From Beach to Street: Incorporating SPF Into Your Daily Routine

Are you wearing sunscreen every day? Not just when you’re at the beach or pool. We’re talking every day. Because you really should be. SPF (sun protection factor) is a crucial part of year-round skin care routines. Daily sun exposure can contribute to skin aging and damage. This is even true for incidental exposure, like through windows while driving or on cloudy days. No thank you!

Dermatologists agree that the best sunscreen is one you actually want to use every day. Enter Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance™ collection: Broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen formulas infused with body care benefits. They feel amazing on skin and smell like summer. 

Before you choose the best one for you, let’s go over the SPF basics (aka what SPF means) and how to use it in your daily routine. 

What Is SPF, and How Does It Work?

What is SPF in sunscreen, anyway? We’re so glad you asked. SPF stands for sun protection factor, which means the amount of protection a sunscreen offers your skin against sunburn-causing UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30, which blocks out 97% of UVB rays. If you’re weighing SPF 30 vs. 50, just know that SPF 50 blocks out 98%. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays from reaching skin, but with the right sunscreen—and proper application—you can get close.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen refers to formulas that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburns, while UVA rays can lead to premature aging. Both types of UV rays can cause skin cancer. 

How to Apply SPF—and When to Use It in Your Routine

Sufficient SPF is just the first step. You need to properly apply your sunscreen for full protection.

• Use the right amount: It takes a nickel-sized amount to properly cover your face and neck, and two ounces—the amount in a shot glass—to cover the rest of your body. For a spray sunscreen, like Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray, mist on until it shines on skin, then rub it in completely.
• Layer your skin care in the right order: Apply sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine––that’s after you’ve applied moisturizer and before you put on makeup. Allow each step to set for 60-90 seconds for optimal absorption. For body sunscreen, apply body cream or lotion first and allow it a few minutes to absorb.
• Reapply every two hours: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly in order to maintain protection. If you’re hanging out outside, then slather on every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating a good amount, reapply anytime you towel off. 
  

Choosing the Right SPF for Daily Use

You may have heard sunscreen described as either chemical or mineral, which refers to the UV filters in the formula. Chemical sunscreen usually applies more transparently. Mineral typically has some degree of white cast and should be rubbed into skin. Some prefer mineral sunscreens for more sensitive skin, especially when it comes to a daily SPF for face.

As for SPF for body, Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil and Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray offer sun protection and skin benefits, plus they feature the beachy scent of Cheirosa 87. In addition to broad-spectrum protection, the SPF 50 Body Oil nourishes with patauá oil, helps protect skin from environmental aggressors, and instantly adds a gorgeous shimmer with golden mica. It’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. 

Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray hydrates and refreshes with coconut water for a cooling sensation. It looks beautiful on all skin tones and has Vitamin C-rich pitanga extract, niacinamide to help visibly brighten, and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. The continuous-spray bottle makes it ultra-easy to apply.

Incorporating SPF Into Your Routine

Try to make sunscreen a go-to part of your morning skin care routine, just like cleansing, moisturizing, and even brushing your teeth. Practice makes perfect, as they say. Find a sunscreen you love using, so the step doesn’t feel like a chore (hint, hint, Rio Radiance™). You can also set an alert on your phone for every two hours so you remember to reapply, especially when you’re spending time outside.

Pro-tip: Keeping a sunscreen in your bag makes reapplication easy. Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Travel Duo comes with a mini SPF 50 Body Spray and SPF 50 Body Oil, so you always have them on hand.

Is SPF Necessary Every Day?

Sunscreen should absolutely be worn daily. Even if you’re not planning to be outside, you could have incidental sun exposure. Cloudy day? Sitting by a sunny window? Yep, you still need sunscreen. When the forecast is sunny, it can take just a few minutes for a sunburn. 

Beyond the burns, the long-term benefits of daily SPF speak for themselves. Wearing sunscreen (especially broad-spectrum) helps protect against premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer, most importantly.

Sunscreen should be a foundational step to your skin and body care routines—not just a supplement on sunny days. If you’re not sure where to start, Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 collection is right here: Shop now to get glowing and stay protected.