen. It used to be that sunscreen felt heavy and sticky–definitely not something you want to apply underneath makeup. But with new products entering the market every year, sunscreen is becoming more sophisticated. Many sunscreens are now made from natural ingredients and don’t leave a sticky residue.

 

doTERRA is serious about healthy skin, so we created doTERRA sun Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion and doTERRA sun Body Mineral Sunscreen. Both these products leave your skin feeling amazing. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like avocado oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, our face and body lotion gives your skin hydration while delivering SPF 30 for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. In fact, wearing sunscreen on a daily basis is one of the best anti-aging tips we can give!

Can I Put Sunscreen On First Thing In The Morning?

Short answer? Yes! You would be wise to apply sunscreen first thing in the morning. Damaging UV exposure is most likely in North America between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., but protection from UV rays is important all year round. Dermatologists recommend that you apply sunscreen first thing in the morning, to your entire face, along with your neck and hands.

Because sunscreen starts to lose its effectiveness, dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, roughly every 2-3 hours. If you’re curious about the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen, here’s a quick breakdown of the facts:

Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral Sunscreen reflects UV rays by creating a physical barrier that blocks and reflects UV rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreen is gentler on sensitive skin and excellent for hyperpigmentation and melasma. It works for all skin types and works immediately after application. No waiting 20 minutes before hitting the beach!

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat which is then released from the skin and back into the atmosphere. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreen are oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate. Chemical sunscreens are more sheer, go on clearer, and come in a variety of application methods like oils, serums, and sprays.

What Step Is Sunscreen In The Morning Routine?

Applying sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine before putting on makeup. A typical morning skincare routine often looks like this: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, then sunscreen.

We always recommend applying sunscreen after you apply serums or moisturizers because these products will affect the amount of protection sunscreen can provide. However, to save time and money, consider purchasing a sunscreen product like doTERRA sun Face + Body Mineral Lotion, which combines moisturizers and sunscreen. Combining these two steps can save you time and money.

Also, follow these sunscreen application tips to get the best protection from your sunscreen product:

1. Apply to dry skin. Sunscreens work by interacting with the top layer of your skin to create a barrier that absorbs or reflects harmful UV rays before they can penetrate your skin. Wet skin limits the efficacy of this barrier.
2. Use a sunscreen that's broad-spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Dermatologists recommend that you use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. An SPF of 30 offers sunscreen protection of 97 percent of UVB light.
3. Apply evenly. If using a spray, apply in one spot for at least two seconds and rub in thoroughly. For sticks or creams, always apply two times to the exposed area.
4. Reapply every 80 minutes. Regardless of how well a sunscreen product is blocking UV radiation, this protection eventually wears off after a few hours.
5. Apply daily! We can’t stress this enough. This is the most effective way to decrease signs of aging and risk of skin cancer.

 

Make Sunscreen Your Daily Must-Have With doTERRA sun Mineral Sunscreens

If you want to protect against premature aging and protect your skin from sun damage, using sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine is an absolute must. Not only is sunscreen one of the best-kept secrets for anti-aging, but it also helps you maintain and enjoy healthy-looking skin that is glowing and radiant. The sun’s rays are everywhere, and even ambient lighting can expose your skin to the sun’s damaging rays. Using a daily sunscreen product will help you protect your skin while keeping it looking its best

 

Want to protect your skin? Reach for doTERRA sun Body Mineral Sunscreen and doTERRA sun Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen. Both are excellent choices for daily sunscreen use. Packed with moisturizing ingredients like avocado oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, and broad spectrum SPF 30, your morning skincare routine just got a whole lot easier.