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Dermatologists Take on Popular Trends Series- Sunscreen Contouring

We are back at it again as we continue our ongoing blog series to determine which social media skincare trends are safe to try and which we should ditch. Sunscreen contouring is the next trend we are getting the inside scoop from our in-house experts here at Alamo Heights Dermatology. Let’s jump right in!

Note: We’ve decided to use a rating scale (1-5) to represent the glow-up potential of the trend. For example: “This trend was rated a 3 out of 5 for glow-up potential.”

What You Need to Know About Sunscreen Contouring

  1. What is sunscreen contouring?

Alamo Team: Sunscreen contouring describes applying sunscreen in a layered fashion to highlight the areas that “get more sun” on your face. Depending on the technique, this might mean using one layer on the entire face and then an additional layer on the areas you want to highlight. Or it could mean applying only a small dab to only areas that project outward from the face.

  1. Would you recommend sunscreen contouring? Why or why not?

Alamo Team: If someone is applying sunscreen to the entire face and then EXTRA sunscreen to certain areas, we would have no issue with that approach. When reading about the technique of only using sunscreen on areas of projection, a little part of our dermatologist souls died. It would be like picking the areas of your face you would least mind having skin cancer or wrinkles and deciding not to use sunscreen there.

  1. Which SPF level and sunscreen brand would you recommend using for this trend?

Alamo Team: As always, our standard recommendation is at least an SPF of 30 broad-spectrum sunscreens. Finding zinc oxide-based options will give you good broad UV coverage. There are excellent options in the Elta MD line, the Sente line, and the Revision product lines for this. A great approach would be to apply a tinted sunscreen option all over and then a Colorscience powder sunscreen in a slightly lighter shade to highlight cheekbones, forehead, nose, and jawline.

Wear sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours

  1. For those wanting to give sunscreen contouring a go, what’s the bottom line they need to know?

Alamo Team: Bottom Line: Sunscreen contouring could be a good option for daily routine if done correctly. Avoid the “Sophie’s choice” approach that picks and chooses certain areas for partial sunscreen application.

  1. What would you rate this skincare trend on the glow-up potential scale?

Alamo Team Rating: 5 out of 5 for a layered approach involving an extra sunscreen layer. 0 of 5 for the “small dab Sophie’s choice” approach.

We appreciate you taking the time to learn from our experts about the latest skincare trends circling social media. Don’t forget to stop by our blog section on our website each month, so you don’t miss the next trend in our series.

Nothing looks better in your 80s

Want to learn more about whether sunscreen contouring or another skincare trend is right for you? Our team here at Alamo Heights Dermatology has the expertise to help guide you. Schedule your consultation today at (210) 255-8447 or request an appointment online.

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