When it comes to achieving healthy, radiant skin, sunscreen is your number one ally. No matter your skin tone or type, adding sunscreen to your skincare routine is one of the best decisions you can make for your skin’s long-term health.
At Butterfly Tiffs Beauty Boutique, we often see people invest in serums, moisturizers, and masks—yet skip sunscreen. Here’s why that’s a big mistake, and how to fix it.
Why Sunscreen is a Must in Every Skincare Routine
Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days or through windows. Without protection, your other skincare efforts might be in vain.
Adding sunscreen to your skincare routine helps to:
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Prevent fine lines and wrinkles
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Reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer
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Fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation
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Protect against environmental stressors
Types of UV Rays and Why They Matter
There are two main types of UV rays:
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UVA Rays – These cause long-term damage like aging and wrinkles.
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UVB Rays – These lead to sunburn and can directly damage your skin cells’ DNA.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both—something your skincare routine simply can’t do without.
When to Apply Sunscreen in Your Routine
Sunscreen should be the last step of your morning skincare routine, right after moisturizer and before makeup. If you’re using a makeup product with SPF, that’s a great bonus—but it’s not enough on its own.
Step-by-step morning routine:
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Cleanser
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Toner
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Serum
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Moisturizer
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Sunscreen
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Makeup (optional)
Need makeup to complement your skincare routine? Check out our Makeup Collection.
How Much and How Often to Apply
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Use about a nickel-sized amount for your face and neck.
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Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure.
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Reapply every two hours—especially if you’re sweating or outdoors.
Don’t forget your ears, neck, and even the backs of your hands!
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Just like any product in your skincare routine, sunscreen should match your skin’s needs.
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Oily skin – Go for a gel-based or mattifying sunscreen.
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Dry skin – Choose a hydrating sunscreen with added moisturizers.
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Sensitive skin – Look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
You can find gentle skincare essentials to support sunscreen use in our Skincare Collection.
The Role of Sunscreen in Anti-Aging
Did you know that up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure? Even with the best anti-aging products, you won’t see long-term improvements unless you’re consistently wearing SPF.
Protecting your skin with sunscreen helps:
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Boost collagen preservation
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Prevent new age spots
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Maintain even skin tone
Add a great sunscreen and a few weekly treatments from our Skincare Collection to take your anti-aging game to the next level.
Common Myths About Sunscreen
Myth 1: You only need sunscreen in summer
UV rays are present year-round—even on cloudy days.
Myth 2: Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen
All skin tones can suffer from UV damage. While melanin offers some protection, it’s not enough.
Myth 3: Sunscreen causes breakouts
Not true—just choose non-comedogenic formulas made for your skin type.
Myth 4: Makeup with SPF is enough
SPF in makeup is a great bonus, but usually not strong enough on its own.
Boost Your Routine with Full Protection
A complete skincare routine isn’t just about hydration and glow—it’s about defense, too. Pair your sunscreen with nourishing products like serums and masks to lock in benefits and protect them throughout the day.
Need to give your hands and nails some love after applying sunscreen? Check out our Nail Care Collection for that finishing touch.
Want personalized skincare advice? Connect with us on Facebook for product tips and updates.
FAQs
1. Can I skip sunscreen if my moisturizer or foundation has SPF?
No—most makeup or moisturizer SPF is too low and not applied in sufficient amounts. You still need a standalone sunscreen for proper protection.
2. Do I need sunscreen if I’m staying indoors all day?
Yes, especially if you’re near windows. UVA rays can penetrate glass and still damage your skin, so always apply SPF as part of your skincare routine.
3. What’s the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens?
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Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them to heat.
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Physical sunscreens (mineral) reflect UV rays.
Both types are effective; choose one that suits your skin sensitivity.
4. How do I reapply sunscreen over makeup?
Use a setting spray or powder with SPF for easy reapplication without smudging your makeup. There are also SPF sticks made for touch-ups.
5. What SPF number should I use daily?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Higher SPF is great for prolonged sun exposure but consistency is more important than the number.
Final Thought
If there’s one step in your skincare routine you should never skip, it’s sunscreen. It’s the unsung hero that protects everything else you do for your skin. Make it a daily habit, and your future self will thank you.