Building a new skincare habit

Sunscreen

Is sunscreen a part of your daily skincare? It hasn’t consistently been for me, and that’s a habit I am determined to change. From the time I first started exploring skincare - sometime in my preteens - I learned and embraced cleansing and moisturizing. Applying sunscreen, however, I did not, and just like any other habit, especially one nurtured from childhood, it can become more difficult to break as time passes, requiring greater intention, discipline, and mindfulness.

Wearing sunscreen is important. We’ve all heard this by now. We’re told to apply sunscreen to our face and exposed skin year-round. I learned this in my early twenties, yet I still struggled to prioritize that extra step after moisturizing my face.

Why?

Stubbornness absolutely played a role, and hearing that “our ancestors never wore sunscreen and were fine” only added fuel to fire.

But there was also the fact that finding the right facial sunscreen was no easy task. I remember one time I made an attempt to introduce a sunscreen to my routine, and I was left looking grey, chalky, blue, and greasy!

I know many people can relate. Thankfully, there are far more options, resources, and information now to help us find our perfect match.

The last time I applied sunscreen to my face regularly was at least three to four years ago. At the time, my skin was suffering terribly from acne and hyperpigmentation. I was in desperate need of treatment so I decided to invest my pennies into monthly facials for the first time. The esthetician, who was awesome by the way, recommended I try the Image Skincare Prevention Moisturizer with SPF 50, as a 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen.

I bought it, loved it, finished it, and that was it.

Recently, after coming across a video or article mentioning sunscreen, I was nudged to explore the market again. So much time had passed that I completely forgot about the Image Skincare moisturizer. I went on a quick amazon search and found Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40. It’s lightweight, little to no fragrance, it doesn’t leave a grey film on my skin and my makeup layers without any issues. The tube is easy to squeeze, sleek, and fits neatly in my vanity organizer. I have no complaints.

Though, once I finish the Joseon sunscreen. I may consider revisiting Image. Writing this entry brought to my attention the 2-in-1 feature of the Image moisturizer which probably made incorporating sunscreen in my routine easier at the time, and I know it can add a convenience and ease to my life today.

I’m currently at a maximum of three consecutive days of remembering to apply, and I’m being guided to put a sticky note reminder on my mirror going forward.

The goal is to habitually reach for sunscreen right after applying my face oil without even thinking about it!

The next challenge I’d like to tackle is how to reapply sunscreen when wearing makeup.