The truth about the sun and your skin
When we think about facial care, we tend to focus on treatments, creams, and serums that promise spectacular results. However, there is one step in our routine that alone can make the difference between young, healthy skin and premature aging: sun protection.
Dermatologists are clear: if you had to choose a single product for your skin care, it should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This is because approximately 80% of visible skin aging is caused by cumulative sun exposure, not by the natural passage of time.
In this article, you will discover why sun protection is the real secret to maintaining the results of any facial treatment and how divain Care sunscreens can be perfectly integrated into your daily routine, regardless of your skin type or lifestyle.
The impact of the sun on your skin: beyond sunburns
Premature aging (photoaging)
UV radiation, especially UVA rays (which penetrate deeper into the skin), causes:
- Degradation of collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and sagging
- Appearance of spots and irregular pigmentation
- Dilation of capillaries, resulting in redness and rosacea
- Rough texture and enlarged pores
- Loss of skin volume and density
Cumulative cellular damage
Each exposure without adequate protection adds up to:
- Damage to the DNA of skin cells
- Oxidative stress from free radicals
- Chronic low-grade inflammation
- Alteration of the skin barrier
- Structural dehydration
Neutralization of your facial care investments
Without adequate sun protection:
- The benefits of your retinol serum are significantly reduced
- Depigmenting treatments lose effectiveness
- Hydration is compromised by the damaged skin barrier
- Antioxidants are depleted fighting sun damage
Types of solar radiation and how they affect us
UVB rays: "B" for "Burn"
- More intense in summer and during midday hours
- Cause sunburn and direct DNA damage
- Partially blocked by glass and clouds
- The SPF factor of sunscreens mainly indicates protection against UVB
UVA rays: "A" for "Aging"
- Present with the same intensity all year round, even on cloudy days
- Penetrate more deeply into the skin and through glass
- Main causes of photoaging and spots
- Require specific "broad spectrum" filters
Visible light and blue light
- Emitted by the sun and also by screens and electronic devices
- Contributes to hyperpigmentation, especially in dark skin
- Requires specific protection with antioxidants and ingredients like zinc oxide
divain Care sunscreens: effective protection for everyone
Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+
- Protection: Broad spectrum SPF50+ against UVA and UVB
- Texture: Ultralight, non-greasy, invisible finish
- Additional benefits: Antioxidant Vitamin E, light hydration
- Ideal for: All skin types, especially combination and oily
- Recommended use: Daily, as the last step of your morning routine
Tinted Vitamin E Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ Light Tone
- Protection: Broad spectrum SPF50+ against UVA and UVB
- Texture: Light with a universal light tone
- Additional benefits: Evens out tone, immediate "healthy glow" effect
- Ideal for: Light to medium skin looking for a touch of color
- Recommended use: Daily, as the last step of your routine and the first step of makeup
Tinted Vitamin E Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ Bronze Tone
- Protection: Broad spectrum SPF50+ against UVA and UVB
- Texture: Light with a medium-dark universal tone
- Additional benefits: Evens out tone, provides a bronzed glow
- Ideal for: Medium to dark skin or for a light bronzed effect
- Recommended use: Daily, as the last step of your routine and the first step of makeup
Myths and truths about sun protection
Myth 1: "I don't need sunscreen if I'm not going to the beach or pool"
Truth: UVA radiation passes through clouds and windows and is present all year round with the same intensity. Cumulative damage occurs during everyday exposures: walking down the street, driving, sitting next to a window.
Myth 2: "The SPF in my makeup is enough"
Truth: Most makeup foundations with SPF do not offer sufficient protection because they are applied in small amounts, usually do not have full UVA protection, and are not reapplied during the day.
Myth 3: "If I have dark skin, I don't need as much protection"
Truth: Dark skin also suffers from sun damage, photoaging, spots, and skin cancer. Additionally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in dark skin.
Myth 4: "Sunscreen causes me acne"
Truth: Modern formulas like Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+ are designed not to clog pores. If you have had bad experiences, they were likely due to unsuitable formulations.
Myth 5: "If I'm inside the house, I don't need protection"
Truth: UVA rays pass through glass and blue light from screens also damages the skin. Protection is still necessary if you are in front of devices or near windows.
How to incorporate sun protection into your daily routine
Step 1: Choose the right sunscreen
- Normal to dry skin: Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+ or tinted version
- Combination to oily skin: Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+ (ultra-light texture)
- With makeup: Tinted Vitamin E Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ (in your shade)
- No makeup: Any of the options according to preference
Step 2: Apply the correct amount
Most people apply only 25-50% of the necessary amount.
Recommended amount: 1/4 teaspoon or a 1€ coin for face and neck.
Step 3: Correct order in your routine
- Cleansing
- Specific treatments
- Eye contour
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Makeup (if you use it)
Step 4: Reapply correctly
- Every 2 hours outdoors
- After swimming or sweating
- For reapplication over makeup: SPF mists or powders
Sun protection according to the season
Spring-Summer
- More frequent reapplication
- Complement with hats and sunglasses
Autumn-Winter
- Maintain daily protection
- Tinted versions add radiance
- Don’t neglect cloudy days
Sunscreen + other divain Care products: winning combinations
Protection boosted with antioxidants
Combination: Vitamin C+E Day Cream + Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E enhance sun protection by neutralizing free radicals that sunscreens cannot fully block. This combination provides a complete shield against photoaging.
Spot treatment + protection
Combination: Retinol Night Serum + Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+
Retinol accelerates cell renewal but can also increase photosensitivity. This combination ensures that the night treatment is effective while the skin is fully protected during the day.
Intense hydration + light protection
Combination: Hyalu-C Ampoules + Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+
For dehydrated skin that needs extra hydration without a heavy feeling. Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration while the sunscreen offers light and comfortable protection.
Frequently asked questions about sun protection
Do I need sunscreen if my moisturizer already has SPF?
Yes, for two reasons: first, most moisturizers with SPF do not offer full UVA protection; second, we rarely apply enough moisturizer to reach the indicated protection.
Can I use the same sunscreen for face and body?
Technically yes, but facial formulations like Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+ are specifically designed not to clog pores and to have lighter, more elegant textures, ideal for the face.
Can sunscreen replace my moisturizer?
It depends on your skin type. For oily skin, Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF50+ can provide sufficient hydration. For normal to dry skin, we recommend using moisturizer before sunscreen.
How can I reapply if I am wearing makeup?
Options include: powder sunscreens, SPF mists specifically for reapplication, or light touches with a sponge soaked in liquid sunscreen.
Are divain Care sunscreens suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, they are formulated to minimize the risk of irritation. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin or specific conditions, we recommend doing a patch test on a small area before full application.
The smartest investment for your skin
If we had to summarize this article in one sentence it would be: no matter how much you invest in advanced facial treatments, serums, or luxury creams; without proper and consistent sun protection, you are losing a large part of that investment.
Daily sun protection is the most effective, economical, and scientifically proven gesture to maintain healthy and youthful skin in the long term. It is the foundation on which to build any effective facial care routine.
At divain Care we are proud to offer sunscreens that combine maximum effectiveness with textures that make you want to apply them every day, because we know the best sunscreen is the one you enjoy using.
Need help choosing the perfect sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle? Use our quiz "Discover your ideal routine" on the Divain Care website and receive personalized recommendations.
How do you incorporate sun protection into your daily routine? Share your tips and experiences on social media with the hashtag #Mimomentodivaincare and be part of our personal care community.
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