Wet Or Dry Skin For Sunscreen

 

We are coming up on summer when you are out boating, swimming, being outside, and just relaxing outside where you are more exposed to the sun.  Although we should wear sunscreen all year round many of us wait until summer to use it.  If you've ever been at the pool, lake, or ocean, you've seen the ones who run out of the water, apply more sunscreen, and head back in.  In addition, have you ever wondered when you should put the sunscreen on in your morning routine?

Since this is such an important topic, I decided to explore it today. We already know that we should apply the sunscreen after applying our moisturizer and before the foundation so your face is properly protected but should your skin be wet or dry when you do it.  Can you get away applying it when you pop out of the water?.  Yes, it does make a difference, especially based on the type of sunscreen.

First of all, remember that there are three types of sunscreens.  One is mineral which provides a physical barrier by containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.  Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays while the other is based on chemical protection  and is designed to absorb the UV rays before they penetrate your skin. In addition, there are now hybrid sunscreens that combine both mineral and chemical protection in a form that is thinner than regular mineral sunscreens. Side note here, mineral sunscreens often reflect the light from camera flashes. Although it is good to know which type you are using, both need to be applied to dry skin, otherwise you will have some specific issues.

If you try to use a mineral sunscreen on damp or wet skin, it won't apply at all because it has nothing to cling to. If you apply the chemical sunscreen to damp or wet skin, it will be diluted and can't attach itself to the outer layer of skin so it won't be as effective at absorbing UV rays.

Know that chemical sunscreens tend to wear off faster than mineral sunscreens but its still important to reapply either one frequently. Unfortunately, when you apply sunscreen to damp or wet skin, it can't protect you and you end up with a sunburn.  Always make sure you wait for your skin to dry before you apply or reapply your sunscreen.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.