Arielle Knoble Arielle Knoble

5 Sunscreen Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Skin

It all begins with an idea.

Sunscreen is an essential part of taking care of our skin. Dermatologists across the board have recognized the benefits of sunscreen, and how it can promote healthy skin while protecting it from the dangers of ultraviolet radiation.

“We can protect things from building up that can increase premature aging and the risk of skin cancer,” says Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist and the CEO and founder of sun-safe clothing brand AmberNoon.

While the benefits of skin cancer are evident, many still fail to use sunscreen correctly and effectively. Even if you take the time to apply sunscreen, there are common mistakes that undermine its effectiveness.

To help you get the most out of your sunscreen, we’ll uncover some of the most common mistakes together.


  1. Disregarding the Product Label

When was the last time you read the label on your sunscreen

Paying attention to the label on your sunscreen can give you insights into the strengths of the product, as well as reasons not to use it.

But even when reading the labels, many struggle with making sense of them.

So, what should we look for on the label of our sunscreen?

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, one of the best ways to protect your skin is to use a sunscreen with the label, “broad spectrum.”

“Broad spectrum” means that the sunscreen can protect against both types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA is often associated with skin aging, while UVB is associated with skin burning. To maintain healthy skin, protection from both is critical.

Another label to check for is the SPF on your sunscreen - make sure that its an SPF of 30 or higher!

According to Northwestern Medicine, an SPF of 30 is high enough to block 97 percent of sun rays, which is often high enough to protect your skin. The higher the SPF from there, the smaller the difference becomes, with SPF 50 blocking 98 percent of sun rays.

Finally, check the labels for the term “water resistant.” This tells you that the sunscreen will stay on wet or sweaty skin for an extended period of time before you need to reapply. Water resistance lasts anywhere between 40-80 minutes.

2. Not Applying Sunscreen Daily

While weather is always changing, your skincare routine shouldn’t.

Rain or shine, it’s important to apply sunscreen daily, and not just when you go to the beach.

The World Health Organization states (WHO) that a high amount of  UV rays can pass through clouds. So whether it’s sunny or not, no matter the time of year, we should be applying sunscreen every day.

Even during winter and rainy seasons, the sun’s rays can be harmful.

“Reflective surfaces, such as water, sand and fresh snow, increase the UVR level,” states WHO.

The World Health Organization also states that sunscreen application is important even indoors. UVA rays can pass through most windows, leading to skin aging and cancer. 

So rather than mulling it over based on the day ahead of you, practice consistent application for maximum skin protection.

3. Not Using Enough Sunscreen 

Just slapping on sunscreen won’t cut it- to get proper coverage, you need to make sure you’re putting on enough.

To make sure you’re applying an adequate amount of sunscreen, Dermatologist Elizabeth Buzney suggests applying it like a thick coat of paint over your skin.

So how much sunscreen is enough? “Put one ounce of sunscreen on your entire body, or enough to fill one shot glass. And don’t forget your face,” suggests Dr. Buzney.

“Your head and neck make up 4 percent of your surface area, according to dermatologist and founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care, Cynthia Bailey, MD

Calculate that out and that means when putting sunscreen on your face, you’ll need to apply about .04 ounces of sunscreen. 

4. Using an Expired Bottle

It’s true: sunscreen does not last forever. Even if the sunscreen doesn’t explicitly say when it’s good until, its shelf life is not indefinite.

The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years. If you are using sunscreen older than three years, it may not be as effective as it could be.

The American Academy of Dermatology also advises readers to store their sunscreen in cool conditions away from direct sunlight, as overheating the bottle can break down the ingredients faster than they otherwise would.

If you are unsure of the age of your sunscreen and you notice visible signs of expiration, like a change in color or consistency, it’s time to toss the old bottle and buy a new one!


5. Incorrect Sunscreen Application

There’s more to wearing sunscreen besides the sheer amount of it. It’s also important that you apply correctly.

According to the FDA, you should apply 15 minutes before sun exposure. This allows the sunscreen enough time to absorb into your skin to provide maximum protection.

Applying 15 minutes before sun exposure isn’t all though. To ensure your sunscreen keeps protecting you, you need to be reapplying every 2 hours. If you’re sweating or swimming, you need to reapply even sooner.

Another tip from the FDA is to know your skin. Fair skinned people are likely to absorb more solar energy than dark-skinned people under the same conditions and may be more likely to burn.

The following stated in article by FDA. Different article from above. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun

Make sure you remember those easy to forget spots!

Frequently forgotten spots:

  • Ears

  • Lips (use SPF lip balm)

  • Feet

  • Hands

  • Back of neck

  • Along the hairline

Our Recommendations for Sunscreens to Try

Now that you know how to apply sunscreen, the next question is, which products do you try?

If you need help picking the right product for your needs, here are our top 3 recommendations:

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 

This product is suitable for all skin types.

Board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, recommends this product for all skin types, saying: "It's a lightweight emulsion that delivers moisture and mineral zinc oxide for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy,"


UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen 

This sunscreen is a great option for acne-prone skin. Tiffany J. Libby, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Brown Dermatology, recommends this product, saying, “I truly love it for all, and not just acne-prone patients. The product’s niacinamide, for example, can help counteract breakout-induced redness, but can also even out and brighten skin that doesn’t happen to be acne-prone.”

Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40

This is a great product for dry skin. Esthetician and founder of Stalle Studios, Elizabeth Hand, recommends this product, and even says that she uses daily. 

“The formulas are next level,” she says. She goes on to say that Dr. Loretta, creator of the product, “spent part of her career working the creator of the Fitzpatrick Scale , the universal classification system used to categorize human skin pigmentation and its response to UV light exposure, so she knows a thing or two about SPF.”


Applying Sunscreen the Right Way


Avoiding these common sunscreen mistakes can make all the difference in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. 

So think when you apply!

You don’t want to waste and money on purchasing and applying sunscreen without using it in an effective way. So apply often and generously, and read your labels and expiration dates.

When you build good habits around sunscreen, your skin will stay beautiful and protected.

Here’s to a summer of happy, healthy, unburned skin!


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Arielle Knoble Arielle Knoble

How To Build A Skincare Routine In Less Than 10 Minutes

It all begins with an idea.

BY: ALEC SLOVENEC

Not sure how to build the perfect skincare routine? Looking for a refresher on the basics? 

If you’re new to the world of skincare, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting information online. 

In recent years, there has been a gigantic influx of skincare “gurus” all swearing by their own personal routines, and average consumers can often struggle to make sense of it all. 

And forget about building a skincare routine on your own. One trip to the skincare aisle can have your head spinning just by looking at all the cleansers, serums, and toners available. Where do you get started? And which products are best?

We feel your pain, and that’s why we’re here to help! Consider this expert-backed guide your go-to skincare resource.

In truth, a skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. Let’s break down the fundamentals. Consider this your essential guide to beginning a basic skincare routine.

Build An Easy Routine

“In creating your first skincare routine, keep it simple,” recommends Michelle Farber, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.

For beginners, we strongly recommend building an easy-to-follow regimen—one that doesn’t require you to read a novel every time you get ready in the morning.

Much like a diet, the harder you make it for yourself, the less likely you are to stick to it.

 Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, agrees—don’t complicate your routine. “The fewer products to apply means fewer products you forget to use. So keeping it simple usually helps people stay on track with regular use of their products… While 12-step routines are popular, they may not work any better than one or two steps.”

So where to start? The basic steps of a skincare routine should always include the following, done in the following order:

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step in a solid skincare routine is to cleanse.

Cleansing removes excess oil, makeup, dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells that build up on your skin over time. After cleansing, your skin will have a clean foundation for you to apply products like moisturizer, makeup, etc.

But how often should you cleanse your skin?

A good rule of thumb is to cleanse both in the morning and evening. Carolyn Stull, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains that morning face washing “can help remove excess sebum and dead skin cells, which can clog the pores.”

One exception to the rule of cleansing in the morning is if you have dry or sensitive skin. Using cleansers can overly strip sensitive skin, which is why experts suggest skipping face wash and just using water in the morning.

Cleansing in the evening, however, should never be skipped. “At the end of the day, it’s important to cleanse to remove not only skin-care products and makeup that you applied in the morning, but also excess oil, sweat, dead skin cells, pollutants, and other debris that collect on the skin throughout the day," Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains.

Experts recommend opting for a gentle, hydrating cleanser regardless of your skin type. “Any skin type will tolerate a hydrating cleanser,” Farber explains. Additionally, she says to look for one that is fragrance-free, has minimal ingredients to avoid irritation, and has ceramides and glycerin to restore and maintain the skin barrier. 

Here are a couple of cleanser picks to get you started:

Step 2: Moisturize

The second essential piece of the skincare puzzle is moisturizing.

Our skin is the outermost defensive layer of our body. It’s easy for skin to dry out from the many conditions we subject ourselves to on a daily basis.

According to Healthline, “When the skin doesn’t retain adequate moisture, it can become dry or rough. This occurs because of environmental influences, frequent cleansing or bathing, or medical conditions.”

Moisturizer can form a barrier between your skin and the environment, which can help combat cold air from drying out your skin. 

We all know moisturizing your skin is essential to building a healthy routine. But which moisturizer should you buy?

“I typically recommend an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer, as this will be well tolerated in [all] skin types, from acne-prone to sensitive.” says Michelle Farber, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

While every skin type can benefit from moisturizing, you can address your skin’s specific needs by searching for products with ingredients that address your skin’s unique problems.

For example, moisturizers that use hyaluronic acid plump skin and restore lost hydration. Products that include ceramides are crucial for skin barrier strength and overall health (and especially important for those with dry skin and eczema). Products with Vitamin C provide antioxidant protection and overall skin brightening. And so on.

For those with oily skin, we recommend seeking out non-comedogenic moisturizers. The term “non-comedogenic” on a product label means that the ingredients will not block pores and cause further breakouts. 

According to Village Dermatology, “The medical definition of a non-comedogenic ingredient is an ingredient that will not block the pores in the skin. Pores are tiny openings in the skin’s surface through which the skin releases oil and sweat. Clogged pores are a common cause of acne. The buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores in the skin. People with oily skin are more likely to have clogged pores. Using non-comedogenic skincare products can help to prevent clogged pores and reduce or eliminate acne breakouts.”

There are also non-comedogenic oils that hydrate and moisturize your skin without blocking pores. Here are some examples:

  • Sunflower oil

  • Grapeseed oil

  • Hempseed oil

  • Neem oil

  • Sweet almond oil

  • Shea Butter

  • Coconut Oil

If you have acne-prone skin, it’s a good idea to look for these ingredients in your skincare products. Many skincare products are labeled “non-comedogenic” to save you the trouble of checking the ingredients individually.”

Regardless of your skin condition, daily moisturizer use is always important. In fact, washing your skin without moisturizer can trigger an overproduction of oil on your skin.

Here are a few effective moisturizers we recommend based on your skin’s needs: 

Step 3: Protect

Cleansing and moisturizing your skin are great ways to keep it healthy and clean. But if you want to keep it healthy in the long term, protect it with sunscreen.

Experts strongly recommend wearing sunscreen every day - and yes, even on cloudy days.

“Sunscreen is your first line of defense and protection against skin cancer.” “If you were to do nothing else for your skin, sun protection is the most important.” says Dermatologist Michelle Farber.

Products with an SPF of 30 or higher will ensure your skin is fully protected.

According to Arizona Dermatology, sunscreen not only reduces the user’s risk of skin cancer, but also prevents the effects of photoaging, including dark spots and wrinkles.

“When it comes to sunscreen, the most important thing to know is that you need to put it on before you go outside. Period. What’s more, you have to apply face and body sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside, allowing it to absorb into your skin, as Dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman explained.

After applying sunscreen and makeup, the next step to consider is reapplication. Most recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, but this is only an estimation. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, it may require you to reapply more or less frequently than every two hours on the dot.

Apply your sunscreen generously to get the maximum potential of protection. Acne.com recommends that the average adult needs a little more than a ½ teaspoon (3mL) to cover their face and neck” 

Here are some sunscreens we recommend based on your skin type:

Building Your Perfect Routine

When building and maintaining a skincare routine, it's essential to focus on three key principles:

1. Consistency: Regular application of skincare products is crucial for achieving and maintaining results. Whether it’s cleansing, moisturizing, or applying treatments, sticking to a daily routine ensures that your skin benefits from the products over time.

2. Simplicity: Start with a basic routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Then, gradually add more specific treatments, like serums or exfoliants, based on your skin’s needs. Overcomplicating your routine can lead to irritation or make it harder to maintain.

3. Adaptability: Your skin's needs can change due to factors like age, season, or lifestyle. Be prepared to adjust your routine accordingly. For example, you might need a heavier moisturizer in winter or switch to a lighter formula in summer. Listening to your skin and adapting your products as needed is vital for long-term skin health.

Despite the overwhelming amount of information available online, you can keep your routine very simple and effective with these key principles in mind.

Above all else, listen to your body. If your skin doesn’t respond well to certain products, don’t try to force them into your routine. With the endless amount of products, there’s no reason to use moisturizers and oils that aren’t suited to meet your skin’s needs.

Thanks for reading, happy shopping, and good luck on your skincare journey!

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Arielle Knoble Arielle Knoble

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Read More
Arielle Knoble Arielle Knoble

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Read More