Skincare Secrets: 5 Tips For Proper Sunscreen Protection

While the fact that sun exposure ages and damages your skin is not a secret, the amount of damage the sun can cause may surprise some. Sun exposure both accelerates and causes age-related changes to the skin. The sun is responsible for anywhere from 50%-70% of the changes we see in the skin. Skin damage caused by the sun includes dryness, wrinkles and fine lines, skin thinning, pigmentation concerns, and even enlarged pores.

The right type of sunscreen will have an SPF in the 30+ range. More importantly, it will be a barrier block, not purely a chemical block, against the sun. Why is this important? Because there are two types of radiation: UVA and UVB. UVB causes sunburn and skin cancer. UVA, on the other hand, causes aging. Think UVA = Aging.

Chemical sunscreens don’t effectively block UVA radiation. So in order to prevent aging caused by the sun, you’ll want to find a sunscreen that works with a barrier block that blocks both UVA and UVB. This type of sunscreen is mineral-based and broad-spectrum with ingredients like zinc and titanium oxide. Look for sunscreens with a percentage of these minerals at 6%-9% and above. 

Many people don’t think of wearing sunscreen when they are indoors. After all, why wear sunscreen when you’re not outside in the sun? But if you’re working near a window, and you’re getting sun exposure through that window, you might as well be outside. UVA and UVB light aren’t blocked by windows–leaving you with a full dose of sun.

Most people don’t realize that 3-4 hours is the most you’ll get from one application of sunscreen. Once that amount of time has passed, you might as well not have any sunscreen on at all. Get into the habit of applying sunscreen several times a day, especially if you’re outside for a good portion of the day, skiing, swimming, or otherwise spending time in the sun. Start your day with your typical morning skincare routine, then apply your sunscreen. Reapply every 3-4 hours. 

The reality is, there is no makeup that has enough SPF. Using makeup with an SPF in it can work as a secondary level of protection, but not as a complete protection on its own. Many sunscreens are tinted and can work as a foundation under makeup. Use a powder-based, not a liquid-based, foundation on top of your sunscreen.

You probably need more than you think. Don’t put on just a little bit of sunscreen. I recommend you treat your entire face and neck, where the changes from age appear the most rapidly. You need enough sunscreen to cover the entire neck, face, lower eyelids, and chest area if you’re exposing your decollete. And don’t forget the backs of your hands!

To find out more about these sunscreen tips, check out our video on YouTube. Learn more about how to help slow the aging process. If you start early, in your 20s and 30s, you’ll be way ahead of the game. 

Possibly the biggest skincare secret of all is the KaramMD Trifecta. The Trifecta is a daily skincare routine of three products, requiring three simple steps:

This all-in-one anti-aging cream increases cell turnover and boosts skin elasticity to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Skin is left firmer, healthier, and deeply hydrated.

This cleanser softens, soothes, and hydrates to help prevent UV damage and boost cell regeneration.

This vitamin C serum minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and brightens the skin. Quench has anti-inflammatory benefits that help neutralize free radicals, preventing collagen breakdown.

Dr. Amir Karam is a world-renowned, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has spent more than two decades learning about the secrets of skincare to help people achieve the beautiful, healthy skin they always wanted. In his work helping patients with their skincare routines, he realized there were too many skincare products out there that required too many steps, and cost far too much. Dr. Karam created the KaramMD skincare line to provide patients with a groundbreaking, highly-effective but simple system designed for all skin types and ages–the KaramMD Trifecta.