Psst: can I let you guys in on a little secret? I had no idea about SPF benefits and how important it was until a few years ago.
Since my skin is dark enough, I’ve never had a sunburn in my life. Ever. I would frequently head out without a drop of SPF on because I couldn’t see any surface-level consequences of being out in the sun all day. However, as I grew up and started doing my homework on the best beauty products out there, I quickly learned the error of my ways.
Even if you don’t get sunburns, here are the SPF benefits to understand why it’s super important to protect your skin!
4 ESSENTIAL SPF BENEFITS YOU NEED TO KNOW
SPF Prevents Aging
I used to think having a babyface was a bad thing. I’m almost 30, and I would say that most people I meet guess that I’m maybe in my early 20’s at best — sometimes even younger. I can’t tell you how many times people ask me “what year in school” I am while I’m traveling!
Now that I’m getting a bit older, I’m incredibly thankful for my youthful appearance. And I want to keep this whole babyface thing going for as long as possible. Did you know that SPF can reduce the signs of aging? That’s right — it can also reverse common signs of photoaging, like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Score!
The Right SPF = The Best Summer Moisturizer
Did you know you’re exposed to the sun at pretty much at all times? Yes, if you sit next to a window at work, or are sitting in your car and sunlight is peaking in from your windows — UV rays are hitting your skin. Who would have thought!
That’s why I started wearing SPF every single day. However, instead of layering both a moisturizer and a product with SPF, I opted for a product that combines them both –Olay Whips with SPF 25.
I tried out Olay Whips during the winter, and I loved using it as a makeup primer. However for summer, I decided to switch things up and try out the Whips with SPF 25, and it is a gamechanger. It’s still super lightweight and mattifying, and perfect as a base for makeup. However, it’s unlike any other sunscreen I’ve used in the past. This product has Active Rush Technology, which holds and releases 1000x it’s weight in hydration, and it instantly absorbs into the skin. Pretty cool, huh?
You can pick this game-changing product up at your local Walmart!
SPF Prevents Dark Spots
I might not get sunburns, but I was noticing that my skin would sometimes get dark spots if I went out into the sun with a blemish. There was one time I went to the Dominican Republic and ended up with 47 bug bites. I kid you not. I can’t tell you how many dark spots I got on my legs after that trip — ick!
Bug bites and blemishes are pretty unpredictable, so it’s important to protect yourself and your skin at all times. I like to apply Olay Whips with SPF 25 on my face either on its own or before applying my makeup. It blends in well with my skin (no matter how dark it gets in the summer!) and doesn’t leave any sticky residue. I like to opt for a spray sunscreen for my body and have a friend help me apply it when I know I’m going to be outdoors for a prolonged period!
SPF Prevents Really Bad Things in the Future
You might not notice much of a difference now, but in the long run, SPF is going to be your best friend. If you use SPF daily, it can lower the amount of blotchiness on your face, reduce your skin cancer risks and shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Sure, you might not tan as well while wearing SPF, but in the end, it’s worth it!
What’s your favorite sunscreen? What SPF benefits made you wear some regularly?
Thank you to Olay for partnering with me on today’s SPF benefits post! All thoughts and opinions are my own. Photos by Tom McGovern.
You can purchase Olay Whips with SPF 25 at Walmart!
