I Just Started Writing About Beauty, But This Skincare Mistake Makes Me Cringe

A few months ago, I started moonlighting as a beauty writer. In my 10-year journalism career, I've written about health, interior design, pregnancy and parenting, technology, food… a wide variety of topics, but never beauty, aside from an article or two. So when the opportunity arose to write some beauty stories for Who What Wear, in addition to my normal 9-to-5 as managing editor of THE/THIRTY, I thought why not? I love learning new things, and beauty is a fun subject to cover!

I want to assure you that even though I'm a bit of a novice in the beauty-insider world, I actually did know some things about makeup and skincare before this, so I'm not completely inept. As I write more in-depth stories, I've really enjoyed investigating the heck out of everything (see: sunscreen, cellulite, and exfoliating). And while I don't have my Ph.D. in beauty just yet, there is one skincare "mistake" that makes me cringe: not wearing sunscreen every day.

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(Image credit: @sarahayang)

I always knew sunscreen was so important, but when I did a deeper dive into it and found out just how damaging the UV rays can be—how it could not only increase your risk of getting skin cancer but also cause premature aging and other skin issues—I made it a priority to put on sunscreen every day. I understand it can be an easily forgotten step. I know I've had a lot of "oops" moments. And especially since a lot of us are staying at home, it's even easier to forget! It's still crucial to wear it every day, even when you're inside, because those UV rays can come in through the windows.

But there is one sunscreen trick that is so simple and pretty much right in front of us: Getting a moisturizer with built-in SPF! The two-in-one product takes away an extra step in your morning skincare routine. Board-certified dermatologist Elyse Love, MD, who practices at GlamDerm in New York City, says that the sunscreen should be broad-spectrum and a minimum SPF 30, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. "SPF-containing products should be applied before makeup to the face and neck," she adds.

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(Image credit: @zendaya)

And while you're at it choosing a daily moisturizer with SPF, you can also make sure it has some anti-aging ingredients to ensure your skin is extra protected. "The two most important anti-aging ingredients are retinol and SPF," Love says. "These ingredients are typically not included in the same products because retinol is a nighttime product. Other supportive anti-aging ingredients included in a morning moisturizer include antioxidants, growth factors, and peptides."

Another shopping tip: Be aware of your skin type. Love suggests those prone to acne should limit options to oil-free moisturizers. And for those with mature skin, she says, since the product can be a splurge item, "I recommend medical-grade products because these products have scientific research backing their formulations."

Need some recommendations? Take a look at some of our editors' and Love's picks below:

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(Image credit: @januaryjones)

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(Image credit: @selenagomez)

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(Image credit: @kaiagerber)
Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.