How To Make Your Skin Look Silky Without Any Makeup
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The quest for silky, smooth skin never ends, and some of us go to extraordinary measures to achieve it. Dry skin can look and feel rough, and it can be a pain to deal with. According to the Mayo Clinic, external factors such as low humidity and cold weather can contribute to dry, scaly skin, not to mention the fact that aging makes your skin drier, too. Thankfully, there are ways to beat dry skin to the curb by moisturizing your skin daily and regularly getting rid of dead skin.
"Look for and test out moisturizers that contain a mix of 'moisturizers' to do all the things your skin needs to feel 'moisturized,'" New York City-based and board-certified dermatologist Jennifer MacGregor told Byrdie. Furthermore, David Lortscher, dermatologist and CEO of Curology, told the outlet, "AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) can help promote a more even skin tone and may result in improved skin texture."
Naturally, we love the sun, but too much exposure to it isn't doing your skin any favors. If you already have dry skin, the UVA and UVB rays from the sun can make your skin extra patchy and rough and dry it even more (via Vogue). If you have oily and sensitive skin, over-exposure to the sun could give you more blemishes or rashes, contributing to a rougher texture.
Ultimately, then, we need to turn to sunscreen for silky skin. We know it's important to always wear sunscreen, but how you wear it could make your skin look silkier and smoother without any makeup.
Try the double sunscreen method for silky skin
Sunscreen is an integral part of the best skincare routines irrespective of one's skin tone or the weather. In fact, rain or shine, do not skip this step even if you want a little color. Sunscreen protects you from the sun's UVA and UVB rays that can cause premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and even sagging, per Allure. Moreover, there is a genius way to wear sunscreen to protect your skin without the white cast that can make your skin more even.
In fact, triple board-certified dermatologist Mamina Turegano uses the double sunscreen method. Naturally, this is when she wears two sunscreens, as the name suggests (via MindBodyGreen). She told the outlet, "I first start with a non-tinted sunscreen on my face, neck, ears, and tops of my hands." In Turegano's routine, the first sunscreen must have zinc oxide.
"Sometimes it can leave me looking a little pale, so I will then add a second layer with a tinted sunscreen, which almost serves as a lightweight foundation that hides some of the aforementioned paleness," Turegano continued. Tinted sunscreens also often have iron oxides that can help diminish hyperpigmentation, meaning you'll have silky, smooth, even-looking skin without any white overcast. Hello, flawless skin that's also well-protected, no filter needed.
Best non-tinted sunscreen with zinc oxide
Chemical sunscreen and mineral, also known as physical, sunscreen are the two kinds of sunscreens you need to know about. NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan told Byrdie, "Physical sunblocks, which I prefer and recommend to my patients, reflect the sun's energy away from our skin," adding that chemical sunscreens absorb it. Dermatologists love zinc oxide in mineral sunscreen because they are "more cosmetically elegant" and feel more hydrating than regular physical sunscreens. Byrdie's pick for the best, most affordable option is CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50 because it is budget-friendly, feels light on your skin, and is approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation. However, the outlet notes that it can appear chalky.
Meanwhile, Health loves Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 because it works for all skin types, including acne-prone skin, and it won't leave an ounce of grease on your face. In addition, zinc oxide is also a skin protectant. As a bonus, it is safe for oceans and reefs. Finally, Harper's Bazaar is a fan of EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 because this zinc oxide-based sunscreen is oil-free and wears beautifully under makeup or another layer of a tinted sunscreen. Here, the biggest takeaway may just be that we should all be using zinc in our skincare routines.
Best tinted sunscreen for a silky finish
According to Healthline, a tinted sunscreen has pigments that "reflect visible light in ways that other sunscreens can't," and the tints come in various shades to best match your skin tone. Tinted sunscreens are better at protecting you than moisturizers with sunscreen. Healthline's pick, therefore, is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50 because it is lightweight and perfect for sensitive skin. It has a matte finish and uses titanium dioxide for sun protection.
Meanwhile, MindBodyGreen loves Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, which comes in 14 shades, so it is rather inclusive. According to Tower28, it has white sage that helps with inflammation and free radicals. Finally, Byrdie has chosen Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 as their "best overall" for tinted sunscreens because it comes in a universal color that works on most skin tones and is super easy to blend. It actually makes your skin glow, so how's that for silky skin without makeup? Still, there are many more tinted sunscreens that are dermatologist approved, so have fun and dig into the wonderful world of skin protection.