We’re big fans of SPF here at Disco. 

Sun protection is vital for protecting the skin from damaging UV rays. Even if you’re not someone who sunburns easily, your skin is still damaged by the minute when exposed to the sun without protection. That invisible damage can have some gnarly long-term effects on your skin. Prevention is always better than reparation, gents. 

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and serves as a rating for how effective a product or sunscreen will be when blocking UV rays. UV radiation will always be able to get through to the skin, no matter what rating SPF or what hat or clothing you’re wearing. (Yes, the UV rays are that strong!) 

Furthermore, it’s important to note the way dermatologists test and rate SPF in sunscreen and sun block products. Testing is carried out using a small area of skin, using a liberal amount of sun block, and applied every 2 hours. This means that the SPF on your sunscreen product is only as effective as your consistency with applying, and how much you apply. Essentially, be diligent with it! 

Skincare and SPF: A True Bromance

UV ray protection is paramount when it comes to skincare. Even if you practice the most in-depth, 15-step skincare regimen every morning and night – if you are not wearing SPF or sun protection, your skin will still become damaged, rendering your skincare useless.

That’s why it’s important to find skincare products that integrate SPF within them so that you can kill two birds with one stone. Moisturizers that incorporate SPF are a favorite around here because they protect the skin from broad-spectrum UV rays while nourishing and providing moisture and hydration to the skin barrier. 

A common misconception is that you need to apply moisturizer and a sun block every day. While this is good practice, it’s not always necessary (however, we always recommend consulting your dermatologist or doctor on what’s best for you!). The best moisturizing products contain SPF already within them, so you don’t have to double-apply or worry about looking like a grease ball. Especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll want to avoid over-moisturizing the skin, as this can lead to clogged pores. In this case, opt for a moisturizing, everyday sun block. However, if you have dry, sensitive, or combination skin, it’s not a bad idea to apply moisturizer and then your sun block to hydrate the skin adequately. 

The Best Ingredients to Pair with SPF

These ingredients are wonderful to pair with SPF as they tag team the consequences of sun damage or sun exposure.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a dermatologist favorite to pair with sun protection ingredients. Vitamin C contains antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. Free radicals can be destructive to the skin and break down collagen and elasticity. Paired with UV ray damage, it’s a total skin nightmare. Vitamin C is an excellent protectant in slowing down oxidative stress on the skin, and can even fade existing sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E also protects against free radical damage, but it does so at a cellular level to reduce the damage contributing to photoaging and sun damage. Furthermore, its nourishing properties soothe sunburns and redness. Together with Vitamin C, Vitamin E makes a powerhouse ingredient within SPF products. 

Resveratrol

Studies have shown that the antioxidant resveratrol can have chemopreventative effects on the skin. Resveratrol protects skin cells from UV damage and acts as an armor for them. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits, soothing irritation and redness caused by sun exposure. Paired with stimulating collagen production and fighting free radicals, Resveratrol is an all-star ingredient to incorporate within an SPF product.

Final Thoughts 

We clearly appreciate the value of SPF products to adequately protect and nourish the skin from UV damage and sun exposure. Our Moisturizing Mineral Sun Block combines powerful mineral sun protection with Zinc Oxide while moisturizing and repairing the skin with powerful ingredients of Tripeptide and Niacinamide.  

For an everyday moisturizer that functions as an SPF 30 sun block, the Disco Mineral Sun Block is an excellent choice that leaves no white cast and a lightweight, non-greasy feeling to the skin.