Experts Stress Correct Sunscreen Use for Skin and Hair All Year

Pharmacist Lia Oliveira explains that many people apply too little facial sunscreen, reducing protection even with a high SPF. She advises using the “two‑finger rule,” applying enough product to cover the face and often‑missed areas such as the backs of the hands, ears, feet and scalp. The formulation should match skin type: moisturising for dry skin, lightweight, oil‑free for oily or acne‑prone skin, and include ingredients like niacinamide, peptides or antioxidants for mature or pigmented skin. Oliveira also warns that ultraviolet A rays reach indoors and that blue light from screens and environmental pollution can accelerate skin aging, so sunscreen should be used daily, year‑round.

Hair‑care specialist Verónica Barcenilla adds that the scalp and hair fibers suffer similar UV damage, leading to dryness, frizz, loss of shine, and color fading, especially for dyed hair. She recommends a dedicated hair sunscreen that contains UV filters, antioxidants and moisturising agents, applied before sun exposure and reapplied after water contact. Like skin, hair protection is needed throughout the year, not just in summer, because UV radiation persists on cloudy or cold days.

Both experts stress prevention: applying adequate sunscreen to skin and hair protects against premature aging, discoloration and structural damage, and should become a routine part of daily grooming.